Stearns History Museum

St. Cloud Area Genealogists - What the Heck Does That Say?
2023-04-18 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
One of the biggest hurdles to overcome in genealogy is the seemingly illegible handwriting in our ancestors’ records. Professional genealogist Pam Vestal will address that challenge when she presents the webinar “What the Heck Does that Say? Overcoming Difficult Handwriting” for the St. Cloud Area Genealogists on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 7 p.m. at Stearns History Museum (235 33 rd Ave S., St. Cloud). The presentation will also be available online and will be recorded for members and registered guests.
Whether you struggle to navigate colonial penmanship that doesn’t even look like English or wrestle with contemporary documents that are poorly written, a few good strategies can make all the difference. Participants will look at more than 20 techniques to help figure out what the chicken scratches on the page say as well as what the style of handwriting might reveal about our ancestors.
After a 20-year writing career, Pam Vestal turned her focus to genealogy. Vestal’s articles have been published in the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, the National Genealogical Society Magazine and Forum magazine. She specializes in conducting genealogical research and then transforming the information into illustrated stories that even non-genealogists can enjoy.
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (CST)
Free for members, $7 for non-members (to register email kmsauer@ymail.com)
Online & at the Stearns History Museum
facebook.com/stcloudareagenealogists

Oak Savanna Park History Scavenger Hunt
2023-04-29 13:00 - 16:00 | Sherburne History Center, Becker, 10775 27th Ave SE, Becker, MN, 55308, United States
The Fox House. Clitty Lake. A gas station that doubled as a home, office, hotel, railway station and general store. Discover all this and more during the Oak Savanna Park History Scavenger Hunt! Bring your history detective skills to this free, self-guided, family-friendly event. Explore a beautiful park setting while learning more about architecture and natural history in Central Minnesota.
Pick up a scavenger hunt form and get started at the Sherburne History Center in Becker, Minnesota (10775 27th Avenue Southeast). The hunt runs 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023. A special bonus for the day,
courtesy of the Sherburne History Center, is a free folk concert by local musician, Dennis Warner, and craft- making activities at the museum. The folk concert and craft-making activities start at 2 p.m. Bring your friends and family to spend the afternoon enjoying history and culture!
For more information and to register https://www.rethos.org/classes or contact Ann Marie Johnson, Rethos Central MN Education Coordinator based at the Stearns History Museum at CentralMN@rethos.org or 320-253-8424. Rethos is pleased to partner with The Stearns History Museum for Central Minnesota education programs. This project has been financed in part with funds provided by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society.
Rethos web link: www.rethos.org/events
Image of Fox House, 2000. Photo courtesy Sherburne History Center

Memory Writers
2023-05-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-05-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Memory Writers is a writing group that meets twice a month on the first and third Tuesdays at 10:00 am. The group develop topics to write about and in turn shares those stories. This program is free to Museum members (non-members $7).
Questions? Call the Museum at 320.253.8424.

Civil War Roundtable: Was the Civil War about Slavery? Yes, No, and the Path to Yes with Dr. Mark Jaede
2023-05-09 15:30 - 17:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Meeting Overview: Although the Civil War unquestionably led to the freeing of enslaved African Americans, there is ongoing debate in popular culture about whether we should think of is as a war about slavery. Broadly, there is a tendency for those who sympathize with the North to characterize it as a noble war to free slaves, and for those more aligned with the South to call it a heroic but doomed struggle to preserve states’ rights and Southern culture. This talk will explore the shortcomings of both generalizations and consider the question of who really freed the slaves.
Speaker: Dr. Mark Jaede is a professor of history at St. Cloud State University
Meetings are held at the Stearns County History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud. This meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 9th at 3:30pm (doors open at 3).
Note change in starting time:
3:00pm – doors open and opportunity to socialize and interact with fellow members
3:15pm – welcome and “new features”
3:30pm – speaker presentation
4:45pm – adjourn
For more information – contact Andy Ditlevson – aditlevson@gmail.com, 320-241-8477

