Focus on the Farm – Dec 2024/Jan 2025

“’TIS THE SEASON” at the Southern Oregon Historical Society’s Hanley Farm and we’re inviting you to join us in celebrating!

WREATH-MAKING WORKSHOP—Once you’ve finished your post-Thanksgiving “Black Friday” shopping, head over to Hanley Farm on Saturday, November 30. From 11am to 3pm, we will be offering our annual wreath-making workshop—an opportunity to relax, forget the hustle and bustle, tap your creativity, and go home with your own special holiday decoration.

Wreath kits come with either grapevine or fruitwood bases from Hanley Farm vines plus evergreens, berries, and special trimmings, like dried hydrangeas and pinecones from the farm and the yards of volunteers. Wires, clippers, and ribbon will be available along with help with your artistry from long time wreath makers and volunteers. Bring your own special ribbon, trimming, and ornaments if you like. Wreath kits are $20; $15 if you’re a SOHS member. Reservations are not required.

WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND—Then for three nights on December 12, 13, and 14, the farm becomes a magical place when over 15,000 lights illuminate this historic landmark. Between 5pm and 9pm each night you can immerse yourself in lights while strolling through a Winter Wonderland! Experience it with family, friends, on a date, or as a group outing. Generously sponsored by the SOHS Board of Trustees, this event is FREE! It’s SOHS’s holiday gift to the community!

HOLIDAYS AT HANLEY FARMHOUSE TOURS— Wrap up the Christmas season on Thursday, December 26, when the 1857 Hanley Farmhouse will be decked out for the holidays with rooms depicting the holiday trends of the 1860’s, 1880’s, 1920’s, 1940’s, and 1960’s. Visitors can expect to see over 150 years of Christmas decor, toys, and fashions from the Hanley Collection.

Costumed docents will guide you through the decades, sharing Hanley holiday traditions along with the rich history of the Hanley family and farm. Tours begin every 20 minutes with the first tour at 10am and the last at 3pm. Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for children 12 and under. Tour size is limited! For tickets and information, visit https://sohs.org/event/holidays-at-hanley-house-tours/.

Established in 1857, this 37-acre Century Farm, located at 1053 Hanley Road in Central Point, just two miles north of Jacksonville, is owned and operated by the Southern Oregon Historical Society. Originally settled as a land grant, three generations of Hanleys owned and occupied this property until 1982 when Mary Hanley, a founder of the Society, donated it to SOHS. It is a working farm, a museum, and the largest in SOHS’s 1,000,000+ artifact collection. In addition to being the site of SOHS events throughout the year, its picturesque setting, 19th Century farmhouse, barns, water tower, and other historic outbuildings are the perfect backdrop for special events and are available for private function rentals.