Visitor Host - Oliver Kelley Farm in Elk River

Minnesota Historical Society

Wednesday - Saturday, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM & 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Step Back in Time: Become a Visitor Host at Oliver Kelley Farm! 🚜🌻

Are you a people person who loves history, nature, or farming? Do you enjoy sharing stories and making people feel welcome? If so, we would love to have you join our volunteer family as a Visitor Host at the historic Oliver Kelley Farm!

As the first friendly face our guests see, you will play a crucial role in bringing the birthplace of the National Grange to life. Whether you are welcoming an excited school group, guiding a family toward the historic farmstead, or sharing a fun fact about 19th-century agriculture, your warmth and enthusiasm will make their visit unforgettable.

What You'll Do:

  • Greet & Welcome: Give a warm, enthusiastic welcome to visitors of all ages as they arrive.

  • Guide & Orient: Help guests navigate the farm, sharing information about daily activities, trail maps, and special event schedules.

  • Share the Story: Provide a brief, engaging overview of Oliver Kelley’s legacy and the farm's transition from historic roots to modern agriculture.

  • Connect with the Community: Chat with visitors, answer basic questions, and ensure everyone has a safe, fun, and educational experience.

Why You’ll Love Volunteering Here:

  • Beautiful Settings: Spend your time surrounded by scenic farm fields, historic buildings, and the peaceful banks of the Mississippi River.

  • Meet Great People: Connect with fellow history buffs, farm enthusiasts, and visitors from all over the world.

  • Perks & Community: Enjoy the rewarding feeling of giving back to the Minnesota Historical Society, gaining unique historical insights, and participating in volunteer appreciation events!

Who We Are Looking For:

  • Enthusiastic, outgoing individuals with great communication skills.

  • Comfortable interacting with diverse groups, including children, families, and seniors.

  • No expert farming or history knowledge required—just a passion for helping others and a willingness to learn! (We provide all the training you need).

 
Who We Are
 The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849, making it older than the state itself! We serve all the people of Minnesota by cultivating curiosity and fostering a more inclusive, empathetic, and informed society. By preserving our shared past, we help Minnesotans connect with their roots and better understand the world today. 
What We Do
MNHS actively preserves Minnesota’s history, shares our state’s diverse stories, and connects people with the past through powerful, hands-on experiences. We manage an extensive research library, preserve millions of artifacts, publish books, support school curricula, and operate 26 historic sites and museums spread across every corner of the state.

Our 26 Historic Sites & Museums Across Minnesota

When you join MNHS, you join a statewide network of storytelling that spans these exact sites and cities:

Site Name | CityAlexander Ramsey House | Saint Paul
Birch Coulee Battlefield | Morton
Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site | Little Falls
Comstock House | Moorhead
Folsom House | Taylors Falls
Forest History Center | Grand Rapids
Fort Ridgely | Fairfax
Gale Family Library | Saint Paul
Harkin Store | New Ulm
Historic Forestville | Preston
Historic Fort Snelling | Saint Paul
James J. Hill House | Saint Paul
Jeffers Petroglyphs | Comfrey
Lac qui Parle Mission | Watson
Lower Sioux Agency | Morton
Marine Mill | Marine on St. Croix
Mill City Museum | Minneapolis
Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post | Onamia
Minnehaha Depot | Minneapolis
Minnesota History Center | Saint Paul
Minnesota State Capitol | Saint Paul
Oliver H. Kelley Farm | Elk River
Sibley Historic Site | Mendota
Snake River Fur Post | Pine City
Split Rock Lighthouse | Two Harbors
Traverse des Sioux | Saint Peter
W.W. Mayo House | Le Sueur

Highlights/Requirements
  • How Volunteers Make a Difference: Historic Engagement: Help tell the story of 19th-century farming, gardening, and domestic life. Modern Agriculture: Work with guests in our Farm Lab gardens to explore where our food comes from today. Special Events & Education: Support major community events, sheep-shearing demonstrations, or school field trips. Behind-the-Scenes Support: Assist with trail maintenance, livestock care, or agricultural projects.
You Can Help!
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An email address or phone number is required. Your information is used only to contact you regarding volunteer opportunities from organizations you express interest in and also from the United Way.

Thank you for your interest! We will reach out when there are specific openings available.