The Glidden Homestead and Historical Center has started renovating the home of Joseph Glidden, which is more than 140 years old. It should be open to the public by spring.

“We wanted to bring it to use for the people in DeKalb,” said Jim Morel, incoming president of the homestead foundation.

When finished, the house, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, will be used as a historical center, and will hold an art gallery and office for the foundation.

Joseph Glidden’s original office will be used as the office for the foundation. The office still contains the desk he used.

The formal parlor room, also known as the front room or living room, will be used as an exhibition gallery for local artists.

“We hope to have a different exhibition here every month, “ Morel said.

The informal parlor room, located on the first floor near the formal parlor room and office, also will be used for as exhibition space.

Joseph first built the house and barn in 1861. In that house he invented the barbed wire DeKalb is known for.

The homestead foundation first started about 15 to 20 years ago, said outgoing president Linda Schwarz.

The house was donated to the organization sometime around 1997, Morel said.

The last Gliddens who lived there moved out about 1996 or 1997, Schwarz said.

“The organization was established to preserve and restore it,” Schwarz said. “It’s a place for people to appreciate the city of DeKalb.”

The foundation received several grants to help renovate the house and barn, incoming vice president Kathy Siebrasse said.

The grants came from sources such as the DeKalb County Community Foundation, Illinois Historical Preservation Agency and the late State Rep. David Wirsing.

They also got a private grant, which they had to match dollar for dollar.

It still is not enough to completely restore the house, Morel said.

“It becomes amazingly expensive,” he said.

When the museum opens in April or May, the public will be allowed on the first two floors only. The top floor, where the five bedrooms are, will remain closed.

“We have been making great strides,” Schwarz said.