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According to the 1912 Freeman College catalog, a “friend of the college” began a “Museum of Geology and Minerology” at the school in the winter of 1911-12. Described as “a helpful collection of specimens,” this small assortment was the genesis of the extensive and varied collection that is found here today.

In 1926, a new school building alleviated crowded conditions and allowed growth for this young “museum” of rocks and minerals. Benjamin P Waltner, instructor of agriculture and science, invited additional donations of interesting rocks and fossils for students to study. Community members responded, bringing in more rocks and fossils, as well as Native American artifacts and various items used by pioneers who had settled the area just a generation earlier.

Over the decades that followed, the collection moved to various places on campus as it continued to grow. In the late 1950s, we find the first notes of accessions and list of artifacts on display: 2 plows, 2 copper kettles, 4 wooden rakes, 1 cabbage cutter, 4 mud bricks, 2 oxen yokes, 1 buffalo head, 1 street lamp, 1 hand grenade, 1 doctor's chair, 1 surrey... and the list goes on.

In 1975, this unintentional museum was finally given a home of its own just south of the Freeman Junior College & Academy campus. A 1998 addition almost doubled the floor space available. Here also, the growing archives collection was given its first formal home.

Over time, several historic buildings were added to the museum complex. The Diamond Valley Country School served students from 1896-1969. The Johannesthal Reformed Church held services from 1902-1967. The Bethel Mennonite Church was in use from 1920-1992. The Ludwig and Susanna Deckert pioneer home was built in the early 1880s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each historic building has a unique story that adds dimension and depth to understanding the early years of the greater Freeman community.

Today, Heritage Hall Museum & Archives operates as an independent not-for-profit educational organization, relying heavily on volunteers and funded solely by admission fees, memberships and the generous donations of supporters. This unintentional museum now boasts one of the region's largest and most diverse collections, with items that represent the heritage and history of the greater Freeman community but are familiar to many who grew up in the Great Plains region.

We would love to have you come visit us!  Most folks spend an hour and a half to two hours here, and there is always more to see. We look forward to seeing you soon!