View Our Guestbook Telephone:  (320) 679-1665 Fax: (320) 679-1673 e-mail     You are visitor number   Thank You!

The Kanabec County Historical Society was organized in 1931.  The fledgling organization got off to a slow start becoming completely inactive three years later.  Several attempts to revitalize the group failed but in 1968, under new leadership, the Society reorganized and gained substantial public interest and support.  After first meeting in the former Izaak Walton building, the Society opened its first museum facility in the basement of the old Mora Fire Hall in 1972.  It began actively collecting artifacts, soon recognizing the need for a permanent site in which to care for and exhibit the collection and to be able to offer public programming.  These goals were realized in 1978 when the Kanabec History Center was constructed on land donated by the McVay family and opened to the public. The Center is situated on a 37 acre site bordering the Snake River on Mora's West side. The main, 5400 square foot, building houses an exhibit hall, research area, gift shop, and gallery/conference room with a full kitchen. The conference room is available for meetings and private parties at a nominal fee. The Kanabec History Center complex includes hiking trails along the Snake River and picnic areas. Other structures on the site include the restored 1889 Webster School, the 1904 wood-frame one room Whittier School, the 1898 two room Coin School and the 1950's era Great Northern caboose. Other out door exhibits include the agricultural building, the farm machinery exhibit and the 1960's fire truck once used by the Mora Fire Department. The Kanabec History Center is funded mainly through memberships, donations and fundraising. The Kanabec History Center is a member owned 501 (c) (3) non-profit governed by a  nine member Board of Directors elected by the membership. All donations are fully tax deductible. The Kanabec Historical Society and History Center are NOT a part of any city, county or state government department. While the Kanabec Historical Society does maintain a membership in the Minnesota Historical Society it is NOT funded by nor is it governed by the State Historical Society.   Statement of Purpose To search out, collect and preserve historical data, structures and objects from Kanabec County, past and present. To provide for the conservation and preservation of these materials using accepted standards of museum practice. To provide reasonable accessibility of these materials for research and study. To educate through the use of meaningful exhibits, comprehensive programs and activities, and a variety of other means which promote understanding and the desire to learn. To serve as a bridge between the past and the present, to provide an understanding of past events and their effects on current and future generations. To establish a standard of excellence and dedication to service which in turn will merit the respect and financial support of the community. Annual Meeting is held October of each year, this year's date is Saturday October 18, 2007. This event begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner, a short business meeting, election of Board members, followed by program and book signing by Doug Ohman  "Cabins of Minnesota." Everyone welcome!! The Board of Directors meets the Second Thursday of the month at 5 p.m.   Membership information Copyright 2002© Kanabec County Historical Society All rights reserved.