This section lists the societies of Minnesota, giving details about each one and what resources and publications they offer.
Statewide and Regional Societies
County and Other Societies
Statewide and Regional
Minnesota Genealogical Society
The association was organised in 1969.
The aims of the Society are to promote and encourage interest in family history and genealogy and to collect and preserve historical documents.
Many archives are available at their Library located at 1185 Concord St. N. Suite 218, South St. Paul, MN, which include maps, microfiche, microfilms, CD-ROMs and over 30000 volumes. An online catalogue is available on their site.
You can also download back issues of the Society’s Newsletter 2012-2013 on their site.
Numerous publications are available for sale, which include:
- Books about the First and Hennepin Co. Early Settlers.
- Cemetery Records
- Plat Books for various years and Counties
Website:
http://mngs.org
County and Other Societies
Aitkin County Historical Society
Their aims are to collect and preserve historical information relating to the history of Aitkin County, to promote and encourage interest in the history of the area, and to make this information available to present and future generations.
The society has an extensive collection of resources, which include:
- Biographies
- Cemetery Records
- Census Returns
- Naturalisation Records
- Newspapers
- Obituaries
- Oral Histories
- Photo Archive
- Plat Books
- Township and Village Files
Oral History Transcriptions and Maps from the 1916 Plat Book is accessible on their site.
Many publications for sale relate to the region’s history, which cover:
- Architecture
- Biography
- Ethnic
- Fiction
- Food and Recipes
- Horticulture
- Local Authors
- Local Family History
- Midwest
- Minnesota History
- Native Americans
- Nature
- War
Website:
http://www.aitkincohs.org/
Anoka County Genealogical Society
The society was established in 1975. Many resources are accessible in their library, which include:
- Birth, Marriage, Death and Church Records index by Last Name
- Diaries
- Manuscripts
- Maps
- Microfilms
- Naturalisation Papers
- Newspaper Collections
- Obituaries
- Personal Papers
- Photographs
Many databases are accessible, including:
- Anoka Co. 1883 Pensioners
- Cemetery Transcripts
- Early Pioneers
- Genealogies
- Probate Records
Access to Vital Records is also offered, including:
- 1860 Mortality Schedule
- Anoka Co. Death Index – Master Index
- Anoka Newspaper Deaths 1863-1871
- City of Ramsey Deaths 1871-1915
- Births 1870-1910
- Marriages 1869-1910 sorted by both Bride and Groom
Website:
https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~relativememory/genealogy/
Blue Earth County Historical Society
The association has a Research Centre where many resources are available, including:
- 1857 Minnesota Territorial Census
- 1860-1930 Federal Censuses(Excludes 1890)
- Biographies
- Blue Earth Co. 1865-1905 State Censuses
- Cemetery Indexes
Archives also include:
- Directories 1871-1994
- Family Histories
- Maps and Atlases 1874-1990
- Newspapers 1857-2009
- Township Notebooks: Social Brevities 1879-1945
Website:
http://www.bechshistory.com
Brown County Historical Society
The association has a Library where many resources are available, including:
- Audio and Video Collections
- Brown Co. Newspapers
- Business Files
- Census Returns
- Church and Cemetery Records
- Family Files
- Historical Files
- Naturalisations
- Photographs
Indexes to Depredation Claims resulting from the US-Dakota War of 1862, and Ancillary Information relating to the US-Dakota War of 1862 are also accessible.
Many publications are also available for sale, which include:
- A Battle for Living: Life and Experiences of Lavina Eastlick – John Isch
- A German Town: A History of New Ulm, Minnesota – Daniel J. Hoisington
- The Lady with the Gunpowder: A Luxembourger’s Tale of Courage in the US – Dakota War of 1862 – Terry Sveine
- A Personal Narrative of Indian Massacres 1862 – Lavina Eastlick
- Sketches by Anton Gag – Annotated by Julie L’Enfant
- The Story of Sister Adelaide Koetter
Website:
http://www.browncountyhistorymn.org
Carver County Historical Society
Many documents are held in their Genealogy and Research Library, which include:
- Births 1870-1936
- Cemetery Records
- Census Returns
- Church Records
- Deaths 1870-1991
- Genealogies
- Marriages 1856-1985
Archives also include:
- Naturalisations
- Newspapers
- Oral Histories
- Personal Papers
- Photographs
- Plat Maps
- Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps of Chaska and Carver 1885-1925
The association also issues certificates to people who can prove they are connected to Carver Co. Pioneers. Further information about these are available on their website.
