Houston Area Museum

08/06/2026

📸 Throwback Thursday 📸

Take a stroll down Houston's Main Street as it looked in the 1930s!

This historic view captures a bustling downtown filled with local businesses, early automobiles, and familiar landmarks that many longtime residents may remember.

A few interesting pieces of history from this photo:
🏨 The building on the right originally served as a hotel.

🏦 Green's Cafe was located on the south side of the street, near where the bank stands today.

🏢 On the left side of the photo is the historic Skifton Building, another longtime fixture of Houston's business district.

Photos like this remind us how our downtown has evolved while preserving the stories of the people and businesses that built our community.

Do you remember any of these businesses? We'd love to hear your memories in the comments!

07/30/2026

📸 Throwback Thursday 📸

This week's journey into Houston's past takes us to East Cedar Street, looking east, around 1930.

Pictured in the foreground is Olaus Sennes standing outside Olaus' Restaurant, while hired hand Kenneth Virock is driving Ole Forsyth's team through town. On the right side of the photo stands Amanda Loken, aunt of Rosewayne Thiele.

It's fascinating to imagine the sights and sounds of Cedar Street nearly a century ago, when horse-drawn teams shared the road and local businesses were the heart of the community.

Do you recognize any of these names, or have family stories about Houston's early businesses? We'd love to hear your memories in the comments!

07/23/2026

🤠 Throwback Thursday – Houston Hoedown Days - Houston, MN Edition! 🤠

With Houston Hoedown Weekend almost here, we thought it would be fun to take a trip back to the early-to-mid 1990s!

It's hard to believe these photos are nearly 30 years old, it seems like just yesterday! These snapshots capture so many favorite Hoedown traditions, from the parade, car show, horseshoe tournament, tractor pull, kiddie parade, horse pull, kiddie tractor pull, and even some of the dedicated Hoedown Board Members who helped make it all happen.

Now we need YOUR help!

📸 Do you recognize anyone in these photos? Tag them or share their names in the comments so we can help preserve the stories behind these memories.

💬 We'd also love to hear from you! What are your favorite Houston Hoedown memories from years gone by? Share your stories, favorite events, or traditions in the comments!

Photo credit: Houston Gazette

Here's to celebrating the past while making new memories this Hoedown weekend. See you at Hoedown! 🎉

07/20/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14gPsMVMNp9/?mibextid=wwXIfr

07/15/2026

📖🇺🇸 America at 250: Stories That Shaped a Nation 🇺🇸📖

We are excited to share this wonderful article from the Caledonia Argus highlighting the Houston Area Museum’s recent presentation, “America at 250: Stories That Shaped a Nation,” featuring repeat presenter, researcher, historian and storyteller Frederick Beseler.

Held over Independence Day weekend, the presentation took attendees on a fascinating journey through the documents, people and events that helped shape the United States, from colonial protests and the Revolutionary War to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and beyond.

Through historic documents, artifacts, images and stories, Frederick brought history to life and encouraged thoughtful discussion about our nation's founding, its contradictions, the ongoing journey of civil rights and the responsibility of preserving our history for future generations.

A special thank you to Kim Nielson and the Caledonia Argus for sharing this wonderful story and to everyone who joined us for this memorable program!

📚 We invite you to read the full article and learn more about this special presentation and the stories that shaped our nation.

The Houston Area Museum marked the Independence Day weekend with a deep dive into the nation’s founding documents, guided by repeat presenter and researcher Frederick Beseler. Speaking to a small

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day from the Houston Area Museum! 🇺🇸

Today, as we celebrate the birth of our nation, we also celebrate America's 250th anniversary, a reminder that history isn't just found in textbooks. It's preserved in our communities, our family stories, our photographs, and the places we work together to protect.

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted, declaring the 13 colonies free and independent from Great Britain. While the Revolutionary War continued for years afterward, that document became the foundation of the United States and the ideals of liberty and self-government that continue to shape our nation.

As our country marks this historic milestone, we're reminded that local history matters, too. Every artifact donated, every photograph shared, and every story passed down helps preserve the history of Houston for future generations.

Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and meaningful Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙

Happy 4th of July from all of us at the Houston Area Museum!

07/03/2026

Stop by Houston Area Museum on Sunday, July 5th at 2pm to see Frederick's presentation! 🇺🇸

🇺🇸America at 250: Stories That Shaped a Nation 🇺🇸

The Houston Area Museum is excited to welcome back returning presenter Frederick Beseler for a special program you won’t want to miss!

Join us on Sunday, July 5 at 2:00 PM as Frederick shares fascinating stories and historic documents leading up to the 250th anniversary of the United States. From 1776 to 2026, explore the moments, people, and records that helped shape our nation’s journey to independence.

As we approach this once-in-a-generation milestone, America’s Semiquincentennial (250th Independence Day on July 4, 2026) this presentation offers a meaningful look at the history behind the celebration.

📍 Houston Area Museum
🗓 Sunday, July 5
⏰ 2:00 PM

Bring a friend and come experience history in a whole new way!

07/02/2026

🎶 Throwback Thursday! 🎶

We're taking you back to Houston Hoedown 1979 with these fantastic black-and-white photos of the street dance held in front of the original Opera House/Community Center, the very building that is now home to the Houston Area Museum!

These photos capture a fun evening of music, dancing, and community spirit that has been part of Houston's history for generations.

👀 Do you recognize anyone in these three photos? We'd love your help identifying the people pictured! Tag them in the comments or share their names and any memories you have from that year's Hoedown.

Every name and story helps preserve Houston's history for future generations. ❤️

06/30/2026

Go cool off with help from the Houston Fire & Rescue 💦

06/25/2026

Thank you to the Caledonia Argus for highlighting this important discussion and to everyone who attended and supports preserving our local history! 🏛️❤️

Community members filled the Houston Area Museum located at 109 W. Maple St. on June 14 as a trio of Houston County history advocates made the case for saving Caledonia’s