Local historical societies

One of my favorite places is the library at the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS). The Society is a combination of a museum, state library (e.g., all the state's newspapers are sent there, and are on microfilm, and most of the books published in the state as well), and the archives for state and local governments. The range of resources is very wide, and I love poking around the on-line catalog for materials that are relevant to my current project.

But at the same time, there are other sources in the state which are goldmines in their own right--the local historical societies and groups that focus on smaller areas. I grew up in Freeborn County, and there are four smaller historical groups in addition to the county historical society. And the county historical society has a relationship with the county genealogical society as well. And the same is true in many of Minnesota's 87 counties. There are local groups that have local collections with materials that can help further your family history.

Here is the on-line list of local historical societies:
<www.mnhs.org/localhistory/mho/chsclo.html>

Check out your county at to see if there is a local organization for your area of interest. And thanks to MHS for providing the information!

Mary