Jackson County, MN
Historical Society

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The Jackson County Historical Society was originally started as the "Old Settlers' Association" 1925. The group continued to have annual picnics until 1929 and then languished. In 1946, Mr. A.E.F. Glaser and Ed Lafot called the group to reorganize and formed the Jackson County Historical Society affiliated with the Minnesota State Historical Society. In the reorganization, a Constitution, By-Laws, and Articles of Incorporation were drawn up. The JCHS is a 501(C)3 non-profit society. For a short time, the society used the farmers room at the county courthouse for meetings and it's display area. By the 1948 the enrollment was 205 members. In 1950 the Halsten-Olson log cabin, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Osmund Halsten, was moved to the county fairgrounds (Jackson) by the society. In 1958 the District-5 schoolhouse followed. Until the 1970's these two buildings and the farmer's room contained the society's collections. A new building was sought when the Farmers Exchange building in Lakefield became available in 1974. Here, the museum has expanded to over 4500 sq feet of a climate-controlled area...with a large amount of display area and small amount of storage. With the help of the fair board, the society moved the Stall Church to the fairgrounds. Throughout the 1970's-80's the Holthe log cabin was rebuilt by the society, and many commemorative signs have been placed around the county.

The Jackson County Historical Society is located in Lakefield at 307 N Highway 86 and has extensive indexes, books, files, microfilm (newspapers, censuses, district naturalization papers), and a good knowledge of the people and where they lived through out the county. A number of publications are also available including the following:
Alpha-A Century of History 1895-1995, Sioux Valley High School Reunion 1918-1990, Astri, My Astri (Deb Nelson Gourley (Norwegian Stories), Historic Buildings, We Honor Our Fallen Comrades-In-Arms (Ed Carlson), Delafield Cemetery 1871-1991 (3rd print), Lakefield High School 1900-1990 (remember when), Lakefield 125 years 1879-1979, and more.

They require a $5.00 deposit on starting research which is applied toward the research bill (no refunds). They will check surname files, newspapers, census films, and indexes to various plat books, along with the town history books, some school information, etc. They have limited staff but try to answer requests as best as they can. It sometimes takes a little time to do the actual research.

When mailing the Society for research assistance, please include a business size, self-addressed stamped envelope. The museum is non-profit and receives limited financial support by the county. A $5.00 deposit is also needed. Call the society if you have any questions and they will be more than happy to answer questions.. The Board of Directors has established the deposit and policies (which will be sent out to anyone who asks for information).

Also feel free to inquire about memorial donations or other any general financial or merchandise donations.

Jackson County Historical Society
(Michael Kirchmeier, Director)
PO Box 238
Lakefield MN 56150
507-662-5505
- Hours -
Mon-Fri 9:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 12:00pm

Effective immediately (Sep 2008) membership of the Jackson Co Historical Society is no longer a one-time fee.
Costs have increased in many areas associated with the facility as well as the ability to continue providing a
valued service to members and the general public. Membership will now be renewable on an annual basis.
A lifetime membership is also available for a very resonable fee.

- MEMBERSHIP -
CLICK HERE to view a printable PDF memberhip form