Sibley County Historical Society

The purpose of the Sibley County Historical Society shall be the collection, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge about the history of Sibley County and relate it to the history of the state of Minnesota.Anyone can become a member of the Society by paying yearly individual or family dues. Members receive free admission to the museum and discount on their publications. There are currently 185 paid members.

Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month, March through October. Meeting sites are held at various communities in the county and at the museum. Reminders are printed the local newspapers and their quarterly newsletter.

It is tradition for the Museum to open for the season on Memorial Day after the parade each year. The Society participates in all of Henderson’s celebrations by having the doors open for visitors. Events are hosted at the museum such as pie socials, music, and other special events.

A short term goal of the Society’s is to finish transcribing all Sibley County cemeteries. The transcription is entered into their website and there is also a copy at the museum. Genealogists find this to be a very helpful tool. A long term goal is to incorporate a computer program called “Past Perfect.” It is a record keeping system used to organize data and locate stored items.

Accomplishments include organizing and purchasing the A.F. Poehler house for the museum, achieving placement on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Society in 2000, publishing a website, and publishing several books.