Welcome!
Carlton County Historical Society
We are dedicated to preserving the unique history of Carlton County. We not only collect artifacts and remember important events, but we also gather the countless individual stories left behind by our ancestors and neighbors. We are proud to serve Carlton County in the collection, preservation, and dissemination of the history of the county.
Hours:
Tuesday: 10 am- 4 pm
Wednesday: 10 am- 4 pm
Thursday: 10 am -4 pm
Friday: 10 am -3 pm
Starting in May, we will be open from 10-6 on Wednesdays!
CLOSED: April 23rd
CLOSED from 12:00 pm-1:30 pm on 4/18, 7/18, 10/17.
What's New
Please check out our Events page and Facebook page for details about our upcoming events!
Bus Trip to MNHS for the Girlhood: It's Complicated Exhibit- May 3rd, 8 am-5 pm.
May 13th- 6:00-7:30 pm- Pints in the Past at the Streetcar!
Midsummer Celebration- June 19th, 5-8 pm
Get Cranky!- Don't forget to come to our ice cream social! It was a ton of fun last year. Read more about it and see some photos on the Get Cranky Page!
Orders for our new book, So Long and Best of Luck, are now available! Visit the bookstore page to buy a copy or visit us in person!
Need a new calendar? We have the 2025 barn calendar for you! Visit the Barn Committee page to purchase it!
If you would like to join the Women's History Affinity Group and research prominent local women, please contact us! Visit the Affinity Group page for more information!
We have added an Oral History page that's filled with one-of-a-kind stories told by community members who witnessed the fire, the great depression, early logging, and more.
What We Do
We collect, preserve, and share the history of Carlton County. We have documents, artifacts, maps, and photographs that are difficult to find anywhere else.
We are kid-tested and approved! Children are welcome at our museum.
Want to learn more about an ancestor, landmark, or your property? We find answers to your questions about Carlton County and its past inhabitants. If we can answer your question in 15 minutes or so there is no charge. For in-depth research, we charge an hourly rate. See the "Research" tab for more information.
Our Facebook page showcases many historic photographs of our wonderful area and people.
Look at our EVENTS page for information on upcoming events!
Don't miss our education, oral history, and sugar-bushing pages!
Contact Us!
Phone: 218-879-1938
Come visit us!
406 Cloquet Avenue, Cloquet MN 55720
Donate and become a sustainer!
Support Local History
JOIN. GIVE. SUSTAIN
A Campaign for the
Carlton County Historical Society
Please consider joining The Carlton County Historical Society.
If you are a member, please renew early. And if you are able, please contribute.
Call CCHS at 218-879-1938 or go online at Join Give Sustain CCHS.
Please give on a recurring basis.
Spreading your contribution out over 12 months may allow you to give more and you will provide steady and essential support for this great local organization.
If you are 70½ or older, please consider a charitable distribution gift from your IRA.
Federal law allows these qualified charitable distribution gifts to be made, without the withdrawal being treated as taxable income, and the gift counts toward the required minimum distribution.
Become a Sustainer
Friends who give on a recurring basis or from their IRAs become sustainers of CCHS. You will receive advance notice of special events and insider briefings about the exciting developments at CCHS. Sustainers assure that CCHS moves forward with strong and steady support. Sustainers keep CCHS’ program open to new ideas and connections between the past and present, taking us closer to the bright future we all desire for our region.
Thank you
Membership
Become a Member. Renew Your Membership. Give a Gift Membership.
The most important benefit of membership is that you are helping to keep Carlton County history alive! The important work of collecting, preserving, and sharing Carlton County's history depends on member support. Members receive a free book, newsletters, and notices of events and activities. Click on the become a member button to the right.
Not ready to become a member? Consider donating! We appreciate your support.
If you have not received a copy of the recent edition of our "History Matters" newsletter here is a complimentary link.
Facts and Questions
Is there an accessibility entrance?
Yes! There is a sidewalk leading across the front lawn that leads to an automatic door. Inside there is an elevator that leads up into the museum!
Where do I park?
There are 2 small lots on either side of the building as well as street parking. Parking on the street is closest to the accessibility entrance.
Do we do tours?
If you have a large group we would like to know in advance. Otherwise, tours are mostly self-guided or assisted by the staff at the front desk. Come in anytime! No reservation is required and it's free!
Can I do research?
Yes! Anyone is welcome to stop in and use our archives with the help of staff. There is more information on our Research Page.
Davie Proulx holding her Grandmothers 1920s dress!
Celebrating 100 years with the Shaw Family
We took a lot of photos of our centennial party. It was a wonderful weekend of history, memories, and new connections. Thank you to everyone who came.
Here is a link to all the photos taken over the weekend!
New tree and bench! The Shaw family donated a tree to commemorate the centennial of the Shaw Memorial Library. We are making plans for a special garden to make the space beautiful and comfortable.