Website:
http://www.carvercountyhistoricalsociety.org
Chisago County Historical Society
Their aim is to share and preserve information relating to Chisago Co. They have a large collection of artefacts which has been collected for over 50 years and have also shared stories about the region.
Many resources are accessible in their library, which incorporate Cemetery Transcripts, Census Returns, Genealogies, Immigrant and Passenger Arrivals, Obituaries and Passenger Lists.
An on-line catalogue of these documents is available on their site.
Numerous databases are also on-line, including an Obituary Index and an index of items from Chisago Heritage Newsletters and Journals.
There is also a list of Cemeteries in the Region.
Website:
http://www.chisagocountyhistory.org
Clay County Historical and Cultural Society
The association has a Library where a comprehensive collection of documents are accessible, including:
- Books
- Manuscripts
- Newspapers
- Other archives relating to Clay Co. history
- Photographs
A partial listing of collections is available on the site, including:
- Census Returns
- Fargo-Moorhead City Directories
- Marriage and Death Records
- Naturalisations
- Plat Books
- Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
- Tax Records
Website:
http://www.hcscconline.org
Cottonwood County Historical Society
Their aim is to collect and preserve the county’s history.
A large collection of archives is available at their Library, including:
- Atlases
- Business Histories/Documents
- Cemetery Records
- Census Records
- Church Records
- Club and Organisational Records
- Ephemera
- Family Histories and Documents
- Genealogical Files
- Library Card Catalogue
- Maps
Their archives also incorporate:
- Military Records
- Naturalisation Records
- Newspapers
- Obituary Files
- Periodicals and Newsletters
- Photograph Catalogue File
- Plat Books
- School Records Files and Index
- Telephone Directories
- Township Records
- Yearbooks
A timeline of the history of the area is also available.
Website:
https://sites.rootsweb.com/~mncotton/cchs.htm
Crow Wing County Genealogical Society
Their aims are to preserve and collect genealogical and historical information relating to the history of the County, to maintain a genealogical research library for members and those interested in history and genealogy, and to hold meetings for members.
Many databases are available on the site, including:
- Cemetery/Burial Transcriptions
- Census Transcriptions
- Maps and Place Names
Marriage Transcriptions are also available:
- Brainerd Dispatch 1883-1895
- First Methodist Church 1873-1900
- St Francis Assisi 1852-1870
The association has combined its resources with those held by the Family History Centre and the Library has a large collection of Books, Microfilm and Microfiche.
Website:
http://crowwing.mngenweb.net/gs/
Crow Wing County Historical Society
Many resources are accessible in their Research Library, including:
- Biographies
- Brainerd City Directories
- Census Returns
- County Histories
- Maps and Atlases
- Mortuary Records of Early Brainerd
- Naturalisation Index
- Newspapers
- Obituaries
- Oral Histories
- Photographs
- Township Histories
Books held by the society include the following titles:
- Between the Waters: Tracing the Northwest Trail from Lake Superior to the Mississippi River – Larry Luukkonen
- Catholic Origins of Minnesota – Rev. Vincent Yzermans (ed)
- Cuyuna Country: A People History (vol. 1, 2, & 3)
- Historical Notes of Brainerd by Oldtimers – Carl Zapffe, Jr.
- Minnesota Logging Railroads – Frank King
- Muster Roll: A Biography of Fort Ripley, Minnesota – Robert Baker
- Old Crow Wing: History of A Village – Sister Bernard Coleman, Sister Verona Labud and John Humphrey
- Old Times on The Upper Mississippi – George Merrick
- Windows to the Past: A Bibliography of Minnesota County Atlases – Mai Freude
A full list of books available in the Research Library is accessible on their website.
