Who are we and why do we exist?
* Formed in the spring of 2003 in response to the threatened closure of the Oliver H Kelley Farm (the Farm), the Friends of the Kelley Farm (Friends) claimed as its mission “to preserve and support the operation” of the Farm.
* We have taken on the daunting task of raising money to close the gap between operational costs and money available from the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) to keep the farm open. And we have succeeded for now.
* But, we don’t just want the site to stay open, we want it to thrive and to continue providing the living history which connects us with our past. The lessons which the school children learn on their field trips simply cannot be experienced in the classroom. The memory of where we came from will disappear under developments and highways if we don’t invest in its preservation.
* We are an independent organization. Our relationship with the MHS is one of support and encouragement of their operation of the Farm. Decisions and actions of the Friends organization are not necessarily related to the decisions and actions of the MHS. We will coordinate as much as possible so as to complement–not compete with–the activities of the MHS.
What can I do?
* Attend a meeting of the Kelley Farm Board. We meet at 7:00pm on the First Thursday of every month at the Farm’s Interpretive Center conference room. Our meetings are open — you are always welcome to attend!
* Join us! Become a “Friend of the Kelley Farm” and add your name to the list of concerned citizens. The cost is minimal and the sheep will thank you!
* Volunteer! There are many ways that you can assist the Farm. The Friends hold fundraisers that need volunteers. The Farm can always find a way for you to help out for an hour or a day.
* Visit the Farm. We all know that it’s there. How many have just never taken the time to see it? If it’s been a while, you need to come back and see what’s new (or, what’s old?). Oh, and while you’re there, be sure to browse the gift shop. There are a lot of new items that are sure hits with kids and parents alike!
Click for a map to the Farm:
15788 Kelly Farm Rd, Elk River, MN 55330
* Tell your friends. You probably know someone who’s new to the area and might not be aware of what the Farm has to offer. Tell them! If you can’t remember, visit the farm and renew your appreciation!
* Be aware of legislation that allocates your tax dollars and let your views be known to your representatives. (That’s ALWAYS good advice, no matter the topic!) Ask them about how they support the Kelley Farm! Let them know that the Farm and what it represents matter to you!
* Donate! There’s hope that a reviving economy will help reverse the budget cuts that have been suffered by most organizations (and families). But before that’s likely to happen we have a long (and weedy) row to hoe! Join us by sharing what you can with the Kelley Farm.
SEEKING: Friends’ Board members
Please consider joining the board of the Friends of the Kelley Farm! This premier 501(c)(3) organization is at the cutting edge of companion organizations in the State of Minnesota. Our enthusiasm for supporting the Kelley Farm has made a difference.
Please consider picking up a hoe and joining in. Farm work is never really finished – chores are always there again tomorrow — but it is always easier when there are many hands. OK. We don’t literally have to muck out the barn or pull the weeds at our meetings. But… several dedicated Farm supporters who have been working hard since the very beginning would like to have an opportunity to take a well-deserved break! So we are hoping that others who also cherish what the Farm means to our communities — especially the children of our communities – will join us in carrying forward our mission and activities.
We are still needing to raise funds, raise awareness, and raise interest in visiting and learning from the Kelley Farm. We have some exciting goals and opportunities ahead. If you think this might be for you, please come to a meeting of the Friends – every 1st Wednesday at 7pm at the Interpretive Center of the Kelley Farm.
