This volunteer informed visitors about the history of an 1856 log cabin, once located near Nerstrand, Minnesota.
WHEN HISTORY BECOMES AUTHENTIC, I get interested. Not to say I dismiss museum exhibits packed with information, artifacts and such. But I engage most with the past when that past comes alive.
The festive setting outside the late 1850s Pleasant Valley School welcomed visitors to A Night at the Museum.
That happened Saturday during the Rice County Historical Society’s annual Night at the Museum. Volunteers dressed in period costume took visitors like me back in time—
Gathering outside Pleasant Valley School before “class.”
Inside the school entry, a place to wash.
Propped against the wall at the front of the classroom.
As the early evening sun slants through the windows, class begins.
into a one-room country school,
Next to the school, Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, built in 1869 and moved here in 1959 from Cannon City, Minnesota.
Waiting for “worshipers” to enter the church.
Beautiful vintage altar cloth authentic to the church.
An 1800s hymnbook.
an aged Episcopal church,
Outside the 1856 log cabin, visitors could walk on stilts and mow lawn.
Inside the log cabin, a young visitor learns about pioneer era beds.
an 1856 log cabin…
I found myself watching, listening, experiencing the history of Rice County, Minnesota. I didn’t grow up here so this place doesn’t hold the same significance it would for life-long residents rooted here for generations. But I’ve lived in Faribault long enough to care about the history of this county and the people who shaped it.
Inside the Harvest and Heritage Halls, many local business signs are now displayed. I remember these businesses, some of which closed in recent years. I love signage for its art and its history.
And I’ve lived long enough to now see items like local business signs, typewriters, telephones, a Surge milking machine and more in museum exhibits.
I am grateful for efforts to preserve these parts of our past and to showcase history during interactive events like Night at the Museum. To witness history in this way connects me personally to the past of this place I’ve called home since 1982.
FYI: Check back for Part II from this living history event.
© Copyright 2019 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
What a truly nice experience this must have been. I love seeing history come to life as well and this must have been a wonderful event for your town. Your pictures are amazing as always.
It’s been a few years since I’ve been able to attend A Night at the Museum. It is a fun time and I appreciate all the work of volunteers and historical society staff in making this happen.
Thanks for sharing this, Audrey. Lovely setting and photos.
You are welcome, Penny.
This looks like so much fun
You would have enjoyed it.
Indeed your words make history come alive as you showcased interesting interactive exhibits. You are always seeking out events such as this to learn more about the past and encouraging others to appreciate all that came before leaving their footprints behind. .
Thank you. I am grateful to the many people who plan and carry out such events.
I guess if I told you that I remebr using a push mower, I would be sowing my age. Nice pictures.
I’ve used a push mower myself. Thus I am also showing my age.