Free Family Fun Day: Celebrating Spring
2025-04-12 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Goodhue County History Center, 1166 Oak Street, Red Wing, MN, 55066, United States
Spring is almost here! Join us for an afternoon of celebrating April showers and the beginning of a new season! Admission is free for everyone from 12 PM-3 PM. Highlights include: an umbrella craft, seasonal scavenger hunt, and sidewalk chalk art (weather dependent)!

Free Family Fun Day
2025-03-08 12:00 - 15:00 | Goodhue County History Center, 1166 Oak Street, Red Wing, MN, 55066, United States
Important Schedule Change: St. John’s Living History Program will take place in the morning only from 10:30 AM-11:30 AM.
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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to meet a historical figure? Now is your chance! Come experience St. John’s Living History program from 10:30 AM-11:30 AM, where students dress as notable people in history and share stories about their lives and legacies. Then join us for Free Family Fun Day from 12 PM-3 PM! Celebrate Women’s History Month and learn about women who made a difference in Goodhue County and beyond with a themed scavenger hunt and puzzle activity!

Book Talk with Fred Johnson
2025-02-27 14:00 - 15:30 | Goodhue County History Center, 1166 Oak Street, Red Wing, MN, 55066, United States
Join GCHS and Fred Johnson in celebrating his new release, Making History In Minnesota: Red Wing and its People Impact the State! All are invited to a Book Talk presentation at 2:00 PM, followed by a book signing at 3:00 PM. Books will be available to purchase in the museum gift shop.

Book Synopsis:
For more than two-hundred years, a community known as Red Wing has nestled beneath the monolithic Mississippi River landmark He Mni Can (La Grange, Barn Bluff). From the dominion of the Dakota, the French interlude, and the onset of United States control, there has been a village, town, or city on this remarkably beautiful parcel of land.
This is a book about Red Wing and the impact this community and its citizens have had in “Mni Sota Makoce” (land where the waters reflect the skies), and during territorial days and statehood. Using themes of historical importance and interest, the narrative employs a series of documented mini histories.

About the Author:
Frederick Johnson continues his efforts to illuminate the history of his native Red Wing through numerous books and magazine articles. He is a three-time winner of the American Association for State and Local History award; the most recent honor being for the highly praised Patriot Hearts: World War I Passion and Prejudice in a Minnesota County. His newest effort, Making History in Minnesota: Red Wing and Its People Impact the State, Volume 1, is out now!

History Break: Photograph Collection Digitization Project
2025-02-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Goodhue County History Center, 1166 Oak Street, Red Wing, MN, 55066, United States
At the end of 2023, GCHS was awarded a Legacy Grant to hire staff to digitize our collection of over 18,000 photographs. Since March 2024, our Collections Assistants Emily Anderson and Liz Anderson have digitized thousands of images. They will speak about the digitization process as well as interesting finds from the collection.

About Emily: Emily Anderson’s educational background is in art history. She has a bachelor’s degree from Hamline University and a master’s degree from the University of York. Emily has worked in museum collections for the past two years and completed a 3D object inventory at the Stearns History Museum prior to working at GCHS.

About Liz: Liz Anderson has a master’s degree in library and information sciences from St. Catherine’s University. She has worked in libraries and archives over the past few years, including those at the American Craft Council and the Minnesota Vikings.

Free Family Fun Day: Black History Month
2025-02-08 12:00 - 15:00 | Goodhue County History Center, 1166 Oak Street, Red Wing, MN, 55066, United States
The Goodhue County Historical Society is partnering with Red Wing High School’s Black Student Union (BSU) to celebrate Black History Month! Join us on Free Family Fun Day to learn about what BSU means to its members and enjoy poster displays about Black History Month made by the students. There will also be story time, a bookmark craft, free popcorn, and more!

About BSU: The Red Wing High School Black Student Union was founded in 2020 by Deyahni Cooper. It was established for Black students to have a safe space and community that welcomes everyone! BSU members organize fundraisers, host events, and go on community building field trips.

Free Family Fun Day: Winter Activities
2025-01-11 12:00 - 15:00 | Goodhue County History Center, 1166 Oak Street, Red Wing, MN, 55066, United States
Brrr, it’s cold outside! Come warm up at the Goodhue County History Center and learn about how Minnesotans found ways to enjoy the chilly winter months. Plus, take part in a winter-themed scavenger hunt and craft! Admission is free for everyone from 12 PM- 3 PM.

Free Family Fun Day: Happy Holidays!
2024-12-07 12:00 - 15:00 | Goodhue County History Center, 1166 Oak Street, Red Wing, MN, 55066, United States
Happy Holidays from GCHS! Join us in celebrating the season as we learn about different holidays and traditions celebrated throughout Goodhue County, both past and present! Highlights include a meet and greet with Santa, cookie decorating, take home goody bags for kids, and more! Admission is free for everyone from 12 PM- 3 PM. Plus, join our community show-and-tell by bringing a favorite holiday photo to share! Examples could be a fun photo with Santa, matching family pajama pictures, and more! Photos can be brought to the event or digital copies can be emailed to education@goodhistory.org.