A list of items that appeared in the Heritage Edition of the Brainerd Daily Dispatch from October 15, 1981 are accessible. Copies of this newspaper are available in their Research Library.
Website:
http://www.crowwinghistory.org
Cuyuna Iron Range Heritage Network
The Network was established in 1989 as the Cuyuna Country Heritage Preservation Society.
The aim of the Society is to preserve the history of the Cuyuna Iron Range and its people.
To this end, they collect and preserve artefacts, documents, manuscripts, photographs and maps.
A vast collection of resources is held in the lower level of First National Bank of Crosby and the J. F. Hallett Memorial Library, which include:
- Historical Photographs
- Newspapers
- Original Tract Entry Records on Microfilm and CD-ROM
- Research Files
Information regarding the Milford Mine Disaster on 5 February 1924 is accessible on the site.
Many publications are sold by the society, which include:
- Cuy_Una!: A Chronicle of Cuyuna Range
- Cuyuna Country: A Peoples’ History
- Gourmet Grub, Cuyuna Range Roots & Recipes
- A Family of Pioneers – History of the Knieff Family on Bay Lake
- The Flight of Man High II
- Hot Beds is not a Dirty Word/Deadly Winter – Beverly Mindrum
- Indian Trail Magazine: Land and Water Trails of the Ojibwe and Sioux Nations
- Milford Mine Disaster: A Cuyuna Range Tragedy.
- Native Americans in Cuyuna Country – Paula Lekatz Robinson
- News and Nonsense: Compilation of articles from area newspapers
Website:
http://www.cuyunahistory.org
Dakota County Genealogical Society
The society is an affiliate of the Dakota County Historical Society.
Many resources are available in their Library and Research Facilities, but you will need to become a member of the society in order to enter these facilities.
1880 and 1980 maps are available on the site, along with a list of links to other sites you may find of use.
Website:
https://sites.rootsweb.com/~mndcgs/
Dakota County Historical Society
Many archives are available at their Library located at 130 Third Ave. N, South St Paul, MN 55075, which include:
- Family Files
- Naturalisations
- Newspapers
- Personal Papers
- Photographs
- Township Information
- Vital Statistics
The association also has some on-line databases, which incorporate:
- 1879 Warner & Foote Map of Dakota County (Portions)
- Cemetery Transcripts
- Census Returns
- Civil War Newspaper Items
- World War I Records
- World War II Records
For payment of a fee, the Society is willing to help you with your family history research using obituaries, marriage announcements and Catholic Church records, etc.
Website:
http://www.dakotahistory.org/
Heart-O-Lakes Genealogical Society
The association has a vast collection of resources housed in the Becker County Museum. These resources incorporate:
- Births, Marriages and Deaths
- Cemetery Records
- Census Returns
- Church, City and Township Commemorative Books
- Church Directories
- Family Histories
- Fire Maps of the city of Detroit Lakes – 1892, 1899, 1914
- High School Yearbooks
- Hinton Roll
- Land Transfer Records
Resources also incorporate:
- Local Histories
- Local Scrapbooks
- Naturalisation Records
- Newspapers
- Oral Histories
- Photographs
- Plat Books for Becker County
- Plat Books for Otter Tail County
- Telephone Directories
- War Records
Many publications are available for sale, which incorporate:
- Cemetery Transcriptions
- Family Histories
- Township and City Histories
Website:
https://sites.rootsweb.com/~mnholgs/
Isanti County Historical Society
Many resources are held by the Society, which include:
- The Carlson Collection
- The City of Cambridge minutes back to the late 1800s
- The Historical Business Ledger and Meeting Minutes from the Union Mercantile Cooperative in Oxlip
- The Plat Books of Isanti County
- The Willard Larson Collection
Information regarding townships in Isanti County and an image database, containing many images relating to the history of the area, are also accessible.
Some publications are sold by the society, which incorporate:
- Crossroads Communities – The Ghost Towns of Isanti Co.
