The American Farm Heritage Museum was founded June 26, 2002 by local farmers and agri-buisinessmen who wished to find a way to preserve history and relevance of the American Midwestern Farm and educate the public about the farming way of life.
The idea took root when a local agri-businessman was asked to restore the Oliver Hart-Par #3, one of the first original gas engine tractors produced. As the tractor, owned by the Smithsonian, was restored, the idea germinated into the present organization. After only two years the organization grew to 180 people and had raised more than $120,000 used to begin the purchase of the land and put up the first building. The money raised locally and is testament to the local support given the project. This museum is being planned and constructed with an emphasis on authenticity and being a first class museum. The Smithsonian Institution is aware of and supportive of the growth and development of this attraction. The museum board is in contact with Smithsonian personnel with the intention of housing exhibits on loan from the Smithsonian with the goal that some exhibits will be on permanent loan. At the AFHM, we believe in working together to keep the past alive. By preserving tractors and holding our annual Heritage Days program, we are able to show a younger generation what life was like for us, for our parents, and for our parent’s parents. The educational opportunities for this Museum and attraction are many. There are opportunities, not just in teaching agriculture, but in teaching math and science, ecological sciences, exploring alternative energy, agricultural demonstrations, special event, and the like.
Tractors are at the heart of the American Farm Heritage Museum; tractors of all colors, shapes, and condition are welcomed. Our members have re-built and restored some of the finest tractors ever seen; covering a wide variety of makes and models. Two buildings of about 24,000 square feet have been erected on the property. One houses a permanent farm machinery display which features equipment of all colors, while the other will house a revolving display area and small collections depicting the history of rural America. The biggest event at the AFHM is the annual Heritage Days, where we celebrate the history and culture of farm life. We welcome anyone to bring in their prized tractor of historic farm equipment to put on display for the public eye. It’s a way for us to celebrate the past and talk about our favorite brands, models, and memories. Each year we feature a different manufacturer. At the American Farm Heritage Museum there are many ways in which you can help us continue our mission to make this museum unique and the only one of its kind in the United States. For more than 100 years tractors have been a part of the American farm. We seek to have a continuing and constantly changing display of tractors at the museum spanning all brands and time periods.
Unfortunately even the strongest person will pass away. Often families are left with an overwhelming amount of farm equipment to either sell at auction or keep in the family. Keep these suggestions in mind should you ever be in a similar situation. Estate Auctions - Auctions can generate a lot of money, some families choose to donate all or some of the proceeds to the museum. We will use the money you donate to help with the up keep of the grounds, aid in new additions ot the property, or you can specify how you would like to see it spent. Temporary Display - It is our goal at the museum to own a few tractors as possible. However, we love to display tractors that are temporarily loaned to the museum. If you want to keep tractors in your family we would be more than willing to host your equipment on temporary loan for display to the public. Other - Every year the AFHM hosts several tractor and farm equipment auctions, some tractors go for tens of thousands and their owners elect to put tractors on display at the museum, some donate a portion of the proceeds to the museum, we welcome both of these.
The American Farm Heritage Museum is constantly working on adding new and exciting attractions to the property as well as improving existing facilites. We are always in need of ways to fund them. We have several established ways in which an individual, family, group, or company can help make these projects possible. This includes both fixed revenue streams and donation based giving, all which help to keep the museum operating for generations to come. The AFHM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. All donations are tax deductible. Lifetime Memberships - Lifetime Memberships are available for $2,500 per couple. These contributions go directly towards keeping the museum open, the use of the money can also be specified upon donation. Lifetime membership includes the opportunity to be a part of the decision making process for the future of the museum. Memberships - Memberships to be part of the Museum decision making body cost $15/person and require a significant time commitment. Friends Association - Currently, Friends Association membership costs $25 per family. Friends receive a quarterly newsletter updating them on the museum, its progress, and future events. Donations - Individuals and corporations are encouraged to give donations either on an annual basis, as a memorial, or as part of their estate. Donations will be acknowledged utilizing statements which comply with 501C3 requirements. Adopt-A-Tree - The museum offers individuals, corporations, or groups the opportunity to adopt a tree and have it be planted in their honor or memory of someone. Trees in the courtyard can be adopted for $500 per tree. Trees on the general grounds can be adopted for $250 per tree.
Crop Income - The museum currently generates a small amount of revenue from farmable land located on the property. We also have people who have donated tracks of land to the museum through a charitable gift or through a family members will. Some of this land has been sold and the money generated put into the museums account. Other land is leased to local farmers for planting and after harvest; some of the money is sent back to the museum. Heritage Giver - We’ve mentioned previously that some people choose to include the AFHM in their will. This newest category of donor is reserved for those individuals who choose to leave money, property, tractors, and farm equipment (or andy combination of the above) to the museum. We consider it a great honor that anyone would want to leave a part of their lifes work in our name so we will do the best we can to make sure that you or your loved ones are honored through their gift.
All good men and women must take responsibility to create legacies that will take the next generation to a level we could only imagine. - Jim Rohn
The final way in which you can actively help the American Farm Heritage Museum is through volunteering. We are always in need of skilled labor to help construct buildings, repair machinery, and work on our Heritage Railroad. Currently, the Heritage Railroad is one of the quickest ways in which you can get involved. Anyone is welcome to join our Railroad Division. The meetings for the group are held the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30p.m. at the Railroad Depot on the Museum Grounds. The Railroad Division is made up of an Atlantic class Wagner Steam Engine, believed to be one of only 10 in existence. Additionally, the division also operates a G-16 diesel outline train set that was built in 1956. Both of which have been converted to our 15-inch gauge railroad. Membership in the division is only $15 per year and you can be involved as much or as little as you would like. Lifetime memberships are also available for $1,250 for a single and $2,500 for a lifetime family membership.
If you have been inspired by what you’ve read and wish to become a part of the American Farm Heritage Museum family whether its by purchasing a Lifetime or Annual Membership, by making donation (whether it be monetary, volunteer work, or something else) please don’t hesitate to contact us, we would love to get to know you.
American Farm Heritage Museum: 1395 Museum Ave Greenville, IL 62246 Mailing Address: 1006 Ridge Avenue Greenville, IL 62246 Phone: (618) 664-9733 Fax: (618) 664-3728 Email: amheritagemuseum@yahoo.com Visit Us Online: americanfarmheritagemuseum.org