"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
June 14
Peterson Family Through the Years, first fundraiser concert for Edina Historical Society, Thursday, June 14, 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20. 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. |
News:
June 14: Peterson Family headlines first EHS concert fundraiser
The Peterson Family
A family that has made history together – and separately – in the music industry will headline the first fundraiser concert for the Edina Historical Society.
Known as “Minnesota’s first family of music,” the Petersons will perform Thursday, June 14, at 7:30 p.m. at Edina Performing Arts Center.
Led by matriarch Jeanne Arland Peterson, the family spans three generations of talented musicians who perform locally and nationally. Jeanne’s five children Linda, Billy, Ricky, Patty and Paul all have successful music careers.
“We do a lot of things individually, but when we get together, it is magical,” said Paul. Both he and his sister Patty have raised their families in Edina.
Tickets are $20 and will support history programming. The Society is continuing the 10-year concert fundraiser tradition established by the Golden K Kiwanis of Edina. Mark your calendar for June 14! Tickets are on sale now at the Edina Senior Center, the Edina History Museum, and online at Seat Yourself. Tickets will also be sold at the door the night of the performance.
Known as “Minnesota’s first family of music,” the Petersons will perform Thursday, June 14, at 7:30 p.m. at Edina Performing Arts Center.
Led by matriarch Jeanne Arland Peterson, the family spans three generations of talented musicians who perform locally and nationally. Jeanne’s five children Linda, Billy, Ricky, Patty and Paul all have successful music careers.
“We do a lot of things individually, but when we get together, it is magical,” said Paul. Both he and his sister Patty have raised their families in Edina.
Tickets are $20 and will support history programming. The Society is continuing the 10-year concert fundraiser tradition established by the Golden K Kiwanis of Edina. Mark your calendar for June 14! Tickets are on sale now at the Edina Senior Center, the Edina History Museum, and online at Seat Yourself. Tickets will also be sold at the door the night of the performance.
June: Register now for Cahill School summer day camp
This summer, send you child back to school -- way back to 1900, that is.
Enroll your child in the Cahill Schoolmarms Summer Day Camp for a week in June 2012. The same costumed schoolmarms who enchant children with “trips” back to a pioneer school day will supervise the Summer Day Camp. A typical camp day will include activities such as turn-of-century songs and stories, moral virtues and rhymes, mystery items, group games, and arts & crafts projects related to the historical theme.
Register now, as slots are filling up fast for the three identical sessions, held 9:30 to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Cost is $125. For more information, see our summer camp page or call schoolmarm Carol Kuhlman at 952.448.4022.
Enroll your child in the Cahill Schoolmarms Summer Day Camp for a week in June 2012. The same costumed schoolmarms who enchant children with “trips” back to a pioneer school day will supervise the Summer Day Camp. A typical camp day will include activities such as turn-of-century songs and stories, moral virtues and rhymes, mystery items, group games, and arts & crafts projects related to the historical theme.
Register now, as slots are filling up fast for the three identical sessions, held 9:30 to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Cost is $125. For more information, see our summer camp page or call schoolmarm Carol Kuhlman at 952.448.4022.
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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