NEW MUSEUM ADDITION
Fifteen years ago, the Society purchased land where the museum complex is located in anticipation of a museum addition. The land was surveyed and money was raised towards the addition. Tree clearing and grading was begun in November of 2009. The weather held and the foundation was laid. The rest is history!
After a fifteen year journey, the new addition was opened on August 15, 2013 with some of the displays in place.
The grand opening is one to two years away. Over 1,300 visitors enjoyed the new addition during the 2013 Houston County Fair.
A. A "new" efficient and secure building is the best way to care for and yet share our "old" treasures, and a drive-in basement offers needed storage. The building is accessible to all ages and capabilities.
B. Refitting our existing main building and linking it to the new makes it more efficient for research in our diverse collection of photographs and records.
C. The relationship of our new and precious old buildings is a great convenience for visitors, administration, and forever-growing numbers of educational activities.
In 2014, the Society revamped the old museum into a research center. Volunteers spent many hours repainting and rearranging the rooms. The former work room now holds research materials and supplies. The middle room holds file cabinets, more research material and a desk for researchers. The photographs, school and business records and the Minnesota library remain in the original archives room.
The former display area is now the research hub with computers, copy machine, microfilm readers, etc. moved into this space. Along with the painting, new carpeting has been installed and the electricity and computer lines have been upgraded.
Everyone is welcome to be a part of this great undertaking. For more information, please contact the Houston County Historical Society at 104 History Lane, Caledonia, Minnesota 55921, or call 507-725-3884. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday — Wednesday year around, and also from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, June through August. Appointments can be made for other times. Tours are welcome. Please call us for an appointment.
Thank you for your contribution or pledge.