The Farm House Museum was closed July 1, 2014 to begin renovations and updates on the building. University Museums is hosting an open house for visitors to get the opportunity to come view the new changes Jan. 15.

The Farm House Museum was the first building on Iowa State’s campus, which was originally built in 1860 and inhabited by a farming family.

The open house will be from noon until 6 p.m.

Since it became a museum almost 40 years ago, there has only been one update, which began the 2014 fall semester. The last time renovations took place on the Farm House was when the house first became a museum in 1976.

The renovations included window repair and replacement, wallpaper replacement, replacement of the front step and some exterior repainting.

According to University Museums Interpretation Specialist David Faux, the companies that were hired for the renovations did quality work.

“They were great companies to work with that took a lot of pride in their work and in playing a role in the restoration of the Farm House Museum,” Faux said.

The ISU chapter of Associated General Contractors took on the project of replacing the front step last semester. University Museums was also quite pleased that the Associated General Contractors Chapter accepted the Farm House project as one of its community outreach projects last semester.

The main goal of the renovations was to restore the house as closely to its original look as possible.

The department has arranged for refreshments to be offered to the public throughout the day, as well as a scheduled pianist to play during the open house. A short program will begin at 5:30 p.m. to show the University Museums’ thanks to donors involved with the project.

Lastly, remarks by Vice President of Business and Finance Warren Madden, and Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Wendy Wintersteen, will cap off the day’s celebration.

A free shuttle will travel from the north parking lot of the Scheman Building to the Farm House beginning at 3:30 p.m. and will run until 6:30 p.m.