Wabasha County Historical Society

Your donation will allow us to continue to collect, preserve, protect and interpret materials relating to the natural and cultural history of Wabasha County and its people.

The Wabasha County Historical Society museum at Reads Landing is a volunteer and non-profit organization entrusted to care for and make available to everyone, irreplacable artifacts that reveal the history of our past.  We are dedicated to preserving our history and memories for future generations. 

People of all ages come to the museum to learn about the history of Reads Landing and Wabasha County and often find out much about themselves.  They come to learn about the past and the history of their own ancestors. They come to step back in time in the historic school room exhibit and possibly find a 19th Century relative's autograph carved on one of the walls.  They come to see exhibits that help them understand how this land was settled, about early industry of the Mississippi River, agricultural, the railroad, and about the people that made it happen. 

Our various lectures and educational programs range from accessing family heirlooms, learning about local native cultures and other  cultures that came to this area to work and live. We host School tours and exhibit focused group tours.  Genealogical research is also provided by Society volunteers.  Programs also offer opportunities to experience social happenings from a bygone era. such as the Annual Homecoming event.  

The Historic Reads Landing School building built in 1870 is on the National Register of Historic Places.  The Society is dedicated to preserving this rare example of early school building architecture.  Volunteer efforts have accomplished replacement of the roof  and restored the school bell tower.  A geothermal heating and cooling system has been installed to help with temperature control for the building structure and the artifacts stored within.  New entrance steps and restored walkway were completed this year.  Currently, a dedicated volunteer is maticulously restoring each window by hand.  A daunting task, but necessary to preserve the building and the contents within.

We hope you will consider helping us to preserve the artifacts and history of our past for future generations.  Your donations are very much appreciated.  Thank You.