With restoration complete, Peterson farmhouse ready for tours

The next phase in the evolution of the historic Andrew Peterson Farmstead is nearly complete with restoration of the 1880s farmhouse that Swedish emigrant Peterson built just east of Waconia and raised a family.

Exterior painting was completed recently and just a few punch list items remain indoors, which means the farmhouse is ready for tours. In fact, more than 90 visitors already have toured the building informally during restoration, according to Wendy Petersen Biorn, Carver County Historical Society executive director.

That effort started with a major effort to secure funding, which included matching grant from the Jeffris Family Foundation, to achieve the vision posed by the Carver County Historical Society (CCHS) when in acquired the property several years ago.

Collectively, the site presents a vivid picture of what early farm life was like in this region. Historians view it as important to preserve and share as more farmland is lost and more homes sprout up around the county.

Construction started in earnest last year to restore the farmhouse back to what it was like when Peterson lived there. That included deconstruction of modern-day additions, removal of wallpaper and paint layers, and an analysis of paint chips to closely match the original colors.

The diary left by Andrew Peterson, which he kept for 48 years from 1850-1898 until two days before his death, included accounts of how the house was built and proved to be a useful blueprint to go along with plans and specifications from the architect, said Petersen, no relation to Andrew Peterson, different spelling.

Ironically, while the farmhouse rehabilitation is as historically accurate as possible, and in fact preserves some of the original hand-hewn lathing and plaster finish, it also comes with the most modern features: efficient HVAC system, security cameras and monitors, radon removal system and wi-fi.

Petersen has said often that the historical society wants the farm to be an active space, not a passive museum piece. So, the upstairs will be an office offering the CCHS an additional presence onsite, while the main floor space with kitchen will likely be used to host tours, classes, workshops and small gatherings. Meanwhile, the remaining barns to be restored could accommodate larger gatherings and events.

The farmstead is open for tours now on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reservations for tours and events can be made by calling 952-442-4234, ask for Jayna.