Bringing GOOD to Maplewood and beyond!

On a hot, humid summer 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.

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 skitter 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!) 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 “cellophane tape” for wrapping holiday gifts.

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 GOOD to Maplewood, and beyond! Would you partner with us as we seek to spread our impact to wider circles?

Here's what we do at the Society:

• Collect the history of Maplewood and its people, both past and current, and make this information available to the public.
  1. For example, during the pandemic shutdown we created an online version of our “3M – Magically Adhered” exhibit. (Take the online tour: here!) Plus, we re-designed our website for easy access to history stories and videos.
  2. Upcoming: This winter we’ll be collecting autobiographical stories of the people of Maplewood and their journey here – why they came, and why they’ve stayed.
      
• Develop 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. For example, we participated with archaeologists and community volunteers doing shovel testing to look for artifacts from the Woodlands Culture along Fish Creek near Carver Lake.
  2. Upcoming: We hope to create a new musical revue of popular songs, historical stories of Highway 61 and the autobiographies of Maplewood residents.
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• Maintain and upgrade the farm and historic buildings to provide better accessibility, ensure safety for our guests and keep our assets in proper working condition.
  1. For example, we recently added lighting to our parking lot to make it safer for guests at night, and we remodeled the Granary to its original appearance.
  2. Upcoming: We want to install modular carpeting in the barn basement assembly area for safety and comfort for public gatherings.
     
     
• Spread the word about the Bruentrup Heritage Farm and its value to the Twin Cities as an historic venue and museum.
  1. For example, we offered open houses throughout the summer and featured a new interactive rope-making exhibit that was enjoyed by both kids and adults.
  2. Upcoming: We are creating a new online exhibit on the history of Highway 61.
      
• Provide a space for events which bring joy to the community!
  1. For example, because of COVID we pivoted from holding our regular Easter Bunny Breakfast to offering a drive-thru Easter Egg Give-Away—and we were featured on KSTP-5 TV!
  2. Upcoming: An International Foods event featuring chef-crafted dishes that reflect the cultural diversity of our city.

Want to join us by donating for tangible items we need? Here’s a list:

1. An antique burr mill for demonstrating how to grind corn into corn meal ($300)
2. A flammable liquids storage cabinet for gasoline, diesel fuel and solvents ($250)
3. A replacement dishwasher for farmhouse kitchen ($700)
4. Carpeting for assembly area in barn basement ($2000)
5. Permanent theatre lighting in barn for summer theatre performances and weddings ($3000)
6. Security system ($3000)
7. 4 mounted heaters with thermostats; insulation for water pipes & drinking fountain ($1000)

Want to join us by…actually JOINING us? Become a member here! We’d love to have you!