Visit us this summer!

A visit to the Stearns History Museum makes a perfect family afternoon activity. With two floors of exhibits, a Research Center, Museum Store, and a children's playroom, there is something for everyone in the family. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful summer weather on the grounds of the Museum. Walk four miles of nature trails and enjoy the woods, prairie, and ponds of Heritage Park.

Traveling Exhibit & Special Program

Traveling Exhibit through July 31st. Luxembourg – USA: A Migration Story Exhibit An exhibit entitled Luxembourg – USA: A Migration Story is showing at the Stearns History Museum. The exhibit highlights the unique story of 19th and 20th century immigration from Luxembourg, one of the world’s smallest countries, to the United States. The exhibit is being hosted under the sponsorship of the Luxembourg American Cultural Society, Inc. of Belgium, Wisconsin.
The exhibit describe the reasons for Luxembourg immigration, the journey over the Atlantic, immigrant life and culture, Luxembourg settlements in the United States, as well as contemporary themes such as Luxembourg’s role in the EU, its demographics, modern culture and economy.

SPECIAL PROGRM Wednesday, June 24th 9:00 A.M. and 6:30 P.M. highlighing Luxembourg immigration with local genealogist Gretchen Leisen and Keven Wester from the Luxembourg Cultural Center in Wisconsin.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Granite City Book Club
July 8th, 2009, 6:30-8:00 pm Uprising, by Dean Urdahl   In the midst of America’s Civil War, Minnesota was having a war of its own: the 1862 Dakota Conflict, also known as the Sioux Uprising.  Based on real events, battles, and even using real names, Dean Urdahl wrote this book which has been described as “a history lesson disguised as a novel.” The author will attend the meeting to lead the discussion about his book on one of the most important chapters in Minnesota History.
 
August 12th, 6:30-8:00 pm   In The Interest of Justice, by Dan Eller  A St. Cloud psychologist is charged with the brutal murder of a young college student. Female attorney Jackie Geroux steps up to defend him in this seemingly open-and-shut case.  But, as this novel unfolds, the case becomes much more complicated than it first appeared.  The author of this riveting mystery is a St. Cloud attorney who has defended all levels of crime, including some well-known first-degree murder cases.  Dan Eller will attend the meeting to lead the discussion.

Historic Pub Crawl, Friday, August 21st, 6:00-9:00pm
Due to popular response, the Stearns History Museum will offer the Historic Pub Crawl again on Friday, August 21st.  Sign up today to reserve your spot for guided history tours at DB Searle’s, The Press, The Carpet, and MC’s Dugout.  Fee is $10 members, $15 non-members.  This cost includes guided tours with hand-outs, a shot-glass souvenir, and complimentary food throughout the evening.  Contact Sarah: 253-8424 or slavine@stearns.history.museum <mailto:slavine@stearns.history.museum> .

COMING THIS FALL

Breakfeast Club Resumes Wednesday, September 9th with "Door Step Democracy" presented by Professor of Political Science, St. John's University, Jim Read.

Granite City Book Club September 9th, 6:30-8:00 pm  The Case of the Greedy Lawyers, by Carl Brookins  Sean (no middle initial) Sean is a private investigator in Minneapolis.  When one of his clients is murdered, he puts his sleuth skills to work, determined to find her killer.  The author of this detective novel is a founder of the Minnesota Crime Wave group and the mystery book club facilitator at the Roseville Barnes & Noble. Carl Brookins will lead the discussion of his book at this meeting.

Glacial Ridge Bus Tour with John Decker, September 18th
A repeat of the spring tour, this popular activity explores central Minnesota. Call John Decker at 253-8424 or email jdecker@stearns.history.museum

October 14th, 6:30-8:00 pm  American City: A Rank and File History of Minneapolis, by Charles Walker  This is the violent story of the 1934 Minneapolis Truckers Strike, the strike that forever altered the power between unions and big business.  Violent opposition to the strike culminated when police fired on the unarmed strikers, killing four and injuring countless others in an event that would come to be known as Bloody Friday.  Originally published just 3 years after the strike, it was published again in 2005 featuring a foreword by Mary Lethert Wingerd, who is a History Professor at SCSU.  Professor Wingerd specializes in immigration, class, and urban history.  She will attend the meeting to answer questions and help us dissect this significant historical event.

Annual Meeting, Saturday, September 19th, 9:30 a.m. Bill Morgan will present "Buildings, Mills, and Walls: The WPA in Central Minnesota" Morgan dicusses governement projects in our area that put people to work during the Great Depression.

Halloween Historia, Saturday, October 24th, Noon to 4 p.m. A family event of spooky consequences.