About Us
Our Mission Statement
Goodhue County Historical Society serves as the steward for county history by collecting, preserving, and promoting the natural and cultural history of Goodhue County through education and outreach.
Minnesota’s oldest county historical society, the Goodhue County Historical Society was chartered in 1869. After residing for 37 years in the basement of the County Courthouse, the Society moved into the Baptist Old People’s Home building on College Hill in Red Wing in September of 1969. Between 1989 and 1992, the building was remodeled to increase storage and exhibit space.
The History Center is handicapped accessible.
Staff
Executive Director: Robin Wipperling
director@goodhistory.org
Curator of Collections & Exhibits: Afton Esson
collections@goodhistory.org
Archivist: Liz Schmidt
library@goodhistory.org
Education & Outreach Coordinator: Bethany Nelson
education@goodhistory.org
Board of Directors
Chair: Todd Avery, Hay Creek
Vice-Chair: Bruce Hemmah, Cannon Falls
Secretary: Kate Lang, Red Wing
Treasurer: Tom Pasch, Red Wing
County Commissioner: Susan Betcher
Alyssa Riegelman, Red Wing
Lottie Aslakson, Red Rebecca Pung Hay Creek
John Cain, Red Wing
Robbin Robbert, Goodhue
Newsletters
History
1869
“Old Settlers Association” was founded – the first county historical society in Minnesota. Rev. J. W. Hancock was elected president. The purpose of the organization was “preserving the memories of old times and keeping up the fond relations of the old-time boys.” (Goodhue County Republican)
1905
The Association was reorganized and added “collecting and preserving records and artifacts” to the previously stated purpose of “awakening and maintaining interest in the early history of Goodhue County.”
1906
The Association was given space in the new Carnegie-Lawther Public Library in Red Wing. It consisted of one cabinet to display artifacts along with basement storage.
1927
The name was changed to Goodhue County Historical Society
1932
The first museum was opened in the county courthouse. A two-day “white elephant” sale was held to raise funds.
1938
The Society hired its first paid employee – a curator.
1954
The Society incorporated.
1963
When county government needed more space in the courthouse, the Society relocated within the building. This prompted a search for a more permanent site for the museum.
1966
County commissioners allocated funds through 1/2 mill levy for 1967. This helped fund the Society and the position of curator.
1967
The Society started its Oral History Program in an effort to record the personal stories of county residents.
1968
The Society moved into the former Baptist Old People’s Home. Work began on preparing exhibit space and the museum opened on November 1.
1983
Planning began for a museum expansion project. After in-depth planning, the Society was able to receive the required funding through county appropriations (1987-1991), a one-time mill levy from the state legislature, and Society fund-raising.
1989
The Society moved out of the old building in preparation for museum expansion.
1991
The groundbreaking ceremony takes place on April 16 for museum expansion project.
1993
The Grand Opening of the expanded Historical Museum takes place.
1995
Museum hires first paid director.