Bringing JOY to Maplewood & the Twin Cities!

Bringing JOY to Maplewood and beyond!

Squeals of laughter fill the chilly air as children and parents step up into the haywagon and nestle close together. Grandmas and grandpas, standing watch, pull out their cameras to coax a wave and a smile. Bill Bruentrup revs up the tractor and with a sputter it lurches forward, a bright green relic, giving its thirtieth hayride of the day.

People of all ages scatter across the farmyard on a scavenger hunt to seek out the answers to the number of legs on Tillie Howlett’s cow (it’s not the answer you’d think!) or what meal the residents of the Poor Farm were served on Thursdays. As they search, they stop to watch a video of old 3M television commercials and then turn the corner to peek into a plexiglass case of vintage Scotch tape products and board games. Looking up, they see a life-sized Jackie Gleason boasting of the sticking power of “magnetic tape” for wrapping holiday gifts.

On a hot, humid summer July night, over 100 people enter the farmyard. Some descend to the historic red barn’s basement to see an exhibit on WWII and its Maplewood connections. Others stroll to the main floor of the barn to watch a slideshow on the Andrews Sisters. They are here to see a musical about the famous Minnesota singing trio and to enjoy professional entertainment from local actors. After the show they stick around for a swing dance and are taught timeless steps from a bygone era that still brings thrills to young and old today.

The Maplewood Area Historical Society (MAHS) has a great impact on not only the Maplewood community, but the entire Twin Cities area. MAHS exists to educate, share and preserve the history of Maplewood and does so by offering exhibits, community events, history talks, interactive experiences, summer camps, professional theatre and much, much more. By fulfilling our mission, we believe we are bringing joy to our community! Would you partner with us as we seek to spread our impact to wider circles?

Here’s where your dollars help us, and in turn help our community:

• Continuing collection of the history of Maplewood and its people, both past and current, and making this information available to the public
  1. EXAMPLE: our historian recently focused on research of Highway 61 and wrote/edited a book called “60 Stories” about Maplewood history
      
• Developing exciting new programs that present the history of Maplewood or celebrate the people of Maplewood in diverse ways, such as through theatrical events, art exhibits, historic exhibits, community education, archaeological digs, etc.
  1. EXAMPLE: we researched and featured “Notable Women of Maplewood” in an inspiring Prezi slideshow presentation during a spring tea event
     
     
• Maintaining and upgrading the farm and historic buildings to provide better accessibility, ensure safety for our guests and keep our assets in proper working condition
  1. EXAMPLE: we recently poured concrete in the entrance of our farmyard to stave off erosion and provide a smooth path for walkers, wheelchairs and strollers
      
• Spreading the word about the Bruentrup Heritage Farm and its value to the Twin Cities as an historic venue and museum
  1. EXAMPLE: we offer open houses throughout the summer and provide historic talks for various visiting groups, catering to their unique needs and interests

Here are the most current identifiable needs we have for future purchase:

1. A flammable liquids storage cabinet for gasoline, diesel fuel and solvents ($250).
2. A rope-making machine to demonstrate how farmers made their own rope ($300).
3. A replacement dishwasher for farmhouse kitchen ($700).
4. Lighting for the two parking lots for safe walking during evening events ($3000).
5. Carpeting for assembly area in barn basement ($2000).
6. Permanent theatre lighting in barn for summer theatre performances ($3000).
7. Kitchen renovation to install more cabinets and counter-space ($1000).