Since its beginnings in 1921 – and even back to the Old Settlers Association, founded in 1876 – the Stevens County Historical Society, located in Morris, Minnesota has worked diligently to collect the best examples of historical artifacts of life on the prairie. Everything from books and letters to clothing, tools, utensils, photographs, and handmade articles have found its way into our collections. The Historical Museum houses captivating displays of items once used in farming, industry, spinning, cooking, education, religion, medicine, animal husbandry, housing, and works of local artisans in Stevens County.
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The Old Settlers Association was formed to commemorate and honor the pioneer spirit of the early settlers of western Minnesota. This was a story of indomitable hope; the transformation of the great expanse of prairie into what has been called "one of the most prosperous and promising counties in the western part of the state." The earliest settlers to Stevens County were awed by the immensity of the area – its beauty and strength, its endless possibilities. They respected the land and the power of the weather as they sacrificed and labored to build new lives in a new world.
Today, our 400+ members and thousands of visitors each year embody the spirit of those who came before us with their generosity, inventiveness, hard-work, and continued hope in the bright future of life West Central Minnesota. As we move further into the new 21st Century, we pledge to continue our mission to…
Collect, Preserve and Interpret the History of Stevens County, Minnesota.
You can join us or purchase memberships for your family members & friends by visiting our membership page by clicking here.
Free Family History Workshop
Saturday, May 11th 10am-12noon
The West Central Family History Association, the genealogy committee of the Stevens County Historical Society is sponsoring their final Spring workshop on Saturday, May11th, from 10am-12noon.
Virginia Hanson, the archivist at the South Dakota State Historical Society in Pierre will be doing a workshop on Territorial Records for Genealogical Research.
This presentation includes records from Minnesota pre-statehood circa 1700-1858 and South Dakota 1700-1880. Showing resources including; Military Post Returns, Muster rolls, Marriages, Early School Census, Land records, Newspapers, Indian Census, Depending on the time allowed, includes a case file of a young soldier killed in 1862, while stationed at Ft Sully, DakotaTerritory..
As with most SCHS workshops, it is free but the museum asks that you RSVP to 320-589-1719, email research@stevenshistorymuseum.com or use our website contact form by clicking here.
