Preserving the Past by Kim Nelson

Happy New Year 2017 from the Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library and Village.

As we start the new year, we will celebrate some truly impactful milestones.

First, we will recognize Linda Evenson at our annual meeting for her 25 years with the museum. Linda started at the museum in June 1991. She is the librarian as well as an important part of our team.

In 2017 we will also celebrate a 20-year partnership with District 241, specifically Mr. Haney and his humanities social studies class. For the past 20 years, Mr. Haney has been bringing students to the museum to research lifestyles and careers from the 1820s to current day. Then, students from two classes present on separate days to the fifth-graders in the district.

This program is called Discover History Days. The high school students work with mentors and museum staff to make their research come alive through their presentations, which include traditional clothing and hands-on opportunities. The museum and Freeborn County are so fortunate to have had this opportunity for the past 20 years.

The new year will also bring upgrades to the displays to include up-to-date technology. We are planning on having featured displays each quarter at the museum. We are also working on our programing for our children’s learning lab. Our first event is coming up on Feb. 18 .

Watch our Facebook and the community calendars for details on these additional opportunities at the museum. To be able to offer these great additions and programs we do have to fundraise.

Please consider being a member of the Freeborn County Historical Museum. Also, make plans on attending our meatball and mashed potato fundraiser from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 20 at Moose Lodge in Albert Lea.

The museum is working hard to preserve the history of Freeborn County for generations to come. Please do not hesitate to contact me or visit us on Facebook.

Kim Nelson is the executive director of the Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library and Village, 1031 Bridge Ave.