Celebrate the patent of Joseph Glidden’s “The Winner” barbed wire on its 150th anniversary with a Patent Party Open House at the Glidden Homestead.

The J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center, 921 W. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, will host an open house on Sunday, November 24 from 12-4 pm to celebrate the sesquicentennial anniversary of Glidden receiving his patent for his barbed wire, which fenced the West and put DeKalb on the map. Glidden received his patent on November 24, 1874.

The Patent Party is free and open to the public. Donations to support continued preservation of the Homestead are appreciated. Tours of the 1861 home will be given at 12:30 and 2:30 pm, blacksmithing demonstrations will be available throughout the day, and the museum gift shop will be open with a variety of barbed wire-related items, with all sales supporting museum operations. There will be light refreshments and door prizes.

The Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center is a not-for-profit organization working to preserve the home and barn while providing educational opportunities to the public. The house and Welcome Center are open from noon to 4 p.m. each Sunday. For more information email jessi@gliddenhomestead.org or call 815-756-7904.