Picture this. A small town in Minnesota 1939. A high school teacher named Fred Lawshe stumbles upon an artifact. This simple discovery sparks a lifelong passion. It ignites the birth of the Dakota County Historical Society.
The Dakota County Historical Society isn’t just a museum. It’s a testament to the dedication of one man. Fred Lawshe a South St Paul High School teacher. He dreamt of preserving Dakota County’s history. His hobby became his life’s work. He tirelessly gathered over 3000 primary source materials. These are the very heart of the museum’s collection.
Initially the Society met in the South St Paul Public Library. They sought a permanent home. Finding a suitable location proved challenging. They explored Hastings and Mendota but were unsuccessful. Finally South St Paul offered space. The Society’s first museum opened in 1955 within South St Paul High School. Imagine student volunteers acting as museum attendants. This unique setup highlights the community’s early involvement. However the museum soon outgrew its space.
In 1957 the Dakota County Historical Society moved to a more permanent location. The South St Paul municipal building basement. One room quickly expanded to fill the entire basement. By 1961 they housed over 5000 artifacts. The need for a dedicated building became increasingly apparent. The county government stepped in. A bicentennial project was chosen. A new museum was built.
The Lawshe Memorial Museum opened in 1978. It’s named in honor of Fred Lawshe. His legacy lives on. The storage area holds original paintings and prints. His distinctive object labels still provide crucial information. His dedication and passion laid the foundation for the museum’s success.
Today the Dakota County Historical Society thrives. It boasts over 25000 objects and 20000 photographs. Its publishing program flourishes. It started with a newsletter. Now it produces over 100 pages of original historical research annually. The research library holds a treasure trove of local history. It’s one of the best collections in the state. The Society continues its vital work. It preserves interprets and promotes Dakota County’s rich history. It ensures that Fred Lawshe’s dream lives on. A lasting testament to the power of a single discovery. A testament to the dedication of one man’s vision.