Archives Collection
The two dimensional artifacts in BECHS's permanent collection consist of over 31,000 objects. Most of the objects in our collection are donated by individuals and families, people who want to make sure Blue Earth County's story, and their own, are never forgotten. Your grandfather's World War II letters and your aunt's graduation photo can be as important as a rare piece of 19th century furniture. Anything that can help BECHS preserve the memories and experiences of Blue Earth County's diverse people is valuable. Please contact Archives Manager if you think that you would like to make a donation of a family treasure.
Every object has a story…
Objects in the permanent collection include:
- Family letters
- Diaries and Journals
- Scrapbooks
- Documentary Mementos
- Recorded or written oral history interviews or memoirs
- Legal Records, such as wills
- Photographs and photo albums
- Ledgers or record books
- Financial records, such as receipts
- Ephemera, such as flyers, calendars, schedules, posters, menus and business cards
- Newspapers
- Books
- Maps
- Reminiscences or memories
- Organizational Records: Charters, membership list, minutes, yearbooks and programs
- Religious materials: programs, record books, bulletins and hymn books
The Blue Earth County Historical Society (BECHS) has been collecting, preserving and presenting the history of Blue Earth County, Minnesota since 1901. The Society operates two facilities in Mankato, MN. The Heritage Center, located at 415 Cherry Street, Mankato, MN, houses the Museum Exhibit Gallery, Research Center, Museum Store and a community art gallery. The Historic R.D. Hubbard House is the 1905 home of local flour mill entrepreneur R.D. Hubbard and his family. The Heritage Center is open year round and the Hubbard House is open seasonally May through September.
- Our Mission
- BECHS History
- Board
- Staff
- Quarterly Newsletter(PDF, 13.8MB)
- Annual Report(PDF, 5.87MB)
Baltics Base Ball
Saturday, May 19th
The Baltics will be playing in a tournament in La Crescent at Abnet Field (NE of Spruce St & S. 14th St). The schedule is as follows:
11:30a.m. - La Crescent Apple Jacks vs. Mankato Baltics
12:45p.m. - Mankato Baltics vs. St. Croix/Quicksteps
2:00p.m. - St. Croix/Quicksteps vs. La Crescent Apple Jacks
Come support your favorite players! For more information see their webpage.
Discover the Dakota Culture and Heritage: Games
Saturday, June 2, 10:00 a.m.
Historic R.D. Hubbard House
Come learn more about the games played by the Dakota. This event is free and open to the public. Click here for 2012 schedule.
The Timber: What We Know
In light of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, there has been extra emphasis placed on one item in our collection. A timber aka beam that is believed to be from the scaffold used in the mass execution of 38 Dakota on December 26, 1862. Click here to learn more about our findings through historical research.
Volunteer Opportunities at BECHS!
BECHS is currently looking for volunteers to assist with day to day activites. The following volunteer opportunities are available:
- Handy Work – light construction, repairs, maintenance
- Gift Shop Attendant
- Tour Guide
- Photograph Book Project
For more information on these volunteer opportunities, contact JoLynn at 507-345-5566!
Check out these great upcoming events!
Click on a date below for more information or view the Calendar
May 17 - HPC Historic Courthouse Tours
May 24 - HPC Hubbard House Tours
The Blue Earth County Historical Society is a member-supported non-profit organization. Membership and donations are a significant part of our annual operating budget. You can help support the work we do by:
ADDRESS
Blue Earth County Historical Society
415 Cherry Street
Mankato, MN 56001
TELEPHONE
507-345-5566
EMAIL:
General Information
Research