.png)
Events & Rentals
The Historic Poor Farm seeks to connect the community to the land, its history, and to one another. These three intentions converge when we open up the farm as a gathering place for our community. Check out upcoming public events at the farm and learn more about renting space for your own event.
Events Calendar
The best way to stay up to date with on-farm happenings is through our community events calendar. Click the button below to check out what's going on!
Rent an Event Space
There are multiple rentable spaces at the farm that may be rented by individuals, organizations, and institutions. These spaces currently include the Cultivation Station Classroom, the Healing Trail Amphitheater, and the Central Lawn. Figure out which space is best-suited to your event by reading about each one below.
Our Spaces
Central Lawn
Capacity: Over 100
Ideal for: outdoor gatherings and celebrations
The Central Lawn is an outdoor event space located between the site’s Historic Asylum and Historic Dairy Barn and Corn Cribs. Rental of this space includes use of the patio to the east of the Historic Asylum and the picnic tables provided. Additional tables and chairs can be provided upon request. It is the renter's responsibility to set up and take down tables and chairs as needed. There is not ready access to outlets or electricity at this location.
Cultivation Station
Classroom
Capacity: 38 with the garage door down, and more if the door is open.
Ideal for: meetings, trainings, and educational farmer and gardener workshops
The Cultivation Station is a newly-constructed building at the Historic Poor Farm, completed in 2022. The west side of the building is a classroom that can accommodate around 30 guests. The classroom includes a kitchenette with a small sink. Renters will have access to AV equipment to assist with presentations, including a TV for use as a screen for presentations. Renters must bring their own laptop to connect to the screen. Tables and chairs are provided upon request. It is the renter's responsibility to set up and take down tables and chairs as needed. This is a heated space, but it does not include air conditioning.
Healing Trail
Amphitheater and Lawn
Capacity: Over 100
Ideal for: performances, presentations, or outdoor gatherings
The Healing Trail Amphitheater is a new addition to Historic Poor Farm and is intended to bring joy and healing to the site at the suggestion of the farm's Disability Advisory Committee. Completed in Fall 2023, the Amphitheater consists of a grassy, sloped lawn for guests to enjoy a program taking place on the concrete stage area. Rolling berms behind the seating area provide a place for children to play, and a paved, accessible seating area is available. Outlets are available, and tables and chairs may be provided upon request. It is the renter's responsibility to set up and take down tables and chairs as needed.
Booking your Event
If you are interested in renting an event space at the Historic Poor Farm, please fill out this event request form so we can learn more about your event. You will have to create a login to submit your form.
Included in each rental is a pre-event meeting with the HPF Event and Program Assistant. Renters should NOT expect an attendant onsite during their event, and should ask all questions during the pre-event meeting with staff, including requests for tables and chairs. We currently accept cash and check.
Please keep in mind that bookings are not official until Event and Program Assistant has:
-
approved Renter's Event Request Form
-
received Renter's deposit
-
received a signed Rental Agreement from the Renter
If you have additional questions, please reach out to HPF Event and Program Assistant Julie Watkins at jwatkins@johnsoncountyiowa.gov.
Johnson County strives to host inclusive, accessible meetings and events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. If you are a person who requires a reasonable accommodation to participate in an event, contact Julie Watkins at 319-356-8012 or jwatkins@johnsoncountyiowa.gov prior to the event. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.