By Amy Howe
When Kristin and Bryce Robertson moved into the old farmhouse on land homesteaded by their ancestors in 1867, they didn’t just unlock the door to a new chapter— they opened a trunk full of history. Literally.
“In the basement of the farmhouse, we found this old trunk stuffed with black-and-white photos, handwritten diaries and letters that had been saved by the family for generations,” Kristin said. “It was a reminder of just how deeply our roots run here—and how important it is to preserve and share this knowledge.”
That discovery became the foundation for Centennial Roots Homestead, a modern-day revival of traditional skills set on land originally claimed through Abraham Lincoln’s Homestead Act. While the family has long exceeded the five-year requirement to secure the land, the Robertsons’ commitment to it remains stronger than ever.
After the societal shift of 2020, Kristin and her family recognized something powerful: a growing hunger—not just for wholesome food but for meaningful connection to where it comes from. That revelation sparked a mission.
“We started offering workshops in everything from sourdough bread to canning to help people reconnect with the skills our grandparents knew,” she said. “We take a one-on-one approach so people leave with something they can pass down to their kids or grandkids.”
At Centennial Roots, the workshops are as hands-on and real as they come. Attendees learn skills like fermentation, kombucha brewing, goat milk soap making, chicken processing and medicinal tincture preparation.
“It’s all about getting back to the basics,” Kristin explained. “We live in such a digital world. We want people to feel grounded again.”
One of the homestead’s newest and most anticipated projects—The Gardens at Centennial Roots Homestead— officially opened in early May and marks the beginning of an evolving space designed to grow over time. While still in its early stages, the Gardens offers an enriching, hands- on experience that invites visitors to explore and learn as the vision continues to take shape.
The space features a variety of edible and medicinal plants, including berries, herbs and fruit trees, with more being added as the seasons progress. Landscaping plants such as flowers, shrubs and hanging baskets contribute seasonal beauty, while educational signage and upcoming workshops help visitors discover the practical and healing uses of natural plants.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of heritage skills, find inspiration for your own backyard garden or simply spend a peaceful afternoon in the fresh air, the Gardens provides a welcoming space to slow down and reconnect. More than just a growing space, Centennial Roots is becoming a gathering place—a destination where community, education and nature come together.
“At the heart of everything we do is the idea of relationship—between people and the land, between generations and between neighbors,” Kristin shared. “We want to be a destination where people can slow down, learn something new and feel part of something bigger.”
That perspective is deeply informed by the legacy of Bryce’s family, who first settled the land in 1867. His great-great-grandfather, Cortez Robertson, documented life on the prairie in his journals, noting the challenges of locust plagues, wildfires and relentless storms.
“Their perseverance is the only reason we’re here today,” Kristin said. “There were so many moments when they could’ve given up, but they didn’t. We feel this responsibility not just to keep the land alive, but to keep their spirit alive.”
While the farm honors the past, it’s not stuck in it. Kristin is clear-eyed about the challenges of operating a homestead in today’s agricultural landscape.
“There’s this tension between traditional homesteading and large-scale commercial agriculture,” she said. “One is very personal and small-scale, the other is built for high volume and efficiency.”
Kristin and Bryce aim to strike a balance between the two. Their operation includes cattle, hogs, chickens, hay, timber products, greenhouse plants and educational programs—all working in tandem to support the land and the community.
“We’re not anti-technology,” Kristin said. “We use chainsaws instead of axes, and we’ll use tools that make sense. But the heart behind what we do hasn’t changed. It’s still about stewardship. Most of the original hedgerows planted over a century ago are still intact. They give shade to livestock in the summer and act as windbreaks in the winter. That kind of intentional planning is timeless.”
Beyond the farm gates, Centennial Roots is expanding its presence in Lamar through a variety of engaging experiences. From seasonal workshops that teach traditional homesteading skills to special events like the upcoming fall pig roast, the homestead offers opportunities for locals to come together, learn and celebrate the rhythms of rural life.
“We want people to feel welcome here, whether they’re attending a workshop or just walking through the gardens,” Kristin said. “And we love when people bring us ideas for what they’d like to see next.”
Those ideas are already shaping the future. Kristin hopes Centennial Roots will one day offer farm stays, internships and even serve as an event venue. The goal is to create more opportunities for people to experience not just the beauty of nature but its nourishment—physical, mental and spiritual.
As for the name, Centennial Roots is more than a nod to the past. It’s a declaration of intent: to cultivate a new generation that’s connected, capable and conscious of where their food comes from.
“We want to grow more than plants. We want to grow people—with purpose, with knowledge and with gratitude for the land and the people who came before us,” Kristin said.
If you missed The Gardens grand opening in May, don’t worry. The season is just getting started, and there’s plenty more to come at Centennial Roots Homestead.