On August 4, 2026, Travelers employees came together at Oliver Kelley Farm in Elk River, Minnesota, for an inspiring day of service, preservation, and community engagement as part of the Travelers Across America initiative dedicated to restoring and protecting historic places across the nation facing increasing weather and climate risks.

Hosted in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s HOPE (Hands-on Preservation Experience) Crew, the Minnesota Historical Society, and the Oliver Kelley Farm team, the event brought more than 75 Travelers volunteers together at this remarkable site. The farm, which offers a window into 19th-century agricultural life, provided a meaningful setting for employees to connect with its history while making a tangible contribution to its future.

As states, local communities, preservation organizations, and insurance professionals work to mitigate risk at historic sites in the face of increasingly severe weather (like hail and tornadoes in the Midwest), the day showed how locally led preservation initiatives that bring community partners together can help protect America's landmarks. Volunteers got a firsthand look at the skilled trades and architectural expertise involved in designing and installing roof and window weatherization measures better suited to withstand a harsher environment and help this historic gem last into the future.

Janice Brunner, head of corporate affairs at Travelers, opened the event with a warm welcome and said, “Travelers Across America has taught us what’s possible when people with cross-sector experience and expertise come together around a shared interest in making communities more resilient. Those lessons are now informing additional partnerships and investments across the country.”

Remarks were also provided by partners and community leaders, including Kent Whitworth, director and CEO of the Minnesota Historical Society; Grace Arnold, Minnesota insurance commissioner; Judy Seeberger, Minnesota state senator; Milan Jordan, HOPE Crew senior director; and Seri Worden, vice president of strategic initiatives & impact, who spearheads the Travelers Across America initiative on behalf of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

As Worden said, “There’s something powerful about bringing people together at a historic place. It creates opportunities to learn from one another, share ideas, and think differently about how we can work together to make these places—and our communities—more resilient.”

Participants then toured Oliver Kelley Farm. They explored the beauty of the farmstead while learning more about its history and the ongoing work required to preserve it. The experience also offered a behind-the-scenes look at the specialized skills involved in historic preservation, with demonstrations from preservation trades practitioners, including experts in historic window restoration and masonry.

From there, the focus shifted from learning to hands-on service. Volunteers were divided into groups and worked alongside farm staff on projects that supported the continued stewardship of the site. Their work included assisting with harvesting wheat and preparing and planting fall flowers. With materials provided by HOPE Crew and Oliver Kelley Farm staff, participants rolled up their sleeves and put their time and talents to work.

The event demonstrated the power of employee volunteerism, celebrating the places that preserve and tell our shared stories. Through their energy, teamwork, and willingness to learn, Travelers employees helped care for Oliver Kelley Farm while gaining a greater appreciation for the people, craftsmanship, and history that make historic places come alive.