Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library & Village, 1031 Bridge Avenue, Albert Lea
The Freeborn County Historical Society was established in January of 1948 at an organizational meeting held in the law offices of J. F. D. Meighen. Lester W. Spicer was elected president. Other officers were Dr. Andrew Gullixson, first vice president; Carl Lunde, second vice president; William H. Sykes, secretary and treasurer. Directors were Anna Frydenlund, J. F. D. Meighen and Bernard Johnsrud. These founding members organized the society with the intention of collecting and preserving the history of Freeborn County.In November 1955, FCHS purchased 42 steel lockers from the Jordahl plant in Manchester to be installed in the engineer's office in the old courthouse for storing documents. Had use of 3 rooms [meeting room and a 2-room fireproof vault] in the basement of old courthouse. Not requesting "relics" due to lack of storage space. On February 20, 1960, FCHS officially open its museum in the basement of the courthouse building. In 1966 FCHS constructed a museum building on land leased through the county located next to the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. We have had two expansions to the museum building, one in 1980 and the latest in 2013. In 2018, the Freeborn County Historical Society began doing business as the Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library and Village (FCHM).The FCHM is committed to building the future by preserving the past history of our county. From our staff and board of directors to our volunteers and members, we are eager to create long-lasting connections for everyone who interacts with our organization.The Freeborn County Historical Society dba Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library and Village, is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization governed by members via a Board of Director. Each year we, together with volunteers, provide presentations, educational and outreach programs, special events, museum exhibits, and more. We currently own and operate the museum, village and the Itasca Rock Garden.
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