The Glidden Homestead and Historical Center will celebrate its 150th anniversary at its annual holiday open house from 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The Glidden Homestead and Historical Center, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, will celebrate the historical home of Joseph Glidden, inventor of barbed wire. In 1861, the homestead was built. Although he made millions from his invention, Glidden went through several tragedies in his family while living there, such as the deaths of his sons and his first wife. Glidden eventually remarried and had a daughter, Jessie, who became the last Glidden to live in the Homestead, said Kathy Siebrasse, Public Relations coordinator and previous board president.

“She moved out in 1998 and died in 2004,” Siebrasse said. “She was instrumental in establishing the non-profit organization to preserve the homestead, the barn and the rest of the property.”

Now, visitors get to take tours of the home and look at several antique dolls, which the Homestead usually has each year.

“In the past, we had a variety of dolls built for boys and girls, baby carriages, toy soldiers, old gum ball machines and old time games,” Siebrasse said.

This year, the historical center will have ornament making for both children and adults.

“We will have several types for people to make and take them home,” said Executive Director Marcia Wilson.

The historical center will also feature Harold Russie, who has been a church organist for 50 years. Russie has played at the St. Mary Church in both DeKalb, 321 Pine St., and Sycamore, 244 Waterman St.

“I heard him play many times,” Wilson said. “He’s very involved in the community as a musician. He’s played for many stage productions over the years. He’s just well known in the community and will be perfect for some parlor music.”

Siebrasse said his performance will add to the ambiance of the day.

“We like to feature local musicians and entertainment,” Siebrasse said. “It’s due in large part to the Mary E. Stevens Concert and Lecture Fund. Their support makes it possible to feature local musicians and entertainment in the house as much as we can.”

Wilson said the event will feature specials collections this year,

“This year it’ll be Campbell’s Soup collectables,” Wilson said. “Last year we had antique toys and dolls, which we’ve done for a number of years. So this year it’ll be a little different.”

The center will also have a Christmas decor garage sale, Wilson said.

“It’s from a large donation of a number of holiday decorations: lots of Christmas decor and some decor for other holidays,” Wilson said. “People can pick up wrapping paper and some extra holiday decorations.”

Not only did the grant help the Homestead in putting this event together, but so did several volunteers.

“Volunteers make it possible to do much of the work,” Siebrasse said. “We’re going to have a program at 3 p.m to thank volunteers for their efforts. We only have one part-time paid staff member. Everyone else is a volunteer.”

Members, volunteers, and children under 14 get in free, while the fee is $4 for ages 14 and older.