Stearns History Museum

Memory Writers
2022-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | 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).

See you at Pride in the Park!
2022-09-17 11:00 - 16:00 | Lake George, 1101 7th St S, St. Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join us for St. Cloud Pride at Lake George!

Whippersnapper Hour - "The Land Before Smart Phones"
2022-09-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Whippersnapper Hour lets kids get their hands on history, with engaging and interactive activities that bring the past to life.
Today, we can accomplish almost everything just using one piece of technology, our smartphone. But if we go back in time, every single thing we use our phone for, like playing music, watching movies, playing games, doing math, calling and sending messages, was done separately. Stop by this month’s Whippersnapper Hour, “The Land Before Smart Phones,” to try out some of those aging old relics like- a typewriter, a rotary phone, a CD Player, a TAPE player, an old camera with FILM, and much more!
Cost: $3/child for non-members, members are free. Click here to register online!

Heritage Circle Tour at Great River Children's Museum
2022-09-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Great River Children’s Museum, 601 W St Germain St, St. Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Great news – we’re opening this Heritage Circle Tour to ALL Museum members!! Join us in Downtown St. Cloud for a special tour of the future Great River Children’s Museum on September 14 from 10am – 11:30am. See their future location and construction site as they work to build an amazing (and FUN!) resource for the children and families of Central Minnesota. We will chat with Executive Director Cassie Miles more about the project and how we can support!
Following the tour, we will be having lunch nearby in Downtown St. Cloud (location TBD, bring cash).
Call the Museum to register or for additional information.

Civil War Roundtable: Abolitionists, Slave Owners, Soldiers and Spies - Women in the Civil War with Mary Soroko
2022-09-13 15:30 - 17:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join us for Civil War Roundtable featuring Dr. Mary Soroko on Tuesday, September 13 @ 3:30 p.m.
As the war uprooted centuries old institutions and gender assumptions, women at war inevitably found themselves intentionally and unintentionally defying rigid social expectations. Circumstances challenged what was considered acceptable female behavior and the domestic framework imposed upon women in both the north and south. Come explore the gender assumptions of the time and how women’s participation in the politics of the abolition movement and their service in the war became the genesis of the women’s rights movement.
Dr. Mary Soroko is a retired administrator and faculty member from Ken Burn’s Civil War documentary.. The series’ references to author Mary Chestnut sparked Mary’s fascination and research into the attitudes, experiences and roles of women before, during and after the Civil War.
Meetings are held at the Stearns County History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud.
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

Beads on One String FREE Concert with Dennis Warner
2022-09-10 14:30 - 17:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Join celebrated Minnesota folksinger and songwriter Dennis Warner for a free concert at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, September 10, at the Stearns History Museum. The concert will highlight Warner’s internationally recognized song, “Beads on One String,” and include a hands-on beading activity led by Kathy Gerdts-Senger.
This family-friendly event is free and open to the public and will be held outdoors on museum grounds, weather permitting. Bring your blanket or chair and enjoy an afternoon of free music and beading at the museum. Hope to see you there!
Dennis Warner’s musical career has brought him to all 50 states and beyond. Along the journey, he’s released 11 CD’s, authored Beads on One String (now in its Seventh Printing) and performed in concert at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. His concerts blend serious, thought provoking songs with lighter, up-tempo material. Warner is noted for being an entertainer, bringing the audience into the performance with laughter and even a couple of sing-alongs. You can learn more about Dennis at warnersongs.com.

Memory Writers
2022-09-06 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 develops topics to write about and in turn share those stories to the group. This program is free to Museum members (non-members $7).

Chamber Connections @ SHM
2022-08-19 07:30 - 09:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States

See you at Summertime By George!
2022-08-17 16:00 - 21:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Stop by our table for more information about the Museum, our programs, the Research Center, exhibits, and more!

