Rice County Historical Society

06/04/2026

We'll be there with some historic kids activities! Come find us down at North Alexander Park this evening from 5pm-8pm.

HAPPY SAFE SUMMER KICKOFF DAY!

We can't wait to see you tonight in North Alexander Park from 5 - 8 p.m.

FREE FOOD. 🌭 FREE BIKES. 🚲 FREE SWAG. 👕

Safe Summer Kickoff - 2026

06/02/2026

What do you know about making your own books?

Join RCHS at 1pm on June 6th and turn a single piece of art paper into a 24-page sketchbook, complete with a pencil holder and pocket!

Call 507-332-2121 to sign up for this awesome workshop with India Johnson and the Minnesota Center for Book Arts.

This event takes place at the RCHS Museum (1814 NW 2nd Ave) and is $20/RCHS and MCBA Members, $25/non-members.

06/01/2026

Today we are sharing some more responses from our Wish Wall project this spring.

Curated by students, here's what they have to say on this set of cards:

"Healthcare seems to be a concern for the people of Northfield especially, where multiple cards were collected in intergenerational locations, such as the Northfield Public Library, 50 North West, a senior center, and Carleton College. Wishes for healthcare, safety, and access to resources is a common theme in the cards."

This project was done in partnership with the Carleton College History Department and the Carleton College Center for Community and Civic Engagement. Wish Walls are a project nationally coordinated by Made By Us. Thank you to everyone for all their hard work!

Carleton College

05/30/2026

RCHS will be closed today. We will be back open on Monday.

05/29/2026

What is the story of Walcott Township?

Originally a small community with big plans named after Samuel Walcott, the township grew to include a three-story flour mill, cooper mill, creamery, and even a hotel. But by 1939, the town was already considered history.

Find out more in this 2017 newsletter article by Pauline Schreiber: https://rchistory.org/history-stories/walcott-township/

05/26/2026

You might know the story of the James-Younger Gang in Northfield -- but do you know what happened next?

Explore the escape of the James-Younger Gang as they attempted to evade the largest manhunt in U.S history with Russ Swanson. Swanson, who began exploring the story after discovering the owner of the land he lives on was robbed by the gang, will share the day-by-day pursuit of the gang as they fled for their lives throughout Minnesota, Dakota Territory, and Iowa.

Swanson's talk takes place at the Rice County Historical Society on May 28th at 6pm! This talk is free for RCHS Members and $5 for non-members. Call 507-332-2121 to pre-register.

05/25/2026

The Rice County Historical Society is CLOSED for Memorial Day. We will re-open tomorrow.

05/22/2026

Looking for something fun to do tomorrow?

Come tour our historic Alexander Faribault House at 12 1st Ave NE in Faribault! We'll have tours at 1pm and 2pm, and they're just $5 a person (cash or Venmo only, please). Reserve your spot by calling 507-332-2121.

05/20/2026

Did we have an awesome weekend or what?

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who came out and supported the Spring Flea Market and Riverside Rendezvous & History Festival!

Enjoy these Rendezvous photos from Tim Crowe and check out these recaps from Aubrey Helbling: https://mnprairieroots.com/2026/05/18/living-history-along-the-cannon-river/

https://mnprairieroots.com/2026/05/19/finding-oddities-history-community-at-rchs-flea-market/

See you next year!