Hops & History: A Brief History of the Undergarment with Amy and Caitlin
2023-05-11 17:30 - 19:00 | Third Street Brewhouse, 219 Red River Ave N, Cold Spring, MN, 56320, United States
Join the museum’s own Amy Degerstrom and Caitlin Carlson as they use the collection of the Stearns History Museum to tell the “brief” story of how what we wear underneath our clothes has evolved in the last few centuries.
This time, we’ll be at Third Street Brewhouse in Cold Spring.
As usual – $10 for nonmembers; Museum members are free (bring cash for the bar). See you there Thursday, May 11 @ 5:30pm.
Register online HERE.
Questions? Call us at 320-253-8424.

St. Cloud Area Genealogists - "Five Types of German Genealogy Documents and What You Can Find in Each" with Katherine Schober
2023-05-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
“Five Types of German Genealogy Documents and What You Can Find in Each” with Katherine Schober.
Have you struggled to find records of your German ancestors in Europe? Professional genealogist Katherine Schober will address that challenge when she presents the webinar “Five Types of German Genealogy Documents – And What You Can Find in Each” for the St. Cloud Area Genealogists on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 7 p.m. at Stearns History Museum (235 33 rd Ave S., St. Cloud). The presentation will be available synchronously online and will be recorded for members and registered guests.
Schober will address what genealogists should be looking for in their research that will lead them to German records. She will discuss what German records are available, what you can expect to find in them, and most importantly, where to find them.
Free for members, $10 for non-members. To register, email kmsauer@ymail.com
Katherine Schober is a German-English genealogy speaker, author and translator, specializing in old German handwriting. She is the author of The Magic of German Church Records and Tips and Tricks of Deciphering German Handwriting as well as the creator of several online genealogy courses on German genealogy. Schober lives in Bend, Oregon, with her Austrian husband and their son. You can read more about her and reach her through her website germanologyunlocked.com.

Uncovering Racial Covenants in Stearns County
2023-05-17 18:30 - 19:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Honors students from the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University have spent the last semester researching this neglected topic in the Stearns History Museum Archives, and in other repositories around the county. Join us on Wednesday, May 17 (6:30pm) as they share their findings, the details of the research process, and the reasons for raising awareness about this topic at the Stearns History Museum.
This is a FREE event for both members and non-members. Donations are appreciated!

Living Memory - Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Pioneer Settlers Association
2023-05-18 17:30 - 20:00 | Rolling Ridge Wedding & Event Center, 31101 Co Rd 133, St Joseph, MN, 56374, United States
Change of Plans!
Our May 18th Living Memory Event is no longer on the calendar. (We know you were excited–and so were we–but sometimes the best-laid plans don’t make history after all.) Instead, the idea behind it is being wrapped into our other upcoming events, with several of our planned makers making featured appearances at other Stearns History Museum events throughout the year. Keep an eye out for these upcoming featured makers! We want to extend a huge thank you to Randy Schmitz at Rolling Ridge, Mary Bruno at Bruno Press (Living Memory prints will still be available for purchase in our gift shop), Liz Fiedler at Sunny Mary Medow Farm, and those who showed support for the Living Memory celebration, and we look forward to seeing you all at these other exciting events:

Hops & History: A Brief History of the Undergarment (May 11, 5:30-7:30 at Third Street Brewhouse in Cold Spring)
Uncovering Racial Covenant in St. Cloud (May 17, 6:30pm at the Museum)
Snooky’s Pub Crawl (Thursday June 8, 6-9pm downtown St. Cloud)
At War & At Home, the World War II Experience (Sat-Sun July 8-9 at the Museum)

Whippersnapper Hour: Adventures in Radio
2023-05-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Whippersnapper Hour allows kids to learn about history in a fun, hands-on environment!
At this month’s Whippersnapper Hour, we will perform and record our own radio play! Students will learn about the power of radio during the Great Depression and World War II, and will then rehearse and perform their own version of “The Mysterious Case of the Magic Milkweed.” We hope to see you there!
$5 per child nonmembers, free for Museum members. Recommended for kids ages 7-13.

