Stearns History Museum

09/02/2026

Just a heads up for everyone, we are currently experiencing issues with our catalog website. Please avoid visiting it for now and ignore any pop-ups if you do. We will keep you updated when the issue is resolved.

In the meantime, email [email protected] with any research inquiries. Thank you!

08/31/2026

Congrats Isabella! Way to represent Stearns County!

08/31/2026

A quick reminder that the research center will be closed this week to process a large collection and clean the space. The museum is open regular hours, Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm.

Thanks for your patience! You can still email our librarian ([email protected]) and archivist ([email protected]) with questions.

We will be closing the Research Center September 1st-5th to process large collections and deep clean the space.
The museum will be open as usual!

Visit the Saint Cloud Public Library on September 5th to hear about the new Images of America book on Saint Cloud and come see the updated space on Wednesday September 9th!

08/25/2026

Don't miss a hands on experience learning about the Saint Cloud Public Library's origins! While the focus is on the Carnegie Library, you will learn it's earliest history and the transition to the current space.

This program is on Thursday September 3rd at 6pm. Registration is not required, free for members, $5 for non members.

08/21/2026

Another great Fix-It Clinic, this time at the Whitney Senior Center, City of Saint Cloud. 60 participants, 158.5 pounds of fixed and mended materials, and an 85% fix/mend rate! We are grateful for the partnership of Stearns County MN Government's Tri-County Solid Waste Commission educator Gabbie who rocked the data collection and our host at Whitney, Kylie, for your hospitality and help!

Thanks especially to our volunteer fixers and menders, without which these clinics couldn't happen. Your time, energy, and expertise is so appreciated!

Interested in getting involved in these clinics? Contact Ann Marie at [email protected] or check out our website for more details: https://stearnshistorymuseum.org/fix-it-clinic/ Our next clinic will be on Sunday November 8 from 1-4pm at Iron Street Distillery in east St. Cloud.

08/19/2026

In partnership with The Camera Shop, we have digitized over 6000 feet of 16mm film reels created by Stearns County priest Monsignor John Denery.

Father Denery was the athletics and drama director at Cathedral High School from 1928 to 1938, then pastored St. Joseph of Waite Park and St. Paul of St. Cloud.

From the 1930s to the 1950s, Father Denery filmed Cathedral school activities, sports, local parades, and more. He also filmed some of St. Cloud’s notable events, including the aftermath of the Holy Angels Catholic Church fire, the dedication of the Whitney Airport, and moving the old St. Cloud Post Office building five blocks down St. Germain Street.

What you’re watching now is the spring flooding of the Mississippi River filmed by Father Denery in 1938. He filmed this from across the old paper mill in Sartell.

Right now, we’re brainstorming the ways we can use this rare and incredible footage. How do you think we should use it?

Let us know in the comments!

Thank you to The Camera Shop for their work in digitizing this priceless historic material!

08/18/2026

We will be closing the Research Center September 1st-5th to process large collections and deep clean the space.
The museum will be open as usual!

Visit the Saint Cloud Public Library on September 5th to hear about the new Images of America book on Saint Cloud and come see the updated space on Wednesday September 9th!

08/14/2026

Thanks to Todd and Emily from Great River Greening for hosting a discussion about biochar for the community this week at the museum! Folks had a chance to learn more, ask questions, and find resources. A tour group from Alexandria also happened to be at the museum at the same time and had the chance to drop in on the discussion! Another great collaboration with a strong partner who supports our natural history and environments here in Stearns County. Happy to have you here!

To learn more about what Great River Greening does, check out their website: https://www.greatrivergreening.org/

08/14/2026

Another great Hiking Through History with Tom Poser, the Natural Resources Technician for Stearns County Parks, on what turned out to be a nice night in Clearwater. Thanks Tom for your time and expertise!

We have one hike left this season, September 10 at 5:30pm at Rockville County Park. We hope you can join us.

08/13/2026