"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:
No snow. No sledding.
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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. |
Peterson Family headlines first EHS concert fundraiser on June 14
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 Kiwanis of Edina. Mark your calendar for June 14! Tickets will go on sale this spring.
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 Kiwanis of Edina. Mark your calendar for June 14! Tickets will go on sale this spring.
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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