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.
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 |