Stearns History Museum

History Unboxed- From Dust to Hope: Exploring Great Depression Records
2025-03-06 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join us for a hands on experience with records from our archives. you will learn about Stearns County and the great depression through a variety of materials.
This is a FREE event!

Breakfast Club- Miranda Steuckrath, "J.F. Powers & Betty Wahl"
2025-03-12 09:00 - 10:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join us on Wednesday, March 12th at 9 am, as SHM Librarian Miranda as she discusses the life and works of J.F. Powers and Betty Wahl, two remarkable literary voices known for their keen insights into faith, family, and everyday life. Discover how their literary contributions, personal histories, and lasting impact on American literature continue to resonate today.
Coffee and donuts will be served.
Cost of program is $7, FREE for SHM Members.

Barnes and Noble Book Fair- Stearns History Museum
2025-03-15 10:00 - 17:00 | Barnes and Noble, Rainbow Village, 3940 Division St., Saint Cloud, 56301, United States
Visit Barnes and Noble in St. Cloud, MN, March 15th – March 20th, and when you checkout, mention that you are supporting the Stearns History Museum! A portion of the sales will benefit our organization.
Stearns History Museum staff will be at the St. Cloud Barnes and Noble on Saturday, March 15th!
Can’t visit in person? Visit bn.com/bookfairs to support us online from 03/15/25 to 03/20/25 by entering Bookfair ID 12850970 at checkout.

Heritage Circle Tour- Stonehouse Stained Glass Studio
2025-03-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Stonehouse Stained Glass Studio, 438 First Street Southeast, Avon, MN, 56310, United States
Join us for the first Heritage Circle Tour of 2025! On March 20th, Heritage Circle members are invited to the Stonehouse Stained Glass Studio in Avon for a tour of the facility, led by stained glass artist Marty Stone.

Heritage Circle Tours are for museum members at the Heritage Circle level only. If interested in becoming a Heritage Circle member, click here- https://stearnshistorymuseum.wildapricot.org/sys/website/?pageId=1075182

Hops and History: A Brief History of Stearns County Scams at Bad Habit Brewing Company
2025-03-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Bad Habit Brewing Company
Join Caitlin, Eric, and Grant from the museum as they talk about the background of some of the most infamous scams in Stearns County history, including everything from Samuel Pandolfo’s mail fraud to the architect behind one of the biggest Ponzi schemes in the history of the United States. And that’s not all! There are some scams and scandals you may not have heard of- but you will!
Program will be held at Bad Habit Brewing in St. Joseph, MN
Cost of Program is $10, FREE for museum members

Stearns History Museum Fix-It Clinic
2025-03-28 16:00 - 19:00 | 510 Art Lab, 510 Sinclair Lewis Ave, Sauk Centre, MN, 56378, United States
Something broken? Bring it to a Fix-It Clinic!
This clinic will have a strong focus on mending but you are welcome to bring small appliances, clothing, electronics, toys, or other household items. Volunteers will help you fix or mend your things for free.

No pre-registration required.
Items should be carry-in size for hands-on repair.
First-come, first-served. Limit 2 items per household.
Items accepted until 30 minutes before the event ends.

Archive Explorer: Genealogy 101
2025-04-03 18:00 - 19:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
At this month’s Archive Explorer you’ll learn:
-Resources at the SHM Research Center
-Where to start your research
-Tips and tricks
-Common problems and how to overcome them

This program is FREE!

Breakfast Club- Cindy Frank-Stupnik, "Clearwater and its Historic Connections"
2025-04-09 09:00 - 10:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join us on Thursday, April 9th, as local historian and writer Cindy Stupnik shares some historical tales from the history of Clearwater, Minnesota.
Coffee and donuts are served.
Cost of program is $7, FREE for SHM Members!

History Unboxed: The Great War Revealed
2025-05-01 18:00 - 19:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join us for a a hands on experience with records from our Archives! You will learn about Stearns County connections to World War I through a variety of materials.
This event is FREE!

