"A history of Edina, Minnesota, it seems must start with a justification for its existence.
When people hear about researching the history of a suburb, they often ask,
"Why should anyone be interested in the history of Edina?
Isn't Edina just a wealthy suburb like other suburbs? Wasn't it built in the 1950's and 60's?
How can a suburb have a past?"
~Paul D. Hesterman, author of From Settlement to Suburb: The History of Edina, Minnesota.
When people hear about researching the history of a suburb, they often ask,
"Why should anyone be interested in the history of Edina?
Isn't Edina just a wealthy suburb like other suburbs? Wasn't it built in the 1950's and 60's?
How can a suburb have a past?"
~Paul D. Hesterman, author of From Settlement to Suburb: The History of Edina, Minnesota.
Welcome to the Edina Historical Society
Contrary to popular belief, Edina's history began long before Southdale, the nation's first fully enclosed shopping mall, opened in 1956. While the mall may have put Edina "on the map," it was settled nearly a century before when a community rose up around a little red mill on Minnehaha Creek.
The Edina Historical Society formed in 1969 to collect, preserve and tell the story of our community as it grew from a mill town to a mall suburb. This web site is part of our education effort. We operate the Edina History Museum at Arneson Acres Park and living history programs at two of Edina's oldest buildings, Cahill School and Minnehaha Grange Hall No. 398, located at Tupa Park. The Edina Historical Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that relies on the support of its members and the public. Please join us! | 
Events calendar
Ongoing
"Growing Up in Edina: A Show and Tell Exhibit," , Edina History Museum, open during regular museum hours: Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon. Register now for summer day camp at Cahill School. Feb. 4, 11, 18 -Sledding parties at the museum March 3 - Apron-making class at Cahill |
News:
Snow news is good news for sledding parties at museum
After months of no snow on the hill at Arneson Acres, the recent snowfall means good news for the third annual Sledding Parties at the Edina History Museum on the first three Saturdays in February, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
You provide the sleds. We'll provide the hot chocolate. Enjoy the 14 acre park and sledding hill at Arneson Acres, then come inside and warm up before the fireplace in the Terrace Room. Or take a break and look at the new exhibit "Growing Up in Edina" or the permanent Edina history display upstairs. Admission and refreshments are free. The Edina Historical Society is following in the hospitality tradition of Mort and Katherin Arneson, who lived on the property before donating their house and land to the City of Edina. (See the blog here for more about the Arnesons sledding tradition.) The Arnesons required good behavior and so do we; all children must be supervised. All activities are undertaken at your own risk. Even if all the snow melts and sledding isn't possible, the museum will be open and hot chocolate will be served. 
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Author visit at the museum
Author Nancy Carlson shows Highlands Elementary second graders one of her books based on her childhood in Edina. Braemar Ice Arena is featured in one illustrations, although Nancy grew up skating outdoors at Pamela Park. The author talk was part of the school visit to the Edina History Museum on Tuesday, Jan. 24.
Carlson is one of several former Edina children featured in the current "Growing Up in Edina: A Show and Tell Exhibit" now on display. |
Register now for Apron-Making Class at historic Cahill School
Learn how to sew by making your own apron on Saturday, March 3.
Cahill schoolmarms will teach simple sewing and help each child make his or her own apron. Supplies are included in the $35 fee.
We'll provide the sewing machines, but you are welcome to bring your own. Just remember to bring along tools, attachment and manual.
Register by calling Cahill Schoolmarm Carol Kuhlman at 952-448-4022 or send in registration form.
The class will be held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Minnehaha Grange Hall No. 398, adjacent to Cahill School in Tupa Park.See map for more details on parking and directions.
Bring a bottle of water and your own bag lunch. Please note our food restrictions because of allergies (no peanuts, tree nuts, fish or seafood.)
Cahill schoolmarms will teach simple sewing and help each child make his or her own apron. Supplies are included in the $35 fee.
We'll provide the sewing machines, but you are welcome to bring your own. Just remember to bring along tools, attachment and manual.
Register by calling Cahill Schoolmarm Carol Kuhlman at 952-448-4022 or send in registration form.
The class will be held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Minnehaha Grange Hall No. 398, adjacent to Cahill School in Tupa Park.See map for more details on parking and directions.
Bring a bottle of water and your own bag lunch. Please note our food restrictions because of allergies (no peanuts, tree nuts, fish or seafood.)
Help plan Edina's 125th birthday celebration
In 1988, Edina residents kicked off a year of celebrating the community's centennial by building an ice castle on the shore of Lake Cornelia. Many other events -- an original play about Edina's history, a quilt show, a birthday cake contest and much more -- were held every month.
In 2013, how should Edina celebrate its 125th milestone?
If you have ideas or would like to get involved in the planning process, please contact committee chair Ruth Valgemae at 612-928-4577 or email Historical Society staff.
In 2013, how should Edina celebrate its 125th milestone?
If you have ideas or would like to get involved in the planning process, please contact committee chair Ruth Valgemae at 612-928-4577 or email Historical Society staff.
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