- Isanti County Revisited: The First 150 Years
- Isanti County: Township Maps 1898
- Pictorial Review of Isanti Co. School Houses
Website:
https://www.isanticountyhistory.org/
Jackson County Historical Society
Numerous databases are online, which include:
- Biographies and Obituaries
- Churches
- Maps
- Photographs: People and Places
Information regarding towns and townships in the area is accessible, along with a list of surnames currently being researched by Members.
Links to other sites you may find useful are also accessible.
Website:
https://sites.rootsweb.com/~mnjackso/
Kandiyohi County Historical Society and Museum
The society was established in 1897 as the Old Settler’s Association, its aim being to preserve the history of Kandiyohi County. It was incorporated as Kandiyohi County Historical Society in 1940.
The association has an Archives and Research Centre (The Victor Lawson Research Library) where a wide variety of archives are available, which include:
- Archives and Manuscripts
- Audio and audio-visual tapes and films
- 2000 Books and 30 Periodicals
- Census Returns
- Death Records 1908-1954
- Deaths
- Naturalisation Papers
- Newspapers
- Photographs
- Registers of Mail Contracts, Minnesota 1854-1858
- School Census, Districts 1-1057, 1909-1970
A list of newspapers held by the society is accessible.
Website:
http://www.kandiyohicountyhistory.com
Martin County Genealogical Society
The association has a wide range of archives, which incorporate:
- Alphabetical Obituary Index File
- Cemetery Transcripts
- Family Histories
- Family Tree Maker CD’s (for use with their computer)
- Funeral Home Books 1931-1981
- German Research Materials
Archives also include:
- History of East Chain (published in 1992) by Dona Paris
- Martin Co. History Books
- Newspapers from 1874 to present
- Obituaries
- Obituary Index File to Martin County newspapers 1874 to the present
- People/Places/Events Files
Links to other sites you may find useful are also available.
Website:
http://fairmont.org/mchs/mcgs.htm
Mower County Historical Society
Mower County Pioneer and Historical Society was established on 8 August 1947 after the Mower County Fair in which the Fair Board honoured farmers who had paid taxes for more than 50 years.
It was then decided a building should be erected honouring area pioneers.
Many resources are accessible in their library, which include:
- Birth/Death Cards
- City and Mower Co. History Books
- City Directories
- Newspapers
- Obituary Cards
- Plat Maps
Numerous publications are available for sale, which include Trinity Lutheran Church, Waltham 1877-1977, Nicholas Adams Family Tree 1799-1941, Misc. Austin City Directories and many more books and publications relating to Mower Co. history.
Website:
http://www.mowercountyhistory.org
Olmsted County History Centre
Their Research Centre has a comprehensive collection of artefacts and other items relating to the Southeast Minnesota area. These incorporate:
- Decorative Art Pieces
- Furniture
- Hand Tools
- Native American Artefacts
- Red Wing Stoneware
- Textile Collection
Many databases are also on-line, which incorporate:
- Biographical Index
- Photo Index
- Rochester Papers 1859-1912
- Rochester Public Library Personals Index
- Subject Index to the Olmsted Co. Historical Society’s Collection
The Rochester Public Library Personals Index includes Obituaries, Anniversaries, Births, Divorces and Marriages from Rochester Post Bulletin 1984-2009.
Website:
http://www.olmstedhistory.com
Otter Tail County Genealogical Society
Maps relating to the area and a list of Townships are available on the site. There is also a link to an index of the 1860 Federal Census and also links to other sites which may be of use.
Numerous publications are available for sale, which incorporate the Landowners in Plats 1884, 1902 and 1912, 1884 Otter Tail Co. Platbook, Otter Tail Co. 1916 and the 1880 Federal Census.
A Message Board hosted by Rootsweb and a list of surnames currently being researched by Members are also available.
Website:
http://www.otchs.org/Affiliates/GenealogicalSociety.html
Otter Tail County Historical Society
The aim of the association is to collect, preserve and interpret the history and heritage of the County. They have an exhibit gallery, archival and object collection and a genealogical research library.