Members Only Collections Tour
2025-05-07 11:00 - 12:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Museum members are invited to come and take a look at the museum collection you don’t see. Just because it’s not on display doesn’t mean it isn’t a museum treasure!
REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Exterior Painting Prep Hands-On Workshop
2025-05-10 12:00 - 16:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Warmer weather got you thinking about that exterior painting project just waiting for you to start? Want to know how best to prep the site to ensure the project is a success? Then this class is for you! Mark Johnston from Historic Design Consulting LLC will lead class attendees during this rigorous hands-on workshop covering everything you need to know to get your painting project prepped just right. A master craftsman, Mark will share his knowledge and expertise and cover topics including site clearance, lead safety, when and where to scrape, the proper use of caulk, and how to prime. Come prepared to work and learn from a pro!

Cost for the class is $75. Snacks and treats will be provided. Please bring your own beverage. Class size is limited so register today!

For more information, visit stearnshistorymuseum.org or contact Ann Marie at 320-253-8424 or development@stearns-museum.org.

Breakfast Club- Robert Galler, "Taking Charge, Making Change: Native People and the Transition of Education from Stephen Mission to Crow Creek Tribal School"
2025-05-14 09:00 - 10:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join us on Wednesday, May 14th, as SCSU History Professor Robert Galler talks about his recently published book, which delves into how people of Crow Creek, Lower Brule, and other reservations gained agency by changing Stephan Mission school from one of oppression to one of cultural representation and pride.
Coffee and donuts provided.
Cost of program is $7, FREE for SHM Members!

Hops and History: Questionable Medical Devices
2025-05-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Art in Motion, 1400 4th St., Holdingford, 56340, United States
Join Laurie Kleinbaum Fink, PhD, from the Science Museum of Minnesota, to learn about the collection of questionable medical devices that form the backbone of a popular exhibition, Weighing the Evidence. The exhibition opened in 2016 and offers visitors three important take-away messages: When making health care decisions, ask questions of a trusted source; consider the costs, risks, and benefits; and look for scientific evidence. The exhibition pulls in museum visitors using a very charismatic collection of over 300 objects collected by Bob McCoy, a minister, steel salesman, and founder of the Minnesota Skeptics, and given to the Science Museum of Minnesota in 2002. Come and learn about the collection, the exhibition that showcases the collection, and how the Science Museum of Minnesota uses objects to engage the public in STEM.

Heritage Circle Tour- Leedstone
2025-05-22 10:00 - 11:30 | Leedstone, 222 County Road 173 SE, Melrose, 56352, United States
Join us for another Heritage Circle Tour! On May 22nd, Heritage Circle members are invited Leedstone in Melrose to enjoy a tour led by the whole Leedstone team!

Heritage Circle Tours are for museum members at the Heritage Circle level only. If interested in becoming a Heritage Circle member, click here- https://stearnshistorymuseum.wildapricot.org/sys/website/?pageId=1075182

20th Century Car Show
2025-05-29 16:00 - 20:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join us on May 29th, from 4-8pm, for our 20th Century Car Show! This year, we are featuring cars manufactured between 1900 and 1999! Stop on by, browse the vehicles, check out the museum, and enjoy some hot dogs and beer! You won’t want to miss it!

If you’re interested in registering a vehicle in the show, you can register here: https://stearnshistorymuseum.wildapricot.org/event-6018575
Or, you can contact Eric Cheever at echeever@stearnsmuseum.org, or call us at the museum at 320-253-8424.

Stearns History Museum Fix-It Clinic
2025-06-06 16:00 - 19:00 | Paramount Center for the Arts Technical Site, 248 33rd Ave S., Waite Park, Minnesota

Breakfast Club- Randy Marchand, "History of the Pan Car and the Pantowners"
2025-06-11 09:00 - 10:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join us on Wednesday, June 11th, as Pantowners Antique Auto Club member and former president Randy Marchand describes in detail the history of the Pan Car itself, while also talking about the 50 years of history of this wonderful antique car club!
Coffee and donuts provided.
Cost of program is $7, FREE for SHM Members!

Euchre Unfolded: History, Tricks, and Play
2025-06-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join us for an evening of cards, culture, and competition! Discover the fascinating history of Eurchre and then jump into a friendly tournament. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this event promises fun for all!
Registration is REQUIRED for this FREE event!