Snooky's Pub Crawl
2023-06-08 18:00 - 21:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
We designed a pub crawl based on the WWII era “Snooky’s Handy Guide” map of St. Cloud we have hanging in the exhibit gallery! We’ll be kicking off the crawl at Iron Street Distillery with food options and your first drink included! Continuing into Downtown St. Cloud, we’ll talk about the history of these establishments and the area as well as what it was like in the 1940s. More information to come and itinerary/locations TBA. For now, save the date and we’ll see you then!
June 8, 2023 – Downtown St. Cloud 6p-9p
Register online HERE.
Snooky’s Pub Crawl

Rethos: Plaster Repair & Wood Window Maintenance
2023-06-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join local trades expert, Dave Masters, for an informative webinar that will
teach you all you need to know about plaster and window repair and
maintenance. Get tips on the best products to use and learn techniques
that can simplify the repair process while getting it done right. Using his
own home as an example, Dave will show how seemingly daunting repair
projects are really not that hard to do!
For more information, contact Central MN Education Coordinator for Rethos
based at the Stearns History Museum in St. Cloud (CentralMN@rethos.org;
320-253-8424).
Register HERE

Breakfast Club: "Burma-Shave: The Rhymes, the Signs, the Times" with Bill Vossler
2023-06-14 09:00 - 10:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join us for another Breakfast Club at the Stearns County History Museum! This meeting will feature Bill Vossler, author of “Burma-Shave: The Rhymes, the Signs, the Times”.
Local writer Bill Vossler tell the story of this unique Minnesota company, which went from rags to riches thanks to its unique roadside advertising technique. Between 1925 and 1963, these signs were seen all across the country.
For thirty years, the series of six signs posted along roadways were an icon of American life. The little jingles that touted a brushless shaving cream entertained travelers across the country. Many of us who lived during those thirty years could recite favorite jingles by rote. Then super highways and the hectic pace of modern life made them obsolete. Still, for those of us older than thirty-five, Burma-Shave signs are part of our history and treasured childhood memories.
Wednesday, June 14 @ 9am

Saint Cloud PD Presents: That's How I Roll
2023-06-17 10:00 - 14:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
ST CLOUD PD PRESENTS:
FREE ENTRY MUSIC PRIZES WORKSHOPS
BIKE, TRIKE, WAGON, WALK AND ROLL PARADE
FREE
GIVEAWAYS
FAMILY
FUN
Heritage Park Skate Plaza Stearns History Museum
265 33rd Avenue South 235 33rd Avenue South

Our Narratives Open Mic Night
2023-06-20 18:00 - 20:00, 2023-08-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Bring your talent and tell your story! Music, Poetry, Prose, Storytelling, Comedy!

Tell your story about YOUR place in Stearns County! Are you a newcomer? Were you born and raised? Do you have a story of a special corner of this community?

Please note that we often hear stories and listen to perspectives that can be uncomfortable. We hold space for this type of exchange, respecting other’s experience. All are welcome.

We will be outdoors (weather permitting) so please bring a lawn chair or blanket! You are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks.

Go to heijeuarts.org for specifics about the program. Please reach out to us or info@heijeuarts.org with questions!

At War & At Home: The WWII Experience
2023-07-08 10:00 - 16:00, 2023-07-09 11:00 - 16:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
We’re bringing back our annual WWII weekend! More information to come later in 2023, but for now we wanted to let you all know the dates.
You can expect the Museum to be full of family-friendly activities, reenactors, interactive exhibits, and a lot more.
We hope to see you there July 8 & 9! Register online here: Saturday (Day 1), Sunday (Day 2)
Download Flyer Register Now

WWII Hangar Dance 2023
2023-07-08 19:00 - 22:00 | The Whitney Senior Center, 1527 Northway Dr, St. Cloud, MN, 56303, United States
Save the date for the next Hangar Dance!
During our WWII Living History weekend, we encourage people of all ages to join us and bring your dancing shoes to bust your best moves at the Whitney Senior Center!
Additional information coming soon. We can’t wait to see you all!

https://stearnshistorymuseum.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/stearnshistorymuseum/eventRegistration.jsp?event=136&

History Outdoors: One Room School Days
2023-07-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join us July 20 for a “One Room School Days” session of History Outdoors! Join us in Paynesville Mn for One Room School Day! Children will abandon all the technology and experience as old-school lesson, play games outside, and get ma taste of what everyday life was like for kids their age over 100 years age!
Register online here.

