Goodhue County History Center

What is one of the best things about fall? Apple picking season! Join us for a Free Family Fun Day where we celebrate all things apple! More details coming soon...

Join GCHS for a History Break with Joanell Dyrstad as she discusses her political career and community involvement! Joanell Dyrstad was the first female Mayor of Red Wing from 1985-1990, and she served as Lieutenant Governor with Arne Carlson from 1991-1995. She has been involved with a number of other organizations since then, including the […]

The United States turns 250 years old this year, and we're celebrating with our annual ice cream social! What was happening in Minnesota in 1776? Find out by exploring our exhibits and interacting with a fur trade reenactment group! Plus, view displays of bicentennial (1976) and Independence Day items in the GCHS collection.     […]

Why does College Avenue take you up College Hill, but there is no college? Join local historian and author, Todd Walsh, on a new walking tour that spans the history of a Red Wing neighborhood known for its picturesque views. Learn about early indigenous peoples who claimed the hill as sacred ground, colleges that have […]

Join us as we continue the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States! While we know that Minnesota was not part of the U.S. during the Revolutionary Era, we can consider the “Power of Place” and what was happening here in 1776. Archaeologists know that Native peoples have lived in the Red Wing […]

Join us for a film screening with Anderson Center Artist-In-Residence Melissa Hacker! Enjoy her documentary My Knees Were Jumping: Remembering the Kindertransports, followed by audience Q & A. Light refreshments will be served.      intimate...heartfelt...The speakers remember how their parents made the decision, as wrenching as Sophie's choice, to part with their children, possibly forever, […]

Join James Curry for a discussion on his recent project, Soul Force! The exhibition Soul Force: The Movements of Memory explores the collaboration and connection between Black, Indigenous and Chicano communities and their movements for autonomy, self-determination and liberation in the post-civil rights era in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and the Nation. These three movements […]

Photo: GCHS Collections, Red Wing Fire Department emergency vehicles parked outside of fire house in 1978 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Learn about the history of first responders in Goodhue County and meet some local responders! We’ll be joined by the Goodhue County Sheriff Department and members of Red Wing’s Police and Fire Departments for a fun afternoon with […]

SOLD OUT- Additional tour date will be added soon! ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Why does College Avenue take you up College Hill, but there is no college? Join local historian and author, Todd Walsh, on a new walking tour that spans the history of a Red Wing neighborhood known for its picturesque views. Learn about early indigenous peoples […]

For Visitors ages 14 & under: Be a History Detective this summer and explore local history! Pick up a free booklet at any participating museum or print your own using the link below. This summer, embark on a county-wide scavenger hunt across 5 museums! Find the answers at each museum and receive a stamp. Collect […]

One Family's Journey on Minnesota's Trail of Tears   Join Dakota Theatre Artist and White Bear Lake Area Historical Society Board President Rob Thomas as he takes you from 1862 to today through the eyes of his own family. Hear how his research was conducted into his ancestry and what tools and resources were accessed […]

What’s it worth? Find out at this event featuring antiques expert and author Mark Moran, PBS Antiques Roadshow appraiser and active appraiser of antiques and fine art for more than 20 years. Each $20 registration covers one item appraised. Please indicate item to be appraised when registering. Time slots for appraisals will be filled in […]