Rice County Historical Society

09/04/2026

Check out a special Rice County object on display at Northfield Historical Society to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the defeat of the James-Younger gang!

It’s been 150 years since one of the most famous failed bank robberies in US history, and it happened right here in Minnesota!

A member of the James-Younger gang wore this linen duster in the attempted robbery of the First National Bank in Northfield on September 7, 1876. It was dropped during the botched robbery and is now part of the MNHS collections.

This weekend is a rare opportunity to see the duster in person! It is on loan to Northfield History and will be displayed where the crime took place—a gallery next to the original First National Bank building.

See the link below to learn how you can be part of the milestone anniversary and read more about how the people of Northfield stood up to the gang.

https://mnhs.info/4zWq9VQ

09/03/2026

🥔 Happy National Potato Month! 🥔

This photo is labeled "Digging Potatoes for Sunday Dinner". We also have a number of potato planters, peelers, mashers, and advertisements for purchasing potatoes to grow or to eat in our collection.

What's your favorite thing to do with a potato?

09/01/2026

Have you ever made a rag rug?

A rag rug is exactly what it sounds like: a rug made from rags. Old clothing, bedsheets, or other discarded fabric might be woven or braided together to make a mat. When made of wool, the rug can easily last another hundred years! Here at the Rice County Historical Society, we have several rag rugs in our collections and historic buildings.

08/28/2026

in 1967, Heisman winner Bruce Smith passed away.

Today, we are sharing a 2013 article by Susan Hvistendahl, originally published in The Entertainment Guide which discusses in-depth Smith's career and his relationship with his father Lucius, who also played football at the University of Minnesota.

Read the article here: https://rchistory.org/history-stories/bruce-smith-minnesotas-only-heisman-trophy-winner

08/27/2026

We can't wait to see you at Jeff's book launch tomorrow! The event takes place at FiftyNorth at 6:30pm.

08/27/2026

Do you know anyone participating in National History Day?

Make sure to share this awesome resource from the Minnesota Digital Library promoting NHD and local history!

You can also always stop by the Rice County Historical Society Museum to explore our local history resources and make your project extra special.

08/26/2026

Happy from the Rice County Historical Society!

You all already know our Executive Director Dave Nichols....but do you know his dog Onix?

Onix loves to chase bugs, she's a biiiiiiiiiiiiiiig hugger, and her favorite food is chicken. Maybe someday you'll get to meet Onix down at the museum!

08/25/2026

Join the Rice County Historical Society for another great year of school programming! We have...

📚 Historic Village Tours (September-October, mid-April-May) - Learn about how people lived in the fast and visit our historic buildings and museum!

🌲 Riverside Rendezvous & History Festival Education Days (May 6-7, 2027) - Get hands-on with the fur trade at this awesome event in its third year!

🏡 Alexander Faribault House (Year-round) - Visit the 1853 house built by Alexander Faribault!

🍎 Something else? We're happy to work with YOU. Just ask!

Find all our program offerings at rchistory.org/education. Give us a call at 507-332-2121, email [email protected], or even message us on Facebook to sign up and learn more!

08/24/2026

What's that on display when you walk into our gallery?

It's a Fleur de Lis of course! This work of art was created by Tami Resler and Jessica Prill as part of a community art project at the 2026 Straight River Art Festival.

Stop on by our museum M-F from 10-5 and Saturday from 10-2and see what details you can find on the Fleur de Lis -- and make sure to follow Straight River Arts to learn more about their process and projects!

This work will be on display through October.

08/20/2026

Don't miss out on our one-room schoolhouse program at the Lonsdale 3R Schoolhouse TONIGHT!

Join RCHS and the 3R Landmark Corporation at 6pm for a talk on one-room schools and an opportunity to check out this beautiful (two-room) historic school. Admission is free for members, $5/non-members. Call 507-332-2121 to pre-register.