Blue Earth County Historical Society

In November of 2021, the Historical Society shared a BOLD vision to expand the History Center by 10,000 square feet. That’s a big BOLD vision that will take many steps, partners, dollars and planning. To achieve this vision, we realized early on that we will need to take small steps to realize the big dream. 

The first BOLD step was to purchase the house next to the History Center at 526 S. Fifth Street to allow for the first phase of growth and investment in our exterior infrastructure. The house was purchased on August 1st. We worked closely with multiple individuals who salvaged building materials from the house for their restoration projects. In September and October, we collaborated with the City of Mankato Fire Department who held valuable fire training exercises in the house concluding with a controlled burn on October 7. Now the site is ready for the next BOLD step. 

In the Spring of 2024, the History Center’s 30+ year-old parking lot will be replaced. With the house gone, we will fully reconstruct the parking lot and add many new features – the next BOLD step.  

History Center Exterior Enhancements will include:

• Increased parking with eight spots at the same grade as the main entrance making the parking lot more accessible.

• Two new entrances to the parking lot from South 5th Street; currently the only entrance is off the alley.

• Installation of parking lot lighting for History Center and neighborhood safety.

• Beautification projects like extension of our native pollinator gardens, outside gathering space with new commemorative brick patio, bike rack, public art, and monument sign on Warren Street. Click here to purchase your commemorative brick today!

The Parking Lot and Exterior Improvements project is budgeted for $360,000.  Thanks to generous History Heroes over the past three years, we need to raise just $200,000 to start the project next Spring. We need BOLD History Heroes like you. 

Thank you sincerely for believing in this BOLD vision and these BOLD steps!

All gifts will be MATCHED up to $12,000!