Blue Earth County Historical Society Celebrates 125 Years

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - The Blue Earth County Historical Society is celebrating its 125th anniversary with brand new programs.

“The Historical Society has been around since 1901, and we’re always finding new and exciting ways to showcase history,” Communication and Events Manager Heather Harren said.

The Historical Society is using the Hubbard House to help bring each event to life. Wednesday, June 17 they hosted Cabinet of Curiosities with strange objects and local lore.

“There was a great butter heist in Lake Crystal at the turn of the century where 600 pounds of butter were stolen. The great grasshopper plagues had great stories that came out of there. Blue Earth County actually was paying people to turn in grasshoppers during this time and then found out that they couldn’t keep up with it,” Harren said.

If a butter heist doesn’t spark your interest, no need to worry there are multiple other events.

“In July, we are doing behind the scenes, and we’re looking at underwear throughout the ages. Which, I know it seems kind of risky, but it is going to be very family friendly,” Harren said.

The Historical Society is partnering with various community businesses throughout the program. Other events include Bloom and Gloom: The History of Plants in August, and Stones and Stories cemetery tours.

If you are unable to attend, the Historical Society is also highlighting a different decade on social media through objects in their collection, local events and national events.

“With that, it’s these different layers of ‘hey, this is what’s happening for us,’ but here’s what’s happening a little bit bigger, and what’s happening a little bit bigger, and how it all layers and effects,” Harren said.

You can find more information at blueearthhistory.com

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