About

The Faribault County Historical Society is a non-profit organization whose sole mission is to collect, preserve and disseminate the history of Faribault County. A Board of Directors, consisting of twelve elected members from throughout the county, meet monthly to make decisions regarding the care and use of the property they are responsible for located throughout Blue Earth, plan fundraisers and accept recent donations, etc. Officers include President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Currently, these six men and six women work tirelessly to keep each building in tip-top shape, the antique machinery maintained, the History Lane on the Faribault County Fairgrounds well kept, along with attending to the office needs, requests for information or building use, keeping records of each donated item and displaying it all for the public to view and enjoy. As there are no salaries paid to board members or spouses who assist in the work, this becomes a community effort—a community of volunteers.

Moneys received from fundraising, private gifts, memorials, membership dues, support from Faribault County, Township Boards and many other support groups help the Historical Society meet their annual budget needs of over $70,000.

FCHS offers assistance with family and cemetery/burial records as well as making arrangements for tours of the museums when possible. Many school groups have toured the buildings – our hope is that this would develop in them an interest in the history and background of his or her extended family. The collection of family genealogies kept at the Wakefield House is ever growing. The burial records of the 42 cemeteries in Faribault County can be researched here (opens in new window). Our database is being continually updated as new records from around the county are shared.

FCHS has a total of ten buildings. Three are in downtown Blue Earth:

James B. Wakefield House (acquired in 1949)
Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd (1981)
Etta C. Ross Memorial Library Museum (1989)

Seven buildings make up the History Lane display area at the county fairgrounds:

Krosch Log House (1985)
Woodland School (1985)
Guckeen Post Office (1992)
Antique Machinery Shed (2000)
Blacksmith Shop (2000)
West Delavan Lutheran Church (2004)
General Store (2008)

The Faribault County Historical Society is always searching for people around the county who would be interested in becoming a member of the Board. As time marches on and current members retire or simply need to reduce their volunteer hours, others that share this same desire to preserve the history of this wonderful Minnesota county are sought. If you are that person, willing to make a commitment of time and energy, please contact any current board member, or Director: Randall Anderson 507-525-0368.