Permanent Exhibits

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.