DeKALB – Training in guided tours is being offered at the historic Ellwood estate.

Volunteers will learn the history of barb wire entrepreneur Isaac Ellwood’s Victorian home and how to share this knowledge with the public. Content will focus on the Ellwood family and history of barbed wire as well as the history of the house itself.

In-person training will be on Feb. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the museum’s visitor center, 420 Linden Pl., DeKalb, IL. On Feb. 17 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. a virtual session will occur for those unable to attend in person training. After training, volunteers will be able visit Ellwood in-person to practice giving tours and ask any additional questions.

Those interested in training should register with Audrey King, Curator of Education and Interpretation, either emailing [email protected] or calling (815) 756-4609. Volunteer training is open to both those new and returning. 

The Ellwood estate will reopen for tours on Mar. 1.