The Anoka County Sheriff's department history dates back to 1857 with the 1st Sheriff James C. Frost. Who someone complained was speeding his horse down Main St. in 1868. In this episode, listen to a portion of the program about the department given March 9 at the Anoka County History Center.
Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.
Read MoreScott Ledoux served as an Anoka County Commissioner from 2004 to 2010. But years before his shift to politics, LeDoux, or “The Fighting Frenchman,” was a professional heavyweight boxer. In this episode, Scott describes his time as a boxer, as boxing commissioner for Minnesota, and how he decided to run for County Commissioner to serve Andover, Coon Rapids, and Fridley.
Hosts Rebecca Ebnet Desens, ACHS Executive Director, and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.
Read MoreOn Friday afternoons at the Anoka County History Center, Jane LaMusga takes her place, ready to research family genealogies or the museum mystery of the day. Jane grew up in the city of Anoka and received a certificate in genealogical research from Boston University. In this episode, and across social media as “Genealogist Jane”, she shares how she started her genealogy journey, and her tips and tricks along the way.
Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.
Read MoreKassandra Mackenthun joined the ACHS staff as their new Collections Manager at the end of 2022. In this episode she sat down with her new boss, Rebecca, and talked about how she thinks about history, what she wants to tackle first in the collection, and her joy in sharing history with family.
Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director
Read MoreTony Palumbo began his career in the Anoka County Attorney’s Office in 1977 as a clerk. when he passed the bar two years later, Tony became the Assistant County Attorney. He held this position until his election to County Attorney in 2010, retiring in 2022. In this episode, Tony reflects on his journey to become a lawyer, his 45 years in the County Attorney’s office, and the emotional toll that comes with the job.
Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director
Read MoreJim Kordiak served as Anoka County Commissioner for 32 years and was often seen walking the streets of his constituency in Fridley and Columbia Heights. Days after the first election his name wasn’t on the ballot since 1986, Kordiak reflected on his time in office, how he decided to run for the first place, and his motivation to start a new chapter of his life.
Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director
Read MoreSam Hermanstorfer enlisted in the Army in 1968, after three years working to raise his status from 4F to 1A. A year later he was in Vietnam assigned to the 1st Division 26th Infantry Company B in the motor pool. Sam describes his journey to Vietnam, and his day-to-day life as a soldier from arriving in Vietnam and building their own hooch, to his strategy of “acquiring” better food than the C Rations provided.
Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director
Read MoreAndy Risvold from Forgotten Star Brew Co. in Fridley shares the history (new & old) about the brewery. Located in the last remaining building from Northern Pump where over 10,000 employees made weapons during WWII, the brewery honors that legacy with a new life.
Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director
Read MoreLinda Lee Rodgers grew up in the close-knit community of Cedar, MN (located within the south east portion of Oak Grove today). Once a small town in its own right with a Main Street, railroad depot, creamery, and grocery stores, Cedar’s “modest grandeur” has faded over time. Linda shares her love of her hometown, and its history she is working to preserve.
Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator
Read MoreAlbert Kordiak served as Anoka County commissioner for 32 years, beginning a family legacy that lasted a total of 64 years when his son retired. During his lifetime, Kordiak built a legacy based on supporting causes he firmly believed in, including the anti-communist movement in the 1950’s, advocating for his hometown of Columbia Heights, and remembering his Czechoslovakian roots. In 2009, Kordiak took time to record an oral history for ACHS that detailed many of his experiences.
Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.
Read MoreBefore photographing an accident or crime scene became a standard part of law enforcement in Anoka County, William Nelson took up his camera in 1961 to document the scenes as a volunteer. In 2010, Nelson donated his collection to the museum and recounted his time as unofficial photographer.
Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.
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