Numerous resources are accessible in the library, which incorporate:
- Alien Registrations
- Biography Files
- Book and Photograph Collections
- Cemetery Master Index
- Census Records
- Church Registers
- City Directories
- Deaths 1871-1918
- Marriage Card File Index
- Naturalisations
- Newspapers
- Obituary Card File Index
- Plat Maps
- Tax Lists
Many databases are also on-line, which include a Cemetery Search and the Multi Index Search.
Many publications are sold by the Society, which incorporate:
- Fergus Falls and the Fabulous Fifties – Lance E. Johnson
- The Great Fergus Falls Cyclone of June 22, 1919
- Home Fires and Battlegrounds: A Military History of Otter Tail County
- The Making of a Small Town: Carlisle, Minnesota – Linda Frances Lein
- Memories of Otter Tail Lake (Second Edition) – Lance E. Johnson
- Old Clitherall Story Book
- Photos by Oxley: Historic Images of West Central Minnesota
- The Promise of a Beautiful Harvest: Otter Tail County 1865-1895
- Remembering the Maine: Riding with Roosevelt – Jan Smith
- The State Welcomes You: Minnesota’s Third State Hospital
Website:
http://www.otchs.org
Prairieland Genealogical Society
The association has a vast collection of resources, which include:
- Births and Deaths
- Cemetery Transcripts
- Census Returns
- Church Histories and Registers
- Family Group Sheets and Pedigree Charts
- Genealogies
- High School Annuals
- History Books
- MN in the Civil War and Indian Wars 1861-1865
- Naturalisations
- Newspapers
- Obituaries
- Plat Books
- Prairieland Pioneer Indexes
- Tax Records
A list of Lyon Co. Cemeteries is also on the site.
Many publications are available for sale, which include Lyon Co. and Surrounding Area Cemeteries and Back Issues of the Society’s publication Prairieland Register.
Website:
https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~cmolitor/genealogy/
Ramsey County Historical Society
The association was estalished in 1949 when citizens acquired Heman and Jane Gibbs farm in Falcon Heights. The Gibbs Museum opened in 1954. Their aims are to promote and encourage the study of genealogy and to preserve historical materials for future generations.
Many archives are available in their Research Centre, located in St Paul’s Landmark Centre, which incorporate:
- Books
- City Directories
- Maps
- Periodicals
- Personal Papers
- Photographs
Ramsey County History, their quarterly magazine, is also published by the society.
Website:
http://www.rchs.com
Red River Valley Genealogical Society
This society is also listed under North Dakota.
Roseau County Historical Society and Museum
The society was established in 1927, its aim being to collect and preserve the history of Roseau County.
Many archives are accessible in their Research Library, which include:
- Birth, Marriage and Death Indexes
- Cemetery Transcripts
- Census Returns
- Church Registers
- Court Records
- Naturalisations and Immigrations 1904-1915
- Newspapers
- School Records
- Tax Records
- Yearbooks
A list of Roseau Co. Cemeteries is also accessible.
Many publications and other items are sold by the society, which incorporate:
- Breaking Trail
- Collectible Plates
- County of Roseau Centennial 1895-1995
- P is for Pioneer, An ABC Picture Book
- Pioneers O Pioneers Books I and II
- RCHS 75th Anniversary Cookbook
- Roseau Co. Heritage Book
- Travelling Through Time in Minnesota’s Historic Northwest
Website:
http://www.roseaucohistoricalsociety.org
Scott County Historical Society
The aim of the association is to preserve information and make it accessible to the public.
Many archives are available in their Library, which incorporate:
- Census Returns and Indexes
- Church Records
- Maps and Atlases
- Naturalisations
- Newspapers
- Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
- Subject Index
A surname index to Obituaries, Marriages, Death and Significant Events is available on the site along with a list of Cemeteries. An on-line catalogue is also accessible.
World War 2 Oral History Interviews are also available.
Website:
http://www.scottcountyhistory.org
Sibley County Historical Society
The aim of the association is to collect and preserve records relating to Sibley County and to relate them to the history of the State of Minnesota.