History Outdoors - Dig Like Archaeologists
2022-08-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Stearns History Museum invites children ages 7-14 to enjoy History Outdoors!
This summer, kids will be able to put their exploration and adventuring skills to use as they learn the basics of Archaeology. They’ll hone their observation skills, their knowledge of what signs of ancient life to look for, and even get a chance to do some digging!
Cost is $3/student (nonmembers) and members are free!
Please contact at 320.253.8424 to register or click here to register online.
Note: the same Dig Like Archaeologists program takes place on both August 4 and August 11.

Breakfast Club - On The Road @ Quarry Park
2022-08-10 09:00 - 10:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Mark your calendars and have breakfast with us! This time, we’re taking it on the road to Quarry Park in Waite Park. Join us for coffee and donuts accompanied by a presentation and discussion with Sarah Weed as she talks about the history of Quarry Park!
Admission is $7 for non-members and members are free. Call the Museum with questions or to register ahead of time at 320.253.8424. You can also register by emailing info@stearns-museum.org.

History Outdoors - Dig Like Archaeologists
2022-08-04 10:00 - 11:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Stearns History Museum invites children ages 7-14 to enjoy History Outdoors!
This summer, kids will be able to put their exploration and adventuring skills to use as they learn the basics of Archaeology. They’ll hone their observation skills, their knowledge of what signs of ancient life to look for, and even get a chance to do some digging!
Cost is $3/student (nonmembers) and members are free.
Please contact the Museum at 320.253.8424 to register, or click here to register online.
Save the date for these upcoming History Outdoors programs:

Dig Like Archaeologists

Thursday, August 4, 10-11:30 am
Thursday, August 11, 10-11:30 am

Note: Dig Like Archaeologists will take place on August 4 and again on August 11. It is the same program each week.

History Outdoors - Live Like Pioneers
2022-07-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Stearns History Museum invites children ages 7-14 to enjoy History Outdoors!
This summer, kids will be able to escape reality for a couple hours, and get a taste of life as pioneers in Central Minnesota. They will have to do the morning chores, which includes milking the cow, collecting eggs, and making butter! Once their daily chores are finished, they will get a chance to work on a crazy quilt, and write a journal entry with quills and ink!
Cost is $3/student (nonmembers) and members are free.
Please contact the Museum at 320.253.8424 to register, or click here to register online.
Note: Live Like Pioneers will take place once on July 21, and again on July 28.
Save the dates for these upcoming History Outdoors programs:

Dig Like Archaeologists

Thursday, August 4, 10-11:30 am
Thursday, August 11, 10-11:30 am

See you at the Stearns County Fair!
2022-07-27 10:00 - 2022-07-31 19:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Stop by our booth at the Stearns County Fair in Sauk Centre! We’ll be there July 27 – 31 from 10am – 7pm. We hope to see you all there!

History Outdoors - Live Like Pioneers
2022-07-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Stearns History Museum invites children ages 7-14 to enjoy History Outdoors!
This summer, kids will be able to escape reality for a couple hours, and get a taste of life as pioneers in Central Minnesota. They will have to do the morning chores, which includes milking the cow, collecting eggs, and making butter! Once their daily chores are finished, they will get a chance to work on a crazy quilt, and write a journal entry with quills and ink!
Cost is $3/student for nonmembers, members are free.
Please contact at 320.253.8424 to register or click here to register online.
Save the dates for these upcoming History Outdoors programs:

Live Like Pioneers

Thursday, July 21, 10-11:30 am
Thursday, July 28, 10-11:30 am

Dig Like Archaeologists

Thursday, August 4, 10-11:30 am
Thursday, August 11, 10-11:30 am

Note: Live Like Pioneers will take place once on July 21, and again on July 28.

See you at Summertime By George! @ Lake George
2022-07-20 17:00 - 20:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States

WWII Hangar Dance
2022-07-09 19:00 - 22:00 | The Whitney Senior Center, 1527 Northway Dr, St. Cloud, MN, 56303, United States
Join Stearns History Museum for our WWII Hangar Dance during our Living History Weekend! This event will feature local craft beer, complimentary treats, and ’40s Swing Music by Rock City Jazz Band featuring Janelle Kendall and Seams Like Swing. Be sure to dress in your best zoot suit, uniform, or seersucker as there will be a prize for best period costume.
Swing in early (6:30pm) if you’d like to take part in swing dance lessons! All are welcome!
Cost of entry is $10 per person. Bring cash for the bar and don’t forget your dancing shoes!
For tickets, call the Museum at 320.253.8424 or click here to register. We hope to see you at the Whitney Senior Center on July 9 from 7 – 10pm!
For more information about the WWII Living History Weekend, please go to www.stearnshistorymuseum.org/LivingHistory2022.

