Who We Are
The Blue Earth County Historical Society (BECHS) is a member supported nonprofit which works to preserve the past of Blue Earth County. BECHS operates two locations: the History Center which houses the Museum, Gift Shop, Research Center and Archives, and the Historic R.D. Hubbard House. Because BECHS has a small staff, we rely on volunteers to help with day to day items such as data entry, research requests and volunteering at programs.
To become a volunteer at the Blue Earth County Historical Society, please fill out an application at https://blueearthcountyhistory.com/volunteer/
What We Do
Mission Statement:
“To lead in the collecting and promoting of Blue Earth County’s history to ensure its preservation for the enrichment and benefit of present and future generations.”
Volunteer Mission Statement:
"To assist staff and members of the Blue Earth County Historical Society with the collecting, promoting and preserving the history of Blue Earth County and to represent the Society throughout the community."
History
The Blue Earth County Historical Society dates back to 1901. As the Semi-centennial of Mankato and Blue Earth County was approaching, a group decided to organize a historical society as part of the event. A constitution was written and plans made to commemorate fifty years of settlement. For the five-day Semi-centennial event, exhibits were created and papers were read commemorating early pioneers, industries, churches and schools.
Following the semi-centennial, BECHS was inactive until resurgence in interest took place during 1916. The Society has remained active ever since. In 1938, the R. D. Hubbard House was purchased by BECHS with money donated by Judge Lorin Cray for the purpose of buying or building a permanent museum. The house was then transferred to the City of Mankato under an agreement that the City would maintain it for BECHS to use as a museum. The City would pay the maintenance costs of heat and electricity. The Society transformed the building from a home to museum and opened it to the public on September 1, 1938.
As the Society grew, it was active in placing historical markers around Blue Earth County and working to get historically significant sites added to the national register. The BECHS newsletter began publication in 1972.
During the 1980's, the Society was continually looking at options for a better facility for the storage and display of its collections. When the Summit Senior Center began looking for a partner to share the former Catholic Newman Center building, BECHS was ready to talk. The two non-profit organizations became partners in the late 1980s and BECHS took over most of the second floor of the building. Major fund raising provided money to remodel the floor into an exhibit gallery, research center and offices. The newly named Heritage Center, now History Center, opened to the public in August of 1990.
