Rice County Historical Society

06/17/2026

Have you ever seen elephants in downtown Faribault?

This photo is from a parade down Central Ave, likely in the late 1920s. Elephants were part of a circus held at Teepee Tonka Park, and led the parade to the event.

Take a step back to the 1920s with us during our Roaring '20s Fundraiser this June 27 at 7pm over at Corks & Pints. While you're there, think about how downtown Faribault has changed over the years and celebrate 100 years of RCHS preserving local history.

Get your tickets at the RCHS Museum or online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/roaring-20s-fundraiser-tickets-1985523502244

06/15/2026

A big thank you to our volunteers: Brian Schmidt, Bob Wegner, and Mark Heiman for helping get the footings for our new Alexander Faribault House sign in! Mark graciously designed and built the sign for us. Once the foots cure you should see the new sign up by the end of the week!

06/15/2026

Did you know that the Tilt-a-Whirl is 100 years old this year?

Invented by Sellner Manufacturing, visitors can still find Tilt-a-Whirls at carnivals and amusement parks around the country -- as well as their distinctive cars around town in Faribault! The Tilt-a-Whirl was far from Herbert Sellner's first invention, preceded by a water toboggan slide and a popular water wheel, but it has perhaps proved his most enduring.

Keep these facts in mind -- they might show up as trivia during our Roaring '20s Fundraiser on June 27th! Call 507-332-2121, email [email protected], or get your ticket online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/roaring-20s-fundraiser-tickets-1985523502244

What are your memories of the Tilt-a-Whirl in Faribault?

06/15/2026

We had a great time on Saturday doing downtown walking tours for Faribault Heritage Days!!

Did you know that you can schedule your OWN walking tour with the Rice County Historical Society anytime?

Give us a call at 507-332-2121 or email us at [email protected] to set up your walking tour date. Tours are 45-60 minutes, $5/person, at least 48 hours advance notice required.

Photo by Tom Rent.

06/12/2026

Explore the Faribault of the 1800s with a Downtown Walking Tour tomorrow at 12pm and 1:30pm!

Ending at the Alexander Faribault house, learn about what life was like for everyday people with this 45 minute tour. Tours are $5/person and start at Central Park. Call 507-332-2121 to pre-register, or just show up! Cash-only, day of.

06/11/2026

to this photo of Heritage Days from a year gone by!

This Heritage Days, find RCHS at Central Park on Saturday, June 13th. We'll be doing $5 walking tours starting at Central Park at 12pm and 1:30pm, and the Alexander Faribault House is open and free from 1pm-3pm!

What are your memories of Heritage Days?

06/10/2026

Happy Pride Month from the Rice County Historical Society!!

From the love story of Evangeline Whipple and Rose Cleveland to Northfield's Gay Liberation Front, LGBTQ+ history happens everywhere.

Explore some of these stories further using resources like the Greater Minnesota Two Spirit & LGBTQ+ History Map from the Minnesota Historical Society, the book "Land of 10,000 Loves", and "Precious & Adored", which tells the story of Whipple and Cleveland. "Precious & Adored" can be found in our gift store!

History Map: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ff9c23776f1d4b729caac2d034f2a09

Greater Minnesota has a long and storied Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ history. Use the tools below to begin your tour through our diverse past.

06/08/2026

Did you know Faribault, the town, and Faribault, the county, are named after different people?

The town of Faribault is named after Alexander Faribault, and the county is named after his father, Jean-Baptiste Faribault. Now you know!

Today we are visiting Faribault County, located on Minnesota’s southern border with Iowa. This county was organized as a territorial county in 1856. It was named after Jean-Baptiste Faribault, a French fur trader and settler. The Blue Earth River runs through this county on its way to join the Minnesota River near Mankato.

When Faribault County was created, the county seat of Blue Earth had a population of only 15 people. The city prospered as the center of the region’s agriculture, transportation, and local government, and by the 1920s it boasted substantial buildings, paved roads, and other amenities. This group of people on a day’s outing to Blue Earth seemed to enjoy their visit! Explore more counties in MDL’s regional map collection at z.umn.edu/MDLRegionalMaps.

Image: Afternoon automobile outing in Blue Earth, c. 1920. Faribault County Historical Society, https://collection.mndigital.org/catalog/fhs:131

06/08/2026

Have we mentioned it's our 100th birthday this year?

Come celebrate with us at our Roaring '20s Fundraiser on June 27 at 7pm! Dress up in your 1926 best and enjoy live music and dancing, a silent auction, a cash raffle, cork pulls, food, and great company down at Corks & Pints.

Tickets are $50/person and go towards supporting our programs, events, and operations. Get your tickets from an RCHS Board Member, at the Rice County Historical Society (1814 NW 2nd Ave), or online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/roaring-20s-fundraiser-tickets-198552350224

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