History Hunt in the Gardens
2023-07-20 10:00 - 18:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Come and join the Stearns History for a Hunt in St. Cloud’s beautiful Munsinger and
Clemens Gardens! Learn about the history of these nationally-known historic landscapes while taking the
History Hunt challenge. This free, self-guided activity takes place during the Munsinger Clemens Botanical
Society’s Art Fair in the Gardens event on Thursday, July 20 th , 2023, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Take the
History Hunt challenge and register for prizes. See you near the Gift Shop (1399 Kilian Boulevard
Southeast) in the Gardens!

WWII Exhibit Closing
2023-07-23 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Your last chance to see the WWII exhibit is the weekend of July 22-23. Don’t miss it!

History Outdoors: One Room School Days
2023-07-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join us July 27th for a “One Room School Days” session of History Outdoors! More information on this program to come.
https://stearnshistorymuseum.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/stearnshistorymuseum/event.jsp?event=138&

Repurposing Buildings: Turning Vacant Spaces into Community Places
2023-08-01 17:30 - 19:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Learn how some of east St. Cloud’s repurposing of old buildings is helping our community thrive! Attend this engaging community event and find out about the importance of east St. Cloud’s unique built environment. The event takes place 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 1st, 2023, at Salem Lutheran Church (90 Riverside Drive Southeast, St. Cloud). Hear about the sustainability of reusing existing buildings, the importance of building reuse, and the benefits of deconstruction if reuse is not an option from Melissa Wenzel, Built Environment Sustainability Administrator for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
https://www.rethos.org/events/repurposing-buildings-turning-vacant-spaces-into-community-places

History Outdoors: Live With the Land
2023-08-03 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-08-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join us on August 3rd and 10th to learn how to live with the land! In this program, students from 7-12 will explore the natural world around us and how to bring it to everyday life. We will go on a nature walk in Heritage Park, learn how to identify wild edible plants and different animals. Students will also create and take home a craft using found in nature.

The History of WACOSA at 60
2023-08-09 09:00 - 10:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join us for another Breakfast Club at the Stearns County History Museum!
This week, we will be highlighting the History of WACOSA as they celebrate 60 years of creating possibilities for all abilities!
Breakfast Club is free for Museum members and $7 for nonmembers

Heritage Circle Tour - Grasshopper Chapel
2023-08-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Grasshoppers. A plague. A charming chapel set in a beautiful landscape. What could be better for our next Heritage Circle Tour?!? Join us at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at the Grasshopper Chapel (aka Assumption Chapel) near Cold Spring, Minnesota. Learn more Stearns County history from our very own Grasshopper Chapel experts – Caitlin Carlson, director of programs, and John Decker, archivist emeritus. It’s bound to be a great adventure into some of the county’s rich agricultural past. Space is limited so register today!
Following the tour, everyone is welcome to gather for lunch-on-your-own at Marnanteli’s (314 3rd Street South; Cold Spring, MN). Be sure to bring your own cash or other form of payment.
If you have any questions or need more information, contact Ann Marie at development@stearns-museum.org or call 320-253-8424.

Hops & History: "Whiskey Shores" with Elizabeth Reisinger
2023-09-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Beaver Island Brewing Company, 216 6th Ave S, St. Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Register here!

Whippersnapper Hour - Fur Trade Frenzy
2023-09-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
At this month’s Whippersnapper Hour, students will get a taste of what it was like to be involved in the American Fur Trade during the 19th century here in Minnesota. Students will get to touch some real furs, barter for goods, and make their own Bandolier bag to take home!
Register here!
