Family Day at the History Center

Join us for family fun at the Blue Earth County History Center! Each month, enjoy free admission, a scavenger hunt, crafts, and a hands-on history workshop for all ages! This month, learn more about the Industrial Revolution. Free and open to the public!

History Center, 424 Warren St, Mankato, 56001, United States

BECHS History Book Club - Spring Series Session 2

BECHS History Book ClubTo Banish Forever by Cathy Coats BECHS History Book ClubTo Banish Forever by Cathy CoatsApril – June 2025 In 1863, after the end of the US–Dakota War, a group of men in Mankato, Minnesota, formed a secret society. At the beginning of every meeting......More

BECHS History Book ClubTo Banish Forever by Cathy Coats BECHS History Book ClubTo Banish Forever by Cathy CoatsApril – June 2025 In 1863, after the end of the US–Dakota War, a group of men in Mankato, Minnesota, formed a secret society. At the beginning of every meeting, members of the Knights of the Forest recited its ritual pledge, including these words: “I sincerely hope this meeting may be profitable to each one of us, and that we may go forth from this Lodge stronger and braver in the determination to banish forever from our beautiful State every Indian who now desecrates our soil.” The Ho-Chunk people, who had not participated in the war, occupied a reservation about two miles south of Mankato on some of the state’s richest agricultural lands. The Knights—determined to claim these lands for their own profit—advocated for the removal of the Ho-Chunk, who had already been forced to move three times before settling in Blue Earth County of south-central Minnesota. Exploiting the fears of white people living in the area at the end of the brutal war, the Knights sent armed men to surround the Ho-Chunk reservation, threatening to shoot anyone who crossed the line. Within just a few years, the Ho-Chunk had been kicked off their land and removed to reservations outside of the state. This is the story of the Knights, the Ho-Chunk, and the ethnic cleansing of southern Minnesota.  BECHS History Book Club Sessions: To Banish ForeverMay 17, 1 p.m. – Special guest presenter June 21, 1 p.m. – Author Cathy Coats presentation and To Banish Forever group book discussion with prepared Q & A. The Blue Earth County Historical Society is excited to offer the new BECHS History Book Club. The new quarterly book club goes beyond a classic group book read and discussion. Over three months, while participants read the book, additional monthly sessions will include a discussion of the book’s setting and social history, a special presentation on a related historical topic, and conclude with a group book discussion. The BECHS History Book Club is $50 which includes a paperback copy of the book, admission to the speaker, and group book discussion, refreshments and a small gift for completing the activities. ($60 value!) All programs will be held at the History Center or virtually if winter weather is a concern. Already have a copy of the book but what to come to the speaker or just the book discussion? Individual programs are $10 each.

History Center, 424 Warren St, Mankato, 56001, United States

Hubbard House Nooks and Crannies Tour

Ever wonder what’s in the upstairs of the Carriage House? What about the basement of the Hubbard House? Join the BECHS Staff as we guide you through the Nooks and Crannies of the Hubbard House. Please note, that this tour is not a regular tour that provides information ......More

Ever wonder what’s in the upstairs of the Carriage House? What about the basement of the Hubbard House? Join the BECHS Staff as we guide you through the Nooks and Crannies of the Hubbard House. Please note, that this tour is not a regular tour that provides information about the Hubbard Family. For the Guided Tour of the Hubbard House, please visit on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.Tickets are $10/adults, $8/seniors, $7/BECHS Members, $5/children 5-17Space is limited and pre-registration is required. No tickets are available at the door.Get Your Tickets Here

Historic R. D. Hubbard House, 606 South Broad Street, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States

Hubbard House Opens for the Season

The 16-room historic house museum chronicles the life of R.D. and his family from 1871 to 1905.  The home combines rich beauty and “new” innovation. The home featured the first private residence in Mankato to have indoor plumbing, electricity, and a telephone connecting......More

The 16-room historic house museum chronicles the life of R.D. and his family from 1871 to 1905.  The home combines rich beauty and “new” innovation. The home featured the first private residence in Mankato to have indoor plumbing, electricity, and a telephone connecting the home to Hubbard Milling Company. The adjoining 1890 Carriage House contains a collection of horse-drawn vehicles and antique automobiles.  Elegant Victorian gardens landscape the two buildings.  The House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Mankato Heritage Preservation Landmark. The Hubbard House is open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day weekend for guided tours. Tours start at the top of the hour and can be scheduled in advance. Admission is $10/adults, $8/seniors (65+), $5/children 5-17, BECHS Members and kids under 5 are free.

Historic R. D. Hubbard House, 606 South Broad Street, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States

Twilight Garden Club Plant Sale

Visit the Historic R. D. Hubbard House Gardens for the Twilight Garden Club’s annual plant sale. This year’s plant sale will feature Perennials, vegetables, house plants, and garden goodies! The plant sale will take place rain or shine! All proceeds benefit the Hubbard ......More

Visit the Historic R. D. Hubbard House Gardens for the Twilight Garden Club’s annual plant sale. This year’s plant sale will feature Perennials, vegetables, house plants, and garden goodies! The plant sale will take place rain or shine! All proceeds benefit the Hubbard House Gardens. Since 1962, the Twilight Garden Club has maintained the gardens at the Hubbard House making them bloom while honoring the time period of the Hubbard House.

Historic R. D. Hubbard House, 606 South Broad Street, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States

Twilight Garden Club Plant Sale

Visit the Historic R. D. Hubbard House Gardens for the Twilight Garden Club’s annual plant sale. This year’s plant sale will feature Perennials, vegetables, house plants, and garden goodies! The plant sale will take place rain or shine! All proceeds benefit the Hubbard ......More

Visit the Historic R. D. Hubbard House Gardens for the Twilight Garden Club’s annual plant sale. This year’s plant sale will feature Perennials, vegetables, house plants, and garden goodies! The plant sale will take place rain or shine! All proceeds benefit the Hubbard House Gardens. Since 1962, the Twilight Garden Club has maintained the gardens at the Hubbard House making them bloom while honoring the time period of the Hubbard House.

