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How was clothing made before sewing machines became practical and affordable? How were seams finished before the zigzag stitch? And how were garments fastened before the zipper? The Sew Historic affinity group explores these questions through historical clothing, sewing techniques, and the garments preserved in the Carlton County Historical Society's collection. Discover the Stories Behind Historic Clothing Join fellow history and sewing enthusiasts to explore how clothing wa

The history of Potlatch and Northwest Paper is an important part of Carlton County's industrial heritage. The Carlton County Historical Society has a collection of historical documents and photographs related to these companies and the region's wood products industry. Now, we need your help uncovering the stories behind them. Help Us Identify the Past CCHS is looking for people with knowledge of Potlatch, Northwest Paper, or the wood products industry to help identify photogr

Women have shaped Carlton County's history in countless ways, through their work, leadership, creativity, and contributions to their communities. The Women's History Affinity Group at the Carlton County Historical Society brings people together to uncover, share, and preserve the stories of local women, both past and present. Sharing Women's Stories The Women's History Affinity Group began in March 2024, when community members gathered to share stories about women who have ma

1908 LOC photograph of Native woman gathering maple sap For generations, Anishinaabe people have gathered maple sap and made maple sugar and syrup, passing this knowledge and tradition from one generation to the next. Known as sugar bushing, this seasonal practice remains an important part of cultural life in Carlton County and throughout the region. The Carlton County Historical Society shares resources that explore the history, tools, and traditions of maple sugaring, helpi

Carlton County's barns are more than old farm buildings. They reflect the agricultural roots of our communities and tell stories of the families, farms, and rural traditions that helped shape the county. Through the Barns of Carlton County project, the Carlton County Historical Society is documenting these historic structures and preserving their stories for future generations. Our Barns Are Our History More than 300 Carlton County barns have been photographed and their histo

This permanent exhibit tells the story of the devastating forest fires that took place on October 12, 1918, in northern Minnesota. Covering a wide path of destruction, including Moose Lake, Kettle River, Automba, Cloquet, the Fond du Lac reservation, Brookston, Hermantown, Duluth, and the north shore of Lake Superior, the fires claimed nearly 500 lives. These photos show the destruction in Cloquet and Moose Lake. Please visit our Oral History Page to read first-hand accounts

This exhibit consists of a complete layout of a typical Carlton County logging camp hand carved by Milo Stillwell and Pete Trygg. Here's also a documentary by Kare 11 News featuring an interveiw with CCHS administrative assistant Suzanne VanHoever.

This exhibit features a full size Ojibwe canoe made in 1926 by Ben Beargrease. It also includes prehistoric tools, iron and copper tools, beaded purses and moccasins, maps, photos, and snowshoes also made by Ben Beargrease.

Explore the history of George Shaw through portraits and information about his life, work, family, and love for libraries that resulted in the construction of our beloved building. This display showcases items used by the Shaw family, including a hand-stitched quilt made by George Shaw's wife, Mary Ross Shaw, and a wedding dress worn by Sarah Bell Shaw. Thank you to all the descendants of the Shaw family for your donations and support.

Watch the documentary and come see the trophy on display!

Come listen to a working Victrola and a 1910 piano! The display also includes a violin, an accordion, and a unique Violin-uke!

We are displaying typewriters from different decades. All them them work! Try it out!

Dear Members, We wanted to let you know how important you are to us. Regardless of the amount of your financial contribution, the connection we have with you—and by extension your passions, curiosities, and histories—is what matters most. As a cultural institution and community nonprofit, we strive to balance sustainability with accessibility, which is why our membership tiers offer a wide range of gift levels. This year, each membership is costing us just over $40 in printi

Thomlin Swan (they/he) is a theatre artist, community development specialist, and novice historian with 15 years experience in nonprofit leadership and administration. Originally from New York City, Thomlin began connecting with the Great Lakes region in 2016 with an outdoor folk opera about environmental grief called The Wastelands. From 2016-2020, Thomlin and their partner, Gus Ganley, conducted documentary filming about water shut offs, water poisoning, and wetland destru

The previous logo focused on the geographic shape of Carlton County and the white pine tree that symbolizes the area’s prevalent logging industry. Carlton County has a diversity of cultures, languages, and landscapes. With our new logo, we hope to capture the striking nature that surrounds us throughout the county as well as the growth and longevity of the cultures and people that live here. Timeless and traditional, our new design reflects the enduring connections between

This display features photos and uniforms focused on WWII and includes items from WWI and the Vietnam war.

Check out egg cartons, butter boxes, and milk jars from Carlton County Cremeries with a ice cream history poster made by local historian Scott Asproth.

Clothing and recreational items such as skis, sleds, and ice skates!