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News from the Stearns History Museum

Keep this page on your radar to see what’s fresh out of the vault, upcoming events, new program announcements, upcoming exhibits, historical tidbits, and more.
Historic Cocktail Lesson

Historic Cocktail Lesson

Need a timeout for a quick, easy cocktail with an interesting history related to scurvy? Look no further than the gimlet! Even if you don't have a severe Vitamin C deficiency, this drink is a refreshing treat! Watch for upcoming episodes here on our YouTube Playlist ...
Harvest History: Old School Pumpkin Pie

Harvest History: Old School Pumpkin Pie

It's time for another episode of Harvest History! In this episode, we are going to look at that most glorious symbol of fall in America, the pumpkin! We'll go through a brief history of this crop's dominance in the Americas, and then show you how to make a pumpkin pie ...
Stories of Our Stuff: The Case Tractor

Stories of Our Stuff: The Case Tractor

In this episode of "Stories of Our Stuff," we are taking a look at a recent acquisition here at the Stearns History Museum: a beautifully restored 1926 Case 12 20 Tractor. This tractor is a perfect example of the many ways in which technology changed the landscape of ...
In Memory of Board Member Barb Carlson

In Memory of Board Member Barb Carlson

The Stearns History Museum extends our sympathy to the friends and family of Barb Carlson, who has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2014 and led our Development Committee for several years. She and her husband Jerry also are longtime members and ...
We’re Updating our Archival Catalog Thanks to IMLS

We’re Updating our Archival Catalog Thanks to IMLS

The Stearns History Museum recently received an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant for $21,444 to update its archival catalog system. The new catalog will allow you and other users to search for materials online in a much easier way and order photos ...
“Rightfully Hers” Pop-Up Exhibit Now Open

“Rightfully Hers” Pop-Up Exhibit Now Open

A new pop-up exhibit from the National Archives, Rightfully Hers, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, is available for viewing at the Stearns History Museum through November 25, 2020. Rightfully Hers explores the history of the 19th Amendment, ...

Museum Myths

WE'RE DEBUNKING "MUSEUM MYTHS" to show you what we really have to offer. SAVE $5 USING THESE PROMO CODES:  Family Membership | SHMFAMILY Individual Membership | SHM4YOU One discount per purchase. Some restrictions may apply.

A Little History

A Little History is a monthly program for preschool-age children. They will make crafts, play games and discover historic stories. It takes place at 10 a.m. on the last Wednesday of the month. 2020 Topics Include: January 29 –  Russian Nesting Dolls February ...

Women in Agriculture

Gert Schwinghammer (1918-2002) Gertrude (Gert) Schwinghammer was the first woman inducted into the Minnesota Livestock Hall of Fame. When she received the honor on March 20, 1984, Schwinghammer said she hoped, “This might pave the way for other farm women.” For more ...

Women in Law Enforcement

Sybil Hollern (1910-1994) Sybil Hollern St. Cloud’s only female police officer for 28 years. She was employed by the St. Cloud Police Department from 1947 to 1975. A year after retirement from the police force, she became the first female and only senior citizen on the ...

Women in Medicine

Mary Stiles (1944 - ) Dr. Mary Stiles became the first female doctor on staff at the St. Cloud Hospital when she began a solo practice in Annandale, Minnesota, in 1975. Although she created a stir as the female doctor, she did not encounter a lot of negativity because ...