WWII Living History Weekend - "At War and At Home: The WWII Experience"
2022-07-09 10:00 - 2022-07-10 16:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Go back in time with us! Join Stearns History Museum for our annual World War II Living History Event! This TWO day living history weekend will transport the Museum and Plaza back in time to the 1940s.

Visit with re-enactors
See authentic military vehicles
See weapon demonstrations
Kids activities

ration game
scavenger hunts (with prizes)

and more!

Make sure to come by the Museum Plaza on July 9th (10am-4pm) and 10th (11am-4pm).
We’ll also be hosting a Hangar Dance at the Whitney Center Saturday Night (July 9) from 7-10pm. You can find more information for that on our event calendar.
Cost for members is $5; non-members is $10. Questions? Call the Museum at 320.253.8424. Please register by clicking here or go to www.stearnshistorymuseum.org/LivingHistory2022.
Want to register as a re-enactor? Click here!

History on Deck: John Decker Night
2022-06-24 17:30 - 22:00 | Cold Spring Baseball Park, 700 1st St S, Cold Spring, MN, 56320, United States
Join Stearns History Museum on June 24 at Cold Spring Baseball Park for a friendly game of baseball as a celebration of John Decker to honor him with the Zapp Historian Award.
We’re hosting a pre-game picnic at 5:30pm with music, hot dogs, beverages, and more as we celebrate John. General admission tickets are also available to watch the Cold Spring Springers take on the Farming Flames at 7:00pm with cash bar and concessions available. All proceeds directly support the Stearns History Museum’s Archival Program.
Please click here or visit stearnshistorymuseum.org/baseball for tickets and other information! We hope to see you there supporting John and the archives!

Taking the Ball into Their Own Hands: Women and the Road to Title IX Online Exhibit opens
2022-06-23 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Stearns History Museum is opening it’s first online photographic exhibit Taking the Ball into Their Own Hands: Women and the Road to Title IX.

The exhibit celebrates the enactment of Title IX into law on June 23, 1972, and features 25 Stearns County women athletes. Each profile has a quote or an interesting fact about their experiences. The research coincided with a grant project funded through Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Fund and administrated by the Minnesota Historical Society. The highlighted athletes were chosen for their athletic skills and a desire to build community through volunteering, mentoring, and public service.

Access to the virtual display will be through the Museum’s website and catalog: https://researchcenter.stearnshistorymuseum.org/MAEResults.aspx?pS=*&dir=STEARNSAR

Questions can be directed to info@stearns-museum.org or by calling 320-253-8424.

See you at the Juneteenth Celebration @ Lake George
2022-06-17 15:00 - 21:00 | Lake George, 1101 7th St S, St. Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Stop by our booth to chat, play games, and learn more about history & the Museum!

Whippersnapper Hour - "Spy School"
2022-06-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
In 2022, we’re bringing back Whippersnapper Hour! This program lets kids get their hands on history, with engaging and interactive activities that bring the past to life.
At this month’s “Whippersnapper Hour,” kids (ages 7-13) are invited for a crash course at the Spy School! Kids will learn all about the different secret spy tactics used during World War II, with everything from Morse Code to writing messages in invisible ink! Then, they will be forced to put those skills to use in order to solve a mystery right here in the museum.
Join us from 10-11 on Saturday, June 11 for “Spy School! Cost is $3/child (nonmembers) and members are free.
To register call the Museum at 320-253-8424 or email info@stearns-museum.org.

