So, you’ve got a question…
The research materials and resources at ACHS can help find some answers
Did you know that the Anoka County Historical Society has more than 17,000 photographs of Anoka County places and people?
The library and archives has thousands of letters, diaries, personal papers, photographs, newspapers, obituaries, and much, much more! In addition to our books, documents, and photographs, we have almost 19,000 objects in our collections as well. These resources will help you research the people and places of Anoka County. Our collections are used by students of all ages, by local citizens interested in the stories of the places where they live and work, and by genealogists researching family history, among many others.
Not sure where to get started? Check our Research FAQ.
Research Requests?
Can’t make it to the Anoka County History Center and Library? The Anoka County Historical Society can conduct research for you:
Fill out the Research Request Form
ACHS has many contacts throughout the community, leading to resources that can’t be cataloged or indexed. Contact us and we’ll see what we can find!
Our microfilm reader. cool stuff we offer
1. Anoka Area newspapers as early as 1863
2. Naturalization papers for Anoka County
3. Census material on Anoka County from 1857 to 1920
4. Selected church and civil records
What can this magical library do?
The library at the History Center serves two basic functions:
a small twig of the Anoka County Library system
a research facility
As a partner in the library system, patrons may request ACHS as a hold location for library materials and check out those materials here. We also serve as a drop-off site for all Anoka County Library materials. Unfortunately, we cannot provide or renew library cards, or accept payment for overdue fines here; please visit any main Anoka County Library branch for those services.
The books that live in the ACHS Reading Room may not be checked out, but can be used within the building as research tools. Please use the Anoka County Library catalog to see if we have a particular item. Simply go to the Anoka County Library catalog, choose the “Advanced Search” option (located at the far right of the search bar), and then select “The Anoka County History Center and Library” from the “Library” drop-down menu. Do not fill in any other search fields, and click the blue “Advanced Search” button at the bottom right of the screen. This will bring up a list of all library items located at ACHS.
Vital Statistics Indexing
Birth, death, and marriage announcements from local newspapers, indexed by date and last name
Some church records
Thurston Mortuary Records
Burial information for many Anoka County cemeteries
Microfilm
Anoka County Union, 1865-2002
Anoka Herald, 1885-1960
Naturalization papers for Anoka County
Census material on Anoka County from 1857 to 1920
Selected church and civil records
Newspapers
Newspaper collections from various publications in Anoka County, including:
Bethel Banner/Booster
Blaine Banner
Circulating Pines
Columbia Heights Record (selected issues only)
Minneapolis and St. Paul papers of significant events and dates
Stars and Stripes (various years and military conflicts)
Subject Files
This is a collection of reference materials organized by subject, including events, people, organizations and places. It primarily contains newspaper clippings, and also copies of relevant documents from the broader ACHS Collections. For more information on these files, please contact us.
Maps
Road surveys from pre-statehood
Plat maps showing land ownership, especially 1888, 1914, and 1932
City and county maps from 1850’s to current
Photograph
Collection
These are arranged by topic and community. The photograph collection is currently at more than 17,000 cataloged photos from the earliest days of Anoka County to today. Topics include street scenes, clubs and organizations, fairs and parades.
Check out the Online Collection! We’re adding to it daily.
In partnership with friends from Minnesota State University, Mankato and Hennepin County Library, staff from the Anoka County Historical Society presented at the 2021 conference. Watch now and discover how each organization collected history as it happens during the COVID pandemic.
Discover hidden Collections
Want to know more about Minnesota? Check out this great resource for your next school project, curious moment, or deep-dive into primary resources. MNDigital.org
Articles abound!
Hosted by the Minnesota Historical Society, this collection of reliable, fact-checked articles provides summary information, helpful links, and timelines for thousands of Minnesota events, locations, and people.