Historic R. D. Hubbard House, 606 South Broad Street, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States

Victorian Lawn Party

Take a step back in time and spend the afternoon playing Victorian lawn games. Try your hand at croquet, hoop and stick game, hopscotch, and more. Enjoy a doll and teddy bear tea party on the front porch as well.All activities on the lawn are free, and admission is char......More

Take a step back in time and spend the afternoon playing Victorian lawn games. Try your hand at croquet, hoop and stick game, hopscotch, and more. Enjoy a doll and teddy bear tea party on the front porch as well.All activities on the lawn are free, and admission is charged for tours of the Hubbard House.

Historic R. D. Hubbard House, 606 South Broad Street, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States

Man on a Mission Dinner and a Movie

In recognition of the 60th anniversary of a local cinematic gem, BECHS, in partnership with Greater Mankato Rotary, is hosting Man on a Mission: Dinner and a Movie on Friday, June 13, at the Kato Ballroom. Tickets are $50/$45 for BECHS Members. Step Into the Spy Game — ......More

In recognition of the 60th anniversary of a local cinematic gem, BECHS, in partnership with Greater Mankato Rotary, is hosting Man on a Mission: Dinner and a Movie on Friday, June 13, at the Kato Ballroom. Tickets are $50/$45 for BECHS Members. Step Into the Spy Game — 1965 Style! Miles West, Mankato attorney and former Army intelligence officer, is called upon to slip behind the Iron Curtain to rescue the daughter of an East German scientist who had defected to the West. Will he make it in time, or will this dangerous mission cost him everything? Miles West is a Man on a Mission. From our backyard to the Big Screen! In early 1965, Mankatonian Bob Gardner, influenced by the James Bond films, wrote the story and screenplay for a spy movie. With financial support from the Mankato Rotary Club, he filmed it entirely in the Mankato area, using only local production crews and local acting talent. Now, 60 years later, you can be a part of the action! This unique, immersive experience at the Kato Ballroom will include prizes for “Best Dressed Spy or Socialite,” Cold War intrigue, swinging 60s vibes and vittles, PLUS participatory viewing of Man on a Mission. Get your tickets today online or at the History Center. $50/person, $45/BECHS Members. Purchase My Tickets

Kato Ballroom, 200 Chestnut Street, Mankato, MN, 56001, United States

Remembering The Rapidan Dam - One Year Later

Join us at the History Center to learn more about the History of the Rapidan Dam. BECHS Staff will start with information on the construction of the Dam found in our book Rapidan Dam: The Construction of a Landmark. Rick Pepper, local photo historian, will then share hi......More

Join us at the History Center to learn more about the History of the Rapidan Dam. BECHS Staff will start with information on the construction of the Dam found in our book Rapidan Dam: The Construction of a Landmark. Rick Pepper, local photo historian, will then share his new book showcasing the dam during the flooding that happened one year ago. Books are available for sale in the History Center Gift Shop. Admission is $10/adults, $8/senior, $5/children 5-17, Free for BECHS Members

History Center, 424 Warren St, Mankato, 56001, United States

BECHS History Book Club Spring Series - Session 3

BECHS History Book ClubTo Banish Forever by Cathy CoatsApril – June 2025 In 1863, after the end of the US–Dakota War, a group of men in Mankato, Minnesota, formed a secret society. At the beginning of every meeting, members of the Knights of the Forest recited its ritua......More

BECHS History Book ClubTo Banish Forever by Cathy CoatsApril – June 2025 In 1863, after the end of the US–Dakota War, a group of men in Mankato, Minnesota, formed a secret society. At the beginning of every meeting, members of the Knights of the Forest recited its ritual pledge, including these words: “I sincerely hope this meeting may be profitable to each one of us, and that we may go forth from this Lodge stronger and braver in the determination to banish forever from our beautiful State every Indian who now desecrates our soil.” The Ho-Chunk people, who had not participated in the war, occupied a reservation about two miles south of Mankato on some of the state’s richest agricultural lands. The Knights—determined to claim these lands for their own profit—advocated for the removal of the Ho-Chunk, who had already been forced to move three times before settling in Blue Earth County of south-central Minnesota. Exploiting the fears of white people living in the area at the end of the brutal war, the Knights sent armed men to surround the Ho-Chunk reservation, threatening to shoot anyone who crossed the line. Within just a few years, the Ho-Chunk had been kicked off their land and removed to reservations outside of the state. This is the story of the Knights, the Ho-Chunk, and the ethnic cleansing of southern Minnesota.  BECHS History Book Club Sessions: To Banish ForeverJune 21, 1 p.m. – Author Cathy Coats presentation and To Banish Forever group book discussion with prepared Q & A. The Blue Earth County Historical Society is excited to offer the new BECHS History Book Club. The new quarterly book club goes beyond a classic group book read and discussion. Over three months, while participants read the book, additional monthly sessions will include a discussion of the book’s setting and social history, a special presentation on a related historical topic, and conclude with a group book discussion. The BECHS History Book Club is $50 which includes a paperback copy of the book, admission to the speaker, and group book discussion, refreshments and a small gift for completing the activities. ($60 value!) All programs will be held at the History Center or virtually if winter weather is a concern. Already have a copy of the book but what to come to the speaker or just the book discussion? Individual programs are $10 each.

History Center, 424 Warren St, Mankato, 56001, United States