The O’Brien Farm Foundation off Mount Scio Road in St. John’s is hosting the grand opening of its Learning Centre today.

The opening is part of a years-long effort in restoring and developing the O’Brien Farm into an area to celebrate and teach people about the area’s farming history.

The farm, which was established in 1818 by the O’Brien family of Ireland and was passed down through the generations and operated until Aly O’Brien passed away in 2008 at the age of 93.

Manager Aaron Rodgers says the O’Brien Farm Foundation has been dedicated to preserving the history of the area.

He says when Aly O’Brien passed away, there was an opportunity for the land to be “gobbled up” for development. Instead, a dedicated group of people went out their way to keep it as an agricultural setting, with a “modern touch.”

The open house, dubbed the O’Brien Farm Hootenanny, will take place today from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a variety of family-friendly events and activities.