Special Events

Cahill: Parties

Cahill School & Grange
at Tupa Park
4816 Eden Avenue
Edina, MN
952-448-4022

Hours:
Programs by reservation only.

Free open house July 4 and Sept. 17.

Directions and map

History-themed programming at Cahill School and Minnehaha Grange No. 398 are offered by the Edina Historical Society. Both buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and owned by the City of Edina.

Cahill School: Birthday parties and more

By reservation: History-themed birthday parties

Historic Cahill School and Grange Hall offer a unique setting for a history-themed birthday party. A costumed schoolmarm will guide your group back to pioneer Minnesota when children learned home crafts and played games like Hide the Thimble. This party will entrance fans of Little House on the Prairie and American Girls dolls (especially Kirsten from 1854 Minnesota). The party includes crafts, games, and a tour. Bring your own cake, food, and paper supplies -- and shop the school store for history-themed gift bags. We'll provide the party space and cleanup! $180 for 2.5 hours.

By reservation: Group tours and meeting space

Although our primary mission is to educate school children about pioneer life in the Midwest, we do accept reservations selectively from non-school groups (civic organizations, business groups, etc.) on dates not reserved by schools. Admission is $5 per person, with a minimum group fee of $180.

A costumed schoolmarm will give a 1- to 1.5-hour history program and tour, tailored to your group’s ages and needs. If desired, for no additional fee, groups may follow the program with a 1 to 1.5-hour meeting or lunch in the Grange Hall. Ideal for a unique meeting spot, the Grange Hall allows for folding chair seating and has a stage for a speaker. Groups may bring in a cold lunch that must be served in the Grange basement lunchroom (to avoid pests in the historic building).

Nov. 19 - Make and Take Christmas Crafts

Before the rush of Thanksgiving and Christmas, children can take time out for holiday craft making at Cahill School.

Children will make old-fashioned ornaments and other Christmas decorations under the guidance of our school marms, while their parents have a chance to get a head start on their shopping or prepare for Thanksgiving.

Cost: $35, includes supplies. Choose morning session (10 to noon) or afternoon session (1:30 to 3:30 p.m.) Send in registration form or contact school marm Carol Kuhlman at 952-448-4022 for more information.

2012 Calendar of Events

Feb. 4 - Manners Tea for Young Ladies

The Cahill Schoolmarms invite young ladies, along with their specials guests, to an old-fashioned "A Manners Tea for Young Ladies" on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the historic Minnehaha Grange Hall No. 398 in Tupa Park.

Young ladies and a special guest may dress as Victorian ladies in gloves and hats, but that's optional. Children will learn about tea etiquette and will be served tea in the last 35 minutes of the session.

Cost: $35 per child, with an additional $15 for accompanying adult. Register by calling Cahill Schoolmarm Carol Kuhlman at 952-448-4022 or send in registration form. Pick one of two identical tea times: 10 a.m. to noon or 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Edina Cable 16 television broadcast a short video feature about the 2011 event. (The Manners Tea segment begins at the 18:20 mark on "Agenda: Edina," episode 32.)

New! March 3 - Make Your Own Apron

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.)

Dates TBA - Free open houses at Cahill and Grange

A few times per year the public gets a chance to get a peek inside two of Edina's oldest and most historically significant buildings: Cahill School and Minnehaha Grange Hall No. 398.

A free public open house is held every year following the July 4 parade. Costumed schoolmarms and Society board members are on hand to answer questions about the buildings, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The building will also be open at least three more times: in May the Society and the Heritage Preservation Board partner for an open house in honor of National Preservation Month. In addition, the Cahill Schoolmarms are planning open house events in the spring and fall to provide information about the Society's living history programs. Dates to be announced.

For more information, contact Schoolmarm Carol Kuhlman at 952-448-4022 or the Edina History Museum at 612-928-4577.