From 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 7, the Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center welcomes the public to picnic on the historic grounds.

Pack a blanket and food, and bring your family and friends to the Homestead, located at 921 W. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb. Enjoy an evening of outdoor fun and relaxation at the site of the invention of “The Winner” barbed wire. Outdoor games will be provided.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations to support continued preservation of the Homestead are appreciated. For more information visit www.gliddenhomestead.org, email jessi@gliddenhomestead.org or call 815-756-7904.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Glidden’s “The Winner” patent, the most widely-used barbed wire in the world, which also earned Glidden the title “The Father of Barbed Wire.” In September the Homestead will celebrate by hosting a barbed wire exposition show in coordination with the Antique Barbed Wire Society, and other community-wide events.