History Break
2024-11-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Goodhue County History Center, 1166 Oak Street, Red Wing, MN, 55066, United States
The November History Break will be centered on the history of the small communities between Red Wing and Zumbrota with a spotlight on Goodhue – the halfway point on the Duluth, Red Wing and Southern Railroad. In Goodhue historian Margaret Hutcheson’s 1989 book, Goodhue: The Story of a Railroad Town, she included a subtitle – From Rowdyism to Respectability. Enough said. The rowdy were 600 itinerant railroad construction workers living in temporary camps and the respectable were the men and women who followed making Goodhue their home. The railroad was a lifeline both socially and economically. This was also true for Hay Creek, Claybank and White Willow.

Imagine no Goodhue at all until 1889 and no Highway 58 until 1934. The railroad created the town and kept it viable with needed groceries, hardware, machinery and lumber transported in and commodities of grain, flour, cream, clay and livestock shipped out. It also provided essential passenger service and mail delivery. This presentation will be a collaboration of Goodhue Area Historical Society (GAHS) volunteers with chairman David Betcher speaking for the group. The GAHS has a museum in Goodhue featuring the area’s agricultural heritage. The GAHS’s mission is to highlight the history of the village of Goodhue and the surrounding townships of Belle Creek, Belvidere, Hay Creek, Featherstone and Goodhue.

Walk Into Local History: Oakwood Cemetery
2024-10-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Oakwood Cemetery, Red Wing, MN, 55066, United States
Explore Red Wing’s Oakwood Cemetery with the Goodhue County Historical Society and learn more about Red Wing’s past. Walk through one of the cemetery’s most historic sections as we visit the final resting place of some of the most notable names in Red Wing. You will also learn about Victorian mourning customs, tombstone symbolism, and what life was like for 19th century Red Wing residents. Space is limited, tickets are $15 and must be purchased through Red Wing Community Education at https://redwing.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/home/ For any questions, please contact the Community Education office at 651-385-4565.

Free Family Fun Day: Halloween
2024-10-05 12:00 - 15:00 | Goodhue County History Center, 1166 Oak Street, Red Wing, MN, 55066, United States
Celebrate spooky season with GCHS and learn about the history of some of our favorite Halloween traditions! Family-friendly costumes are welcome and encouraged! Some highlights include making a boo-tiful Halloween craft, costume BINGO, and take home goody bags for kids. Additionally, show off your favorite Halloween photo at our community show-and-tell. Photos can be brought to the event or emailed to education@goodhistory.org. Admission is free for everyone from 12 PM- 3 PM.
Plus- check out a new display in October called “Pieces of Us: The Personal Collections That Define Us.” Have you ever wondered what a curator collects? Check out GCHS curator Afton’s horror movie action figures & memorabilia!

Film Screening & Discussion
2024-10-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Goodhue County History Center, 1166 Oak Street, Red Wing, MN, 55066, United States
Join GCHS and the Farmer-Labor Education Committee (FLEC) for a film screening and discussion of The Farmer-Labor Movement: A Minnesota Story.

Walk the Historic Jordan Creek
2024-09-28 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-09-28 10:00 - 11:30 | MN
Saturday, September 28th
10:00 – 11:30 am SOLD OUT
or
1:00 PM- 2:30 PM SOLD OUT
Cost: Members $7.00
Non-Members $10.00
Join GCHS staff on a walking tour of downtown Red Wing, following the historic route of the
Jordan Creek. This waterway once divided the downtown area before being driven
underground, where it still flows today.
Tours will start at City Hall and explore the history of the Jordan and some of the historic
buildings built on top of it, before ending at Levee Park. Put on your walking shoes and join us
as we follow the Jordan’s path to the Mississippi River.
Please purchase tickets at the front desk or call 651-388-6024.

Free Family Fun Day- Back to School!
2024-09-07 12:00 - 15:00 | Goodhue County History Center, 1166 Oak Street, Red Wing, MN, 55066, United States
School is back in session! Come learn about what school was like for kids in a one room rural schoolhouse. Create a schoolhouse craft, vote for your favorite subject, and more! Admission is free for everyone from 12 PM- 3 PM.
Along with GCHS staff, showcase your favorite first day of school photo for the day in our community show and tell. Printed photos can be brought to the event to be posted on our board and digital images can be emailed to education@goodhistory.org. Images will be displayed from 12 PM- 3 PM.

