Hill Farm Historical Society's Mission Statement
The Hill Farm Historical Society's mission is to share the rich and unique history of James J. Hill's North Oaks Farm through preservation of the Hill Farm National Historic Site, and, to tell the story of the role the farm played in the development of agriculture and Hill's Great Northern Railroad from Minnesota to the Pacific Northwest.
The Hill Farm Historical Society's mission is to share the rich and unique history of James J. Hill's North Oaks Farm through preservation of the Hill Farm National Historic Site, and, to tell the story of the role the farm played in the development of agriculture and Hill's Great Northern Railroad from Minnesota to the Pacific Northwest.
Upcoming Events
Farm Fest 2022 will be on Sunday, September 11 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the James J. Hill farm.
Farm Fest truly offers something for everyone, including all of these perennial favorite activities:
· The famous Farm Fest silent auction
· Live blacksmith demonstrations
· Live music and entertainment
· Petting zoo
· Pony rides
· Games for all ages
· Family favorite "cow" milking and butter-making
· Freshly grilled food
· Local craft beer and wine
· Farmers’ market, featuring local produce and products
· Building tours and exhibits
· And much more!
Would you like to be a part of celebrating the history of North Oaks? The Hill Farm Historical Society needs your help. Farm Fest cannot happen without volunteers. Help is needed in many areas, including set up, children’s games, food tent and greeters. Grab a family member and/or friend and volunteer for an hour (or two), then spend the rest of the day connecting with neighbors on the beautiful Hill Farm grounds. This is a perfect opportunity for students to fulfill community service hours. To volunteer, please send an email to denise.k.fleming@comcast.net.
Farm Fest truly offers something for everyone, including all of these perennial favorite activities:
· The famous Farm Fest silent auction
· Live blacksmith demonstrations
· Live music and entertainment
· Petting zoo
· Pony rides
· Games for all ages
· Family favorite "cow" milking and butter-making
· Freshly grilled food
· Local craft beer and wine
· Farmers’ market, featuring local produce and products
· Building tours and exhibits
· And much more!
Would you like to be a part of celebrating the history of North Oaks? The Hill Farm Historical Society needs your help. Farm Fest cannot happen without volunteers. Help is needed in many areas, including set up, children’s games, food tent and greeters. Grab a family member and/or friend and volunteer for an hour (or two), then spend the rest of the day connecting with neighbors on the beautiful Hill Farm grounds. This is a perfect opportunity for students to fulfill community service hours. To volunteer, please send an email to denise.k.fleming@comcast.net.
Three Bold Ventures
The reprinted 250 page book with over 200 photos and maps is hard bound with a soft cover with the same design as the original jacket. Orders are being taken for author signed books with delivery scheduled in May. Reserve a copy by sending a check for $59 (HFHS members) or $79 (non HFHS-members) made out to the Hill Farm Historical Society,
100 Village Center Drive, Suite 240, North Oaks, MN 55127
100 Village Center Drive, Suite 240, North Oaks, MN 55127
In 1883, railroad industrialist James J. Hill purchases 3,300 acres encompassing what is today the community of North Oaks. Hill used his North Oaks Farm to produce advances in cattle raising and other agricultural practices to complement his burgeoning Great Northern Railroad.
Today, the Hill Farm Historical Society preserves Hill's legacy of innovation on over five acres that includes the dairy, blacksmith shop, and the signature "red barn," which served as the granary. These buildings are on the Register of Historic Places. Guided tours are available by appointment. Self-guided tour brochures can be printed by clicking below on "North Oaks Farm Self Guided Tour.pdf. Printed brochures may at times be available on the door of the dairy building.
The Hill Farm Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operated by a volunteer working Board of Directors. We rely on volunteers to carry out our programs throughout the year. We welcome your involvement, contributions, and suggestions!
Today, the Hill Farm Historical Society preserves Hill's legacy of innovation on over five acres that includes the dairy, blacksmith shop, and the signature "red barn," which served as the granary. These buildings are on the Register of Historic Places. Guided tours are available by appointment. Self-guided tour brochures can be printed by clicking below on "North Oaks Farm Self Guided Tour.pdf. Printed brochures may at times be available on the door of the dairy building.
The Hill Farm Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operated by a volunteer working Board of Directors. We rely on volunteers to carry out our programs throughout the year. We welcome your involvement, contributions, and suggestions!
If you would like to read more about the history of James J. Hill's North Oaks Farm please click here
| North Oaks Farm Self Guided Tour.pdf |
Article from Press Publications, written by Paul Dickson, updated January 28th, 2021- please click here
The historic North Oaks farmstead of James J. Hill.
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Your Historical Society at Work
Vintage Farm Equipment Being Restored
Hill Farm Historical Society board member Paul Dickson is overseeing restoration of equipment used on North Oaks Farm. Paul is drawing on his farming roots to restore the equipment to operating condition. Paul Dickson (left) and Paul Storch (right), a restoration expert, are readying a feed mill for restoration.
Watch videos of farm equipment that would have been used on Hill Farm!
Hill Farm Historical Society 2021 Board of Directors
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Joan Brainard - Interpretive Plan
Laura Colosi - Website Peter Dahlberg - Grounds Paul Dickson Bill Ecklund - Risk Management Denise Fleming, Interim President - Community Affairs Fidias Fors John Grant - Treasurer Dorothy Hoem Barb Kirkpatrick Ken Klein Walter Krebsbach |
Sara Maud Lydiatt-Varnier
Chuck May Jayne May Eileen McCormack, Vice President - History Tami McNeil, Vice President - Membership, Annual Dinner Ryan Nintzel - Secretary Mary Nussbaum - Ice Cream Social Judy Ohannesian - Auction Julie Oliver Jake Popp Len Rice Martha Rice Mike Vinyon |