The J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center has announced the 2026 schedule for its Soup-er Sundays winter lecture series. Held on the second and fourth Sundays of each month from January through March, the series features engaging programs on local history, preservation, and more.

All programs begin at 12:00 p.m. and include complimentary soup and guided tours of the historic Homestead. Admission is $5 and free for Homestead members. To become a member, visit GliddenHomestead.org

Schedule of programs:

Sunday, January 11
“Restoring Heritage: The Glidden Barn Revival”
Presented by Roger Keys, Historic Preservationist

Sunday, January 25
“Birds, Beasts, Bugs, and Little Fishes: DeKalb Wildlife on Former Glidden Land”
Presented by Michael Day, Local Photographer

Sunday, February 8
“Preserving Cook Mansion: A Journey to the National Register”
Presented by Rob & Linda Srygler, Homeowners

Sunday, February 22
“Growing Pawpaws, Growing Community”
Presented by Austin Cliffe, Pawpaw Expert

Sunday, March 8
“‘Absorbing Ambition’: Clinton Rosette, the DeKalb Press, and the Campaign to Bring NIU to DeKalb”
Presented by John Paris, Associate Professor of History, College of DuPage

Sunday, March 22
“Cultivating Community: The Roots of Sweet Life Garden Group”
Presented by Lori Brown, Founder, Sweet Life Garden Group

A Winter Tradition Rooted in History

The Glidden Homestead is open every Sunday from 12–4 p.m., with Soup-er Sunday programs providing visitors a warm, community-focused experience during the winter months. After each presentation, guests are invited to tour the historic site where Joseph F. Glidden developed “The Winner”—the most widely used type of barbed wire that transformed the American West and agricultural practices around the world.

Supporting Preservation and Education

Soup-er Sundays support the mission of the J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving the Glidden home and barn—both listed on the National Register of Historic Places—and offering educational programs that connect the public with DeKalb’s rich heritage.

For more information, call 815-756-7904, visit www.gliddenhomestead.org, or email jessi@gliddenhomestead.org.