Rice County Historical Society

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Rice County Historical Society Our mission is to "discover, preserve, collect, and share the history of Rice County, MN”. Sign up for our E-Notifications at http://eepurl.com/ib4TE

The Rice County Historical Society was founded in 1926 as an outgrowth of the Old Settlers Association, formed in 1874. Our mission is to "collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Rice County and the State of Minnesota.” This mission has guided us over the years and continues to be our focus for everything we do. Education and outreach, programs and events, preserving the collection, and much, much more.

10/08/2026

RCHS members! Have you RSVP'd for the annual meeting? Be sure to stop by and pick up your tickets. If not, please RSVP (call us or talk to a board member) by Wednesday, October 14th.

Not a member? You can find information about becoming a member on our website, by giving us a call at 507-332-2121, or coming by in person.

10/07/2026

We will be closed tomorrow, 10/8. We will resume our normal hours, 10-5, on Friday 10/9. Thanks for understanding.

Happy !Today we want to recognize all the great educators of Rice County, past and present. Education may have changed...
10/05/2026

Happy !

Today we want to recognize all the great educators of Rice County, past and present. Education may have changed from the days of one-room schools to the classrooms of today, but all teachers have helped make Rice County what it is.

Pictured below:
1) Teachers and students at the Sharp School in Bridgewater Township
2) Willis Schoeb, 6th grade teacher at Washington in 1970
3) Rachel Haider dressed as Etta Sweet doing a school program at RCHS

Come on down to the Alexander Faribault House on Saturday as part of Faribault's Fall Fest celebrations!The house is ope...
10/01/2026

Come on down to the Alexander Faribault House on Saturday as part of Faribault's Fall Fest celebrations!

The house is open to wander through, and we'll have a fun kids "Halloween Mask" craft available for everyone. The event is free and donations are appreciated.

See you there!

in 1880, Sheeran and Filler bottling works moved to the east side of the Straight River, opposite the Fleckenstein br...
09/28/2026

in 1880, Sheeran and Filler bottling works moved to the east side of the Straight River, opposite the Fleckenstein brewery.

If you've been on one of our Fleckenstein walking tours over the years, you've probably seen the spot! Michael James Sheeran got into the business of manufacturing and bottling syrups, soda, and fancy drinks in 1872 with Peter Misgen. Misgen retired and Andrew Filler purchased his share in 1875. In 1880, they moved the bottling works across from Fleck's, as that contract brought in about $16,000 per year. Sheeran and Filler remained in business together until 1897 when they sold the bottling works to the Endres brothers.

This photo is of the bottling factory when it was owned by Endres.

What was the post office like in 1857?169 years ago today, the Faribault Herald wrote: "At the request of a number of ...
09/24/2026

What was the post office like in 1857?

169 years ago today, the Faribault Herald wrote: "At the request of a number of our prominent citizens we gladly give expression to the full and entire satisfaction given by Mr. Skinner and his clerk, Mr. Pettier, in the management of the postoffice. Their arrangements are excellent, and they have been faithful and accommodating in the discharge of their duties. With pleasure we become the organ of the community in giving this evidence of our appreciation. The first quarterly returns for the office in 1857 footed up to $246 for letters alone."

This photo shows a Nutting cart used at the post office in the early 20th century.

Do you ever see a photo and wonder how it came to be?This picture has only a few pieces of information attached: it's fr...
09/21/2026

Do you ever see a photo and wonder how it came to be?

This picture has only a few pieces of information attached: it's from Shieldsville, includes a threshing machine, and is connected to the Lucius Smith collection. But what's the rest of the story?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Who remembers the Faribault Area Airfest and Balloon Rally?In 2011, Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty kicked off the event...
09/18/2026

Who remembers the Faribault Area Airfest and Balloon Rally?

In 2011, Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty kicked off the event, saying "Did you know that the wingspan of a 747 is longer than the Wright Brothers' first flight? Aviation has made so much progress. This airfest is a wonderful community event. I'm proud it is in Minnesota."

Activities included a pancake breakfast, biplane, glider and helicopter rides, stunt plane and skydiving demonstrations, and the hot air balloon launch.

Who remembers the Chlian meat market?One 1963 article describes how Ralph and Robert Chliian's baloney disappeared "by t...
09/16/2026

Who remembers the Chlian meat market?

One 1963 article describes how Ralph and Robert Chliian's baloney disappeared "by the yard" during a get-together of the Bohemian Farmers Insurance company's annual meeting. The Chlians made over 1200lbs of homemade baloney for that day!

Address

1814 2nd Avenue NW
Faribault, MN
55021

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+15073322121

Website

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