At Button Farm we strive to recreate the plantation-era landscape by replicating aspects of an 1850s farm. Take this virtual tour and then come out and experience it for yourself.
Museum Garden
The Museum Garden reflects the agricultural traditions of Montgomery County during the period of enslavement. It serves as the heart of our heirloom seed preservation program and is also the location for gardening demonstrations.
Historic Barn
The Barn is of post-and-beam construction and dates to around the late 19th century. It had been used as a dairy barn during the 20th century, and features both hand and machine-milled lumber, with some salvaged logs that possibly date to the Revolutionary War era.
The Plantation Quarter
A reconstructed log cabin will serve as the focal point of our 1850s Farm. Depicting the private lives of enslaved people, inside of their own communities, the Quarter experience will reveal African American practices and traditions in the years before freedom came.
Outhouse
Outhouses were the place where 19th-century people went to do their “business.” In rural areas, these old-timey toilets survived well into the 20th century. They usually featured a wooden seat constructed over a pit in the ground before indoor plumbing became the norm.
Cemetery
A likely burial ground for enslaved people, the cemetery features field stone “headers” and “footers” to marking the spots for those interred. Button Farm is working to document those buried there and preserve this important cultural resource.
Button Farm House
This 1880s American “Foursquare” farmhouse features 10 rooms including the attic and basement. The building hosts an office, library and gift shop and serves as residential quarters for farm staff as well as a bed & breakfast.
Cotton-Patch Geese
Cotton Patch Geese are a heritage breed used widely during the plantation period to weed cotton and cornfields. Their popularity dwindled with industrialization and modern farming techniques. The breed is now on the endangered list, and part of our breeding program.
American Guinea Hogs
The American Guinea Hog is an endangered heritage breed. Also called the Yard Hog or Acorn Hog, this relatively small, black breed of hog is thought to have been bred from hogs brought over in the late 18th century from West Africa.
Underground Railroad Memorial
The Underground Railroad Memorial was sculpted by artist Sarah Stout. It depicts a compass made of local stone, marking a path to the north, and pointing to the North Star, the celestial beacon for self-liberators.
The Meadow
The Meadow is a special open area primarily populated by native plants and serves as a habitat to a plethora of animals, insects and birds. Our meadow also helps control soil erosion and runoff from the farm.
Heritage Breed Chickens are essential to the daily life of Button Farm, providing eggs and controlling insects that can damage our garden crops. Our Rhode Island Reds and Buff Orpingtons are two of the many breeds one would have found on 19th century Montgomery County farms.
The Pavilion is the gathering place for programs and tours on the farm and features exhibits, artifacts and tools. For our annual events you will discover artisans demonstrating their trades and crafter selling their wares. The plantation bell rings as each program begins.