Welcome to the Edina Historical Society!
"When people hear about researching the history of a suburb,
they often ask, 'Why should anyone be interested?...
Isn't Edina just a wealthy suburb like any other suburb?
Wasn't it built in the 1950s and 60s? How can a suburb have a past?"
~Paul D. Hesterman, author of From Settlement to Suburb: The History of Edina, Minnesota
Contrary to popular belief, Edina did not incorporate in 1956 when Southdale, the first fully enclosed shopping mall opened in the city to world-wide acclaim. Although the city's population exploded during the 1950s and 1960s, Edina has a unique past that began long before freeways and subdivisions.
The Edina Historical Society formed in 1969 to collect, preserve and tell the history of our community. This web site is part of our education efforts. We also operate a living history program at historic Cahill School and Minnehaha Grange Hall No. 398 at Tupa Park and the Edina History Museum at Arneson Acres park.
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that depends on the support of members and the public. Please consider becoming a member today.
We invite you to take a moment to explore our programs and the fascinating history of Edina, as it grew from a mill town to a mall suburb.
News
Ever wondered what that family keepsake or garage sale find is worth? Find out at the Edina Historical Society's third annual Antique Appraisal Event to be held 12:30 p.m., Sept. 10, at the Edina Senior Center.
Cost: $5 per item, limit 5 items per person. All proceeds benefit Edina Historical Society. Event generously sponsored by Edina Park Plaza and the Edina Senior Center. For more information, see Upcoming Events page.
Marlin Ramler, pharmacist and former owner, recently donated many great photos of this Edina landmark. See blog for more details.
Campers traveled back a hundred years or more at summer day camp held at historic Cahill School. In addition to old-fashioned games like tiddly winks (see photo at right) and dominoes, they also weaved, created seed art, learned about pioneer days in Minnesota and many other activities. See Edina Sun-Current story on the camp, and view more photos on our site.
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