Resources
The Research Center contains an extensive collection of books, photographs and manuscripts regarding Blue Earth County’s history. Researchers may request a search, which will be done by the Archives Assistant for a small, adjustable rate (depending on the amount of time spent on the project). Research taking longer than one hour will be charged a $30 fee, per hour, for the Archives Assistant’s time. copies are $.25 per page.
Some items of particular interest to researchers are:
- Minnesota Territorial census for 1857
- United States census for Blue Earth County, Minnesota 1860 through 1930 (there is no 1890 census for Minnesota)
- Minnesota State census for Blue Earth County from 1865-1905
- Cemetery Index: covers all of the cemeteries in Blue Earth County
- Blue Earth County City Directories: 1871-1994
- Obituary Index: covers 1880 to date
- Biography files: contains newspaper clippings and other items about many Blue Earth County families
- Maps and Atlases: Blue Earth County and some surroundings counties, 1874-1990
- Newspapers: Microfilm copies of all Blue Earth County Newspapers from 1857-2009
- Servicemen's Index and file: contains clippings from Blue Earth County newspaper regarding men and women serving during World War II
- Vertical File: contains newspaper clippings and other items about many topics
- Families Histories: printed histories for many Blue Earth County families
- Photograph Collection
- Church Histories: printed histories and many other items on Blue Earth County Churches
- Township Notebooks: Social brevities, 1879-1945
- Reference Library: Local and state history and genealogical resources
If you are interested in more information on the research center or assistance in your research, contact Research Center.
For other useful resources see:
- The Minnesota GenWeb Project
- University Archives and Southern Minnesota Historical Center
- USGenWEb Archives - Minnesota
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
- Newsletter(PDF, 13.8MB)
- Annual Report (PDF, 5.87MB)
February BECHS E-News
Click here for the lastest edition of the BECHS E-news. Click here to sign-up to receive the Free monthly BECHS E-news.
BECHS Board of Trustees Openings
Applications now being accepted for the BECHS Board of Trustees. Board members assist with the governance and long-range planning efforts for this vibrant, growing, non-profit organization. Positions to be filled at March Annual Meeting. For details and application, click here.
Volunteer Opportunities at BECHS!
BECHS is currently looking for volunteers to asssist 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
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