[2] It was nominated as a representative of the beginnings of agrarian activism in the United States, setting the stage for the Farmers' Alliance and the People's Party of the late 19th century.

He became an expert on farming in Minnesota, and he learned how adverse events such as bad weather, debt, insect pests, and crop failures could devastate a farmer's fortunes.

[4][6] Kelley moved back to Washington, D.C., in 1870, suffering from ill health but still active in Grange leadership.

In response, the group Friends of the Kelley Farm was organized to help raise money to close the funding gap.

[8] In 2017, the Minnesota Historical Society opened a new visitor center and modern Farm Lab area with a barn, garden and cropland.