GCHS at the Goodhue County Fair
2024-08-07 09:00 - 2024-08-10 12:00 | Goodhue County Fair, 44279 County 6 Blvd, Zumbrota, MN, 55992, United States
Are you smarter than a 1940’s Goodhue County 8th grader? Come visit us at the Goodhue County Fair from Wednesday through Saturday and find out! Join us for activities, games, and programs for all ages. See the full schedule below:

Wednesday, August 7th: Daycare Day
9:00 AM-12:00 PM- Storytime & Hand Puppet Craft12:00 PM-2:00 PM- “Are You Smarter Than a 1940’s Goodhue County 8th Grader?” Game2:00 PM-4:00 PM- Fossil Dig4:00 PM-6:00 PM- “Are You Smarter Than a 1940’s Goodhue County 8th Grader?” Game

Thursday, August 8th: Goodhue County Ag Day
12:00 PM-2:00 PM- “Are You Smarter Than a 1940’s Goodhue County 8th Grader?” Game2:00 PM-3:00 PM- Hand Puppet Craft3:00 PM- 5:00 PM- History Beer Garden Presentation & Drawing to Win a Growler5:00 PM-6:00 PM- “Are You Smarter Than a 1940’s Goodhue County 8th Grader?” Game

Friday, August 9th- Senior Citizen Day
**Free admission for seniors 65+
10:00 AM-11:00 AM- Schoolhouse Presentation by Cannon Falls Area Historical Society12:00 PM-2:00 PM- “Are You Smarter Than a 1940’s Goodhue County 8th Grader?” Game2:00 PM-3:00 PM- Butter Making Demonstration3:00 PM-5:00 PM- History Trunk: Whirligig Art Project5:00 PM-6:00 PM- “Are You Smarter Than a 1940’s Goodhue County 8th Grader?” Game

Saturday, August 10th- Final Fun Day
9:00 AM-12:00 PM- “Are You Smarter Than a 1940’s Goodhue County 8th Grader?” Game

Free Family Fun Day - Ice Cream Social
2024-07-06 12:00 - 15:00 | Goodhue County History Center, 1166 Oak Street, Red Wing, MN, 55066, United States
Free Family Fun Day: Ice Cream Social
The Second Minnesota Battery Light Artillery,
Saturday, July 6
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Beat the heat with some Ice Cream at the History Center. Also come and check out the 2nd MN
Light Artillery Civil War Reenactors encampment in the park behind the History Center . Visit
the various stations set up in the park to explore what life was like for the soldiers in camp.

History Break - The Journey of Marquette and Jolliet
2024-06-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Goodhue County History Center, 1166 Oak Street, Red Wing, MN, 55066, United States
The Journey of Marquette and Jolliet
Wednesday, June 19
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
“It has been more than 300 years since French
explorers Marquette and Jolliet became the first
Europeans to paddle the waters of the Mississippi.
Their story in 1673 was an incredible voyage among
many peaceful tribes of Native Americans who
helped and protected them along the way. The
record of the journey and the effect on the lives of
the explorers is as interesting as the trip itself!
Robert Taunt, a local historian will talk about the
1763 voyage and the explorers in his colorful power
point presentation at the Goodhue County
Historical Society.

Free Family Fun Day - Dairy Month
2024-06-01 12:00 - 15:00 | MN
June is National Dairy Month. The Goodhue County
Historical Society, Dairy Princesses, and American
Dairy Association have joined forces to promote
drinking milk and celebrate the contributions the
dairy industry has made to the world, and specifically, our county.

Free Family Fun Day: Nature
2024-05-04 12:00 - 15:00 | MN
Enjoy free admission and family activities each month on Free Family Fun Day!
Park Naturalist, Madeline Dubois Clinton, Park Naturalist
Join us and learn about the adaptations of different bird beaks by looking at their differing qualities, the different ways that birds use their beaks, and how the size and shape of beaks relates to the foods that species of birds eat. Park Naturalist will bring a variety of tools to represent different bird beak styles and different “foods” that birds eat. Kids can use the tools to see what foods they are most effective with and try to match the tool to the style of bird beak to a local species of bird to lean why that species has the adaptations it has.
Also have fun doing crafts and scavenger hunt!
Free Family Fun Day is sponsored in part by:

Duty, Honor, Sacrifice: Exploring Goodhue County's Military Legacy
2023-11-11 10:00 - 15:00 | Goodhue County History Center, 1166 Oak Street, Red Wing, MN, 55066, United States
Join us for the grand opening of the new military exhibit! The grand opening for this exhibit will take place on November 11 in honor of Veterans Day. Refreshment will be available during the event.
The exhibit features histories and personal stories of experiences from Goodhue County citizens in America’s wars. The exhibit is designed to be updated every few years with new stories and objects. The first round will feature objects and narratives from the Civil War, Spanish-American War, WWI, and WWII. We are incorporating modern technology and displays into this new exhibit so we hope you all will enjoy the experience.

Free Admission for all veterans.
