Our mission is to gather, preserve and share the stories of all the people and communities that are part of Anoka County.
The Anoka County Historical Society is an inclusive organization accountable for presenting and celebrating both the told and untold stories of Anoka County. We invite people to join us on this journey to ignite curiosity about the past and to understand our shared experiences.
The League of Women Voters ABC chapter presented ACHS with a Friend of the League Award on Nov. 14 at the Andover City Hall (left). After the presentation by LWV-ABC President Gretchen Sabel, ACHS Director Rebecca Ebnet-Desens spoke on the “Power of Personal History”. Hear more in Desens TED Talk from 2016.
“How do you see yourself?” Desens asked. “Answering that question will go a long way toward what you will save, as well as where and with whom you will save it. Your legacy is in your hands—quite literally. But it’s also in your head. And your house.”
The Board of Directors (three of whom are pictured at right: Rich Oxley, Wes Volkenant, and Steve Florman) champion the idea of personal storytelling. They welcome the donation of oral recordings, written memoirs, or pictorial collections to the archives of ACHS.
You can also check out the virtual exhibit right here—it’s
changing all the time as we add new artifacts and information.
Support the preservation of 50,000 artifacts representing the last 100 years of Federal by purchasing the exhibit companion publication, Federal First Class from our gift shop.
We’re taking history beyond the dates you memorized in high school and finding context for those community stories. What does it mean to hold the keys to a Century farm? How does living as a teenager today compare to the past? When do immigrants become established legacy families? Who do we call neighbors and friends?
Whether inside the classroom or the museum; out and about during festivals, social events, or conducting oral histories, the Anoka County Historical Society ties tales of the past to the lived experiences of the present — all while looking to the future.
It pays to stop the train now and again to reflect on the flurry of activity at ACHS. What worked? What didn’t? Where can we grow? How can we better serve our community and members? What are we busting our buttons on with pride?
In 2021 we kept pace with our digital programming offerings, experimented with History 21: The Podcast, and accessioned approximately 50,000 items from the Federal Cartridge Company. Check out the new shows available, special subscriber content in History 21: The Vault, and the centennial celebration page.
Intrigued? Find out more below!
#MyrtleMonday Object Id: 2005.1361.006