Heritage Circle Tour: Sinclair Lewis Home, Museum & Creamery
2022-06-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Sinclair Lewis Boyhood Home, 810 Sinclair Lewis Ave, Sauk Centre, MN, 56378, United States
Calling all Heritage Circle Members! Join us in Sauk Centre for a special tour of the Sinclair Lewis Home, Museum & Creamery on June 9 from 10am – 12pm. This will tie into our Breakfast Club on June 8th featuring Patrick Coleman & the Sinclair Lewis Exhibit.

Stay tuned for more information on how to register/RSVP!

Skate Park Open House - Heritage Park
2022-06-09 09:00 - 15:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
On June 9, enjoy free admission to the Museum & explore Heritage Park!

Breakfast Club - Putting Together the Minnesota Historical Society’s Sinclair Lewis Exhibit with Patrick Coleman
2022-06-08 09:00 - 10:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Save the date for this month’s Breakfast Club. Join us for coffee and rolls with Patrick Coleman as we view and discuss the Sinclair Lewis exhibit.
Check back soon for more information about this event.
Attendance for this event is limited due to COVID-19 space limitations. Reservations are required. Please call the Museum at 320-253-8424 to register. The Breakfast Club program is free for Stearns History Museum members and $7 for nonmembers.

Melrose Area Historical Society - Presentation by Hermann Welp and Bernd Struckmann
2022-06-03 11:30 - 14:30 | Greenwald Pub, 310 1st Ave N, Greenwald, Minnesota, 56335, United States
The Melrose Area Historical Society is sponsoring a presentation by Hermann Welp and Bernd Struckmann from Lower Saxony, Germany. They will be talking about life in Northern Germany in the 1830s and why many emigrated to the United States. They’ve helped several local families trace their ancestors, since many of them came from Lower Saxony.
Join the society for their presentation on German customs and organizations as well as a lunch buffet at Greenwald Pub on Friday, June 3, 2022 from 11:30a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Guests are welcome to socialize with friends, visitors and the presenters. The buffet style meal will be $15. You may even want to practice your German in conversation. More information will follow at a later date.

Kiwanis Walk & Roll Parade
2022-05-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Please join us for the Kiwanis led Walk & Roll Parade at Heritage Park! We are offering free admission to the Museum (5/28 only) to anyone participating in the parade.
The Kiwanis will be joined by the Sauk Rapids Color Guard, St. Cloud Police Department, LEAF, and more. There will be fun for everyone including giveaways, lawn games, etc. and best of all, this is a completely FREE event!

When: Saturday, May 28 10am – 11:30am
Where: Heritage Park (Stearns History Museum)
Questions? Go to stcloudkiwanis.org, stearnshistorymuseum.org, or call the Museum at 320-253-8424

Traveling Exhibit "Old Places Matter" *Closing*
2022-05-28 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
On May 28, 2022 Old Places Matter will be leaving Stearns History Museum. Please come in before this date to view the exhibit! Call the Museum at 320-253-8424 with questions.

Members Appreciation Picnic
2022-05-21 11:00 - 13:00 | Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN, 56301, United States
Please join us in celebrating YOU! All members are welcome. If you’re not a member and would like to learn how you can become one, please click here.
Questions? Call the Museum at 320-253-8424.

Sauk Centre Reads Together
2022-05-21 09:00 - 16:00 | River of Life Church, 705 12th St. S., Sauk Centre, MN, 56378, United States
Join the community discussion of “Evidence of V: a novel in fragments, fact and fiction” on Saturday, May 21, 2022. When author Sheila O’Connor attempted to uncover secrets about her family, she discovered the little-known history of incarcerating young girls for ‘immorality’ throughout Minnesota.
(Books available for immediate checkout at Great River Regional Library) See event schedule below for more information. Click here for the event website and registration.
9AM – 1PM Tours of the Eagle’s Healing Nest (former Home School for Girls) at 310 US Hwy 71 Sauk Centre, MN 56378
~ Presentation location is River of Life Church 705 12th St. S. Sauk Centre, MN 56378 ~
1PM – 2PM Sauk Centre Historical Society and Museum Presentations
2PM – 3PM Author Sheila O’Connor
3PM – 4PM Presentations and Community Discussion
