Kittson County History Center/Museum

Comment by Glenn Browne on March 6, 2009 at 7:46pm

A close-up of the new sign which was paid for by a generous donation by Fred Wilebski, who grew up in Lancaster, Mn.

Comment by Glenn Browne on March 26, 2009 at 3:05pm

Pioneer kitchen exhibit in the Kittson Museum.

Comment by Glenn Browne on March 27, 2009 at 11:54am

Womens corner exhibit at the museum.Note the rug loom on the left, then the spinning wheel, sewing machine and a wall of ladies hats. Last and not least are the portraits of women pioneers of the county.

Comment by Glenn Browne on March 27, 2009 at 6:43pm

For some time now the museum has been developing an alphabetical index that lists the name of Kittson County residents who have died and had obituaries printed in local papers. In the beginning, the index lists were printed in a three ring binder. If you had the name, the index would lead you to the Newspaper(s) that printed the obituary, the date printed and the date of death. You could then easily find the obituary on the microfilm and print a copy. To update the list it was necessary to reprint it regularly at a considerable cost of paper, ink and labor..
In the last few years the work has been taken over by Kathy Pederson and she has doubled the indexed names from about 15,000 to 30,000. All the records are now on a computer spreadsheet so it is easy to access the information. All new additions are automatically alphabetically indexed with the touch of a key. Over 300 rolls of microfilm contain copies of local newspapers. Each year more microfilm rolls are purchased. The cost of the collection exceeds ten thousand dollars. This valuable index makes it easy to find old obituaries of Kittson Counties former residents. This is of great help for people researching their family trees and expanding their family genealogy. The photo shows the research corner in the museum. A microfilm reader sits on each side of the computer and printer.
The cabinets hold the microfilm rolls. The large two sided bookcase to the left of the photo contains hundreds of research materials including family journals, books, census records, old county atlases and various other old records.
If you are working on your family tree, make a point to visit the museum and access these very helpful records. Donations to the Research Center will help buy additional micro film rolls and equipment that will help expand this excellent facility for the people of Kittson County.

Comment by Glenn Browne on May 9, 2009 at 8:59am

This Boreal Owl was found dead this last winter by Arnie Sundem and taken to Bruce Sandahl who mounted it. (All the DNR paperwork was done)
This is an owl that is very rarely see as it hunts by night and sleeps by day.
This display has now been added to the museum wildlife exhibit.

Comment by Glenn Browne on July 16, 2010 at 4:03pm

Dear Member,



The summer season is here! This is evident with all the visitors that have been touring the museum this past month. Visitors from Oregon, Arizona, Florida, Oklahoma Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, Nevada, Wisconsin, & Alaska have already toured the museum this summer. If you haven’t been to the museum lately, come over for a visit. It is open every day throughout the summer months; Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Weekends & Holidays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It’s a great place to bring your summer company!



There have also been several people coming to the museum for genealogy purposes. They are always impressed with the information they are able to find in the museum’s archives. The genealogy group, that meets the first Wednesday of each month at 1:30, has been organizing some of the records. At their last meeting, they helped some people from southern Minnesota & Wisconsin find some family history information. Glenn Browne continues to organize these meetings. He is also the one who has gotten the web site going. www.kittsonhistorian.ning So far, there are over 60 people involved that have added information about their families, posted photos and, other historical information relating to Kittson County. Check out the site, if you haven’t already. I really think that you will enjoy it.



This letter is really meant to inform you of the upcoming activities at the museum. On July 31st, during Lake Bronson’s summer celebration, there will be a fundraiser “silent” auction at the museum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Last year’s silent auction was very successful. Just over $1500 was raised. It worked out really well. People had a chance to look over the items, write down their bid, and if they really wanted the item, they could come back just before the auction ended & raise their bid. In order to make this fundraiser successful, we are now in need of donated “sellable” items for this sale. We will accept anything except clothing, appliances, televisions, microwaves, or computers. If you have an item that you would like to donate for the sale and would like us to pick it up, please give us a call. Otherwise, you can drop it off at the museum.



On Thursday, August 5th, we will be having the 2nd annual “Cruise – See – ‘Em” at the Museum. Board members and staff will be grilling & serving burgers & brats starting at 4 p.m. The Valley Cruisers Car Club will be at the museum to show off their cars. Even if you are not involved in the car club you are welcome to cruise over to the museum in your classic or antique vehicle and join the others for a “cruise” through Lake Bronson State Park at 7 p.m. This is the beginning of Woodcarvers’ Weekend at the Park so there should be many campers around that evening. Although the weather wasn’t very nice last year, the few that participated in the “cruise” through the park had a great time. The Artists Unlimited will also be holding their annual Art Show in the Museum. Plan something different for a Thursday evening and come over to the Museum!



Another upcoming event is scheduled for Thursday, August 26th when we will be hosting a one man play titled, “The Mushroom Picker”. The show depicts the story of Matt Konop who was a WWII Czech-American soldier fighting in the forests of his family’s ancient homeland. Mr. Konop’s grandson, Patrick Dewane, brings his grandfather’s story to life with photos, movie clips & music. More information on the time & location of this event will be listed in local papers and flyers.



Thank you for continuing to support the Kittson County Historical Society through your memberships & donations. Your consideration is always appreciated. Have a great summer!



Sincerely,



Cindy Adams

Museum Director

Comment by Trish Short Lewis on July 16, 2010 at 4:15pm

Boy, I wish I could get up there to some of those events coming up...or even to just stop by...I'm coming to St. Vincent both 7/30 and 7/31, day-tripping both days because we have livestock we must return to care for daily, but both days are so chuck full of visiting and touring and photograph-taking and events I don't think I"ll have time to swing by the museum...but in case I do, I will try and convince my partner to stop by on the way up since you're open at 9am...here's hoping!!

Comment by Trish Short Lewis on August 3, 2010 at 2:32pm

It was wonderful to visit the museum this past weekend - it had been too long. And on such a beautiful day! Hope the museum raised a lot of funds through the auction it had for its benefit. And it was about high time I FINALLY joined, which I did...

Comment by Laura Cameron Schroeder on February 7, 2012 at 7:05pm

Great photos of the museum. Hopefully sometime I can get up there. Does someone have the information on which ladies photos are up on the wall there? (photo above)

Thanks!

Comment by Trish Short Lewis on April 23, 2016 at 3:14pm

I began planning a family reunion for the extended (meaning not just blood, but those that married into) Fitzpatrick family for July 2016. Then I thought, why not open it up to anyone that wants to come? To me, Kittson County and it's neighbors in Pembina and Emerson are all one extended family anyways.

Many who attended the 155th Town Reunion expressed how much they had enjoyed it, and that they'd love to do it again. That said, I'm letting one and all know about this now so if you are interested in getting together to chat, catch up, break bread together, etc., you can plan for it. The dates will be Friday, July 15 through Sunday, July 17, 2016. I'll be posting info about lodging/food/sightseeing, so look for it. More information will be forthcoming as the months progress. But for now, SAVE THE DATES! See you there...

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