Admission is $5 for adults; children younger than 14 and Homestead members are admitted free.

The barn, located at 921 W. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, is perhaps the most historically significant in the country, according to historic preservationist Roger Keys, because it is where Glidden invented and manufactured the first practical barbed wire. Keys, who has done much work on the Homestead’s house and barn, will give tours every half hour starting at noon. The brick barn was built circa 1870. Glidden’s first barbed wire manufacturing office was located in the southeast corner of the barn. The architecture and ongoing restoration plans will be discussed and shared.

Local collector John Rowe will display his barbed wire tool trailer, featuring tools that reflect the history of barbed wire collecting, as well as other hands-on demonstrations throughout the day.

The Phineas Vaughan Blacksmith Shop at the Glidden Homestead will be open and operating that day. Volunteer blacksmiths will provide a glimpse into living-history as they provide demonstrations of the craft. The historic Glidden home will also be open for docent-led tours starting at 12:30 and 2:30 pm. There will be a craft available for children.

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. every Sunday. For more information, call 815-756-7904, visit GliddenHomestead.org or visit J.F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center on Facebook.