Breakfast Club- Randal Dietrich, "The Minnesota Military Museum"
2025-07-09 09:00 - 10:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join us on Wednesday, July 9th, as Randal Dietrich, Executive Director of the Minnesota Military Museum, talks about the museum’s beautiful new building, and plans for the future!
Cost of program is $7, FREE for SHM Members!

At War and At Home: the WWII Experience
2025-07-12 10:00 - 2025-07-13 16:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join us on July 12 and 13th as we turn the clock back to 1945 once again! We will have authentic WWII era military vehicles, weapons demonstrations, children’s activities, WWII trivia, and more! Hot dogs will also be available for purchase throughout the event.
Saturday, July 12th: 10am-4pm
Sunday, July 13th: 11am-4pm

History in the Gardens: Munsinger Clemens Botanical Society Art Fair in the Gardens
2025-07-17 10:00 - 18:00 | Munsinger Clemens Gardens, 1515 Riverside Dr. SE, Saint Cloud, Minnesota, 56304
(ST. CLOUD, MN; June 24, 2025) – Love history? Have a passion for gardens or art? Then join us
Thursday, July 17th, 2025, at the Munsinger Clemens Botanical Society’s Art Fair in the Gardens for some
garden history fun! Learn about one of St. Cloud’s greatest community assets and get a chance to spin the
wheel for prizes. Thanks to the Munsinger Clemens Botanical Society, Friends of the Gardens, Sherburne
History Center, University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners, Great River Greening, Jupiter Moon,
Central Minnesota Youth Soccer Association and more for the fabulous prizes. Find us in the Clemens
Gardens near the Jupiter Moon Ice Cream Shop. The event runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. See you there!
For more information visit stearnshistorymuseum.org or contact Ann Marie at development@stearns-
museum.org or call 320-253-8424.

History Outdoors: Dig Like Archaeologists
2025-07-24 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-31 10:00 - 11:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Children will learn how to observe their surroundings as archaeologists would— by looking for history beneath their feet! They will even get to try their hands at a little excavation!
This program is designed for children ages 7-13
Cost: $10/student, FREE with Household Memberships

Heritage Circle Tour: MAXBAT
2025-08-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Heritage Circle Members, join us on August 14th at MAXBAT, and learn about the history of this Stearns County baseball bat manufacturing company, located in Brooten!

Stearns History Museum Fix-It Clinic
2025-08-15 13:00 - 16:00 | The Whitney Senior Center, 1527 Northway Dr, St. Cloud, MN, 56303, United States

History Unboxed: The Home Front and Beyond- A WWII Archival Experience
2025-09-04 18:00 - 19:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join us for a hands-on, immersive journey through history as we explore World War II from the Stearns County perspective. You will get to learn the significance of WWII in our region through a variety of materials.
This event is FREE to the public.

Breakfast Club: Recovering Lost History
2025-09-10 09:00 - 10:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
This month, Julianne O’Connell tells the story of how she tracked down one of her father, sculptor Joe O’Connell’s missing pieces and brought it to the Stearns History Museum!
$7/person, FREE for members!

Hops and History: Prohibition Stories of Stearns County
2025-09-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Fisher’s Club, 525 1st St. NW, Avon, 56310, United States
Join us at the historic Fisher’s Supper Club in Avon, as we regale you with fascinating tales from the days of moonshine, speakeasies, Minnesota 13, and police raids in Stearns County. You won’t want to miss it!
$10/person, Members FREE

Historic Harvest Fest
2025-09-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join us on Saturday, September 27th, for our annual Historic Harvest Fest event! We’ll have vintage style carnival games, cake walk, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin painting, and more!
This event is FREE to the public!

Archive Explorer- Paper Trails: Finding and Deciphering Key Historical Records
2025-10-02 18:00 - 19:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Discover how to trace family and local history using key historical records! This program will introduce all types of records- birth, census, naturalization, military, land records (and more) and who you where to find them, how to read them, and how to use them in historical research.