Many Genealogical Resources are available in their museum, which incorporate:
- Church Histories
- Family Histories
- Federal Census Returns
- Minnesota Census 1857-1905
- Naturalisations
- Newspapers
- Obituaries
- Photographs and Old Postcards
Information regarding surnames included in the Family Histories is on the site.
Details of cemeteries in the area are also available. They have recorded over 6500 memorials.
A list of links to other sites you may find of use is also available.
Website:
http://www.henderson-mn.com/sibley-county-historical-society.html
Stearns County Historical Society
The association was organised in 1936 and began to shape itself into a Museum in 1973. Many resources are available in their Research Centre, which include:
- Census Records
- Death Indexes 1917-1964
- Death Record Books 1946-1982
- Genealogical Files
- Luxembourg Immigrants to Stearns County and the Vicinity
- Maps
- Marriage Indexes 1855-1900, 1904-1980
- Marriage Record Books June 1916-June 1979
- Minnesota in the Civil and Indian Wars 1861-1865: Index to Roster of Soldiers
Resources also include:
- Naturalisation Papers
- Newspapers
- Obituaries
- Oral Histories
- Photographs
- Plat Books
- Regional School Annuals
- St. Cloud Directories
- Town and Parish Histories
Resources also relate to Luxembourg and Germany.
An on-line catalogue of these resources is available on the site.
Some publications are available for sale, which include Minnesota 13: From Grain to Glass DVD, A Road Taken by Jim Studer and Quarry Quest by Mark Sakry.
Website:
https://www.stearnshistorymuseum.org/
Waseca County Historical Society
Formed in the court chambers of the Honourable Fred Senn at the Waseca County Courthouse, the society was formed on 26 February 1938, with Herman Panzram elected as president. Martha Cummins was vice president, Charles Bailer was treasurer and Robert Hodgson the association secretary.
Many resources are accessible in their library, which include:
- Birth Index 1870-1982
- Births 1870-1940
- Death Index 1870-1920
- Deaths 1870-1940
- Deeds 1857-1886
- Family Files
- Kinder Funeral Books
- Marriage Index 1857-1982
- Marriages 1857-1920
- Naturalisations 1859-1966
- Newspapers
- NY Passenger List Index 1820-1846
- Oral Histories
- Probate Order Books 1901-1925
- Waseca Co. Census Returns apart from 1930
- Wills 1887-1949
They also have Birth, Marriage and Death Records relating to Steele County and LeSueur County.
Website:
http://www.historical.waseca.mn.us
Washington County Historical Society
The association was established in 1934. Many databases and indexes are available on-line, which include:
- 1898 Trades Edition of the Gazette
- Coroner’s Record Book
- Historical Whisperings(their newsletter)
- St Paul Park WWII Letters
A vast collection of resources is available, which incorporate:
- Cemetery Transcripts
- City Directories
- Photographs
- School Registers
- Stillwater Births and Deaths
- Stillwater Jail Records
- Stillwater Telephone Books
- Stillwater Territorial Prison Records
- Washington Co. Name Index (Nearly 100000 entries)
Website:
http://www.wchsmn.org
White Bear Lake Area Historical Society
Their aims are to gather historical information, to promote and encourage the study of history and to preserve the area’s history for future generations.
Many databases are on the site, which include 1895 White Bear Township Census, Obituaries and Cemetery Records.
It is also possible to download Back Issues of their newsletter.
Website:
http://www.whitebearhistory.org
Winona County Historical Society
Their aims are to collect, preserve and exhibit materials related to the history of Winona County. The society currently have approximately 1700 members and 90 active business supporters.
Numerous resources are accessible at the Laird Lucas Memorial Library, which incorporate:
- Business Records
- Cemetery Transcripts
- Federal Census Returns
- Manuscripts
- Maps
- Newspapers
- Old Settlers Scrapbook
- Passenger and Immigration Lists
- Plat Books
- Sanborn Insurance Maps of Winona for 1894 and 1917
- Scrapbook Collection
- Telephone Books
- Winona City Directories
Information regarding Wabasha Prairie to Winona and A Civil War Journal for Company K, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment at Gettysburg 1-4 July 1863, are accessible on their website.
Website:
http://www.winonahistory.org