Community Affairs on KNUJ Radio
2025-02-25 09:15 - 21:35, 2025-03-25 09:15 - 21:35, 2025-04-22 09:15 - 21:35, 2025-05-27 09:15 - 21:35, 2025-06-24 09:15 - 21:35, 2025-07-22 09:15 - 21:35, 2025-08-26 09:15 - 21:35, 2025-09-23 09:15 - 21:35 (America/Chicago) | KNUJ Radio
Make sure to mark your calendar to listen to KNUJ Radio on the fourth Tuesday of every month (except December) at 9:15 am for Community Affairs. During this segment, NCHS staff will provide insights into the latest happenings within the Society.
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Film Series | On Eagle's Wings: Minnesota's Sacred Music
2025-03-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Nicollet County Historical Society – Treaty Site History Center, 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, 56082, United States
This one-hour documentary explores the dramatic shift in sacred music, beginning in the 1960s, when major Christian religions attempted to engage the congregation. Minnesota is home to a significant number of highly accomplished songwriters and musicians who have helped bring new music to many faiths. The film features Father Michael Joncas, composer of “On Eagle’s Wings.”

Runtime approx. 57 minutes. Appropriate for all audiences.

Film Series | Kitty to Cooperstown
2025-04-03 14:00 - 15:30 | Nicollet County Historical Society – Treaty Site History Center, 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, 56082, United States
“Kitty to Cooperstown” chronicles the extraordinary journey of Jim “Kitty” Kaat, one of baseball’s most enduring legends. This documentary traces Kaat’s eight-decade-long career, from on the mound to in the booth. Hear inside stories of the 1965 World Series as Kaat faces off against the legendary Sandy Koufax in a pitching duel that captivated the nation just like the 1982 World Series victory with the St. Louis Cardinals, where his veteran leadership played a pivotal role in securing the championship. Through exclusive interviews with Hall of Fame players and reporters, “Kitty to Cooperstown” delves deep into Kaat’s life, showcasing his dedication, resilience, and passion for the game. The documentary culminates in the ultimate recognition of his legacy-Jim Kaat’s induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to a career defined by excellence.
WATCH THE TRAILER
Rated TV-PG. 1 h 30 min.
The Films on First Thursdays documentary film series is presented in partnership with the Nicollet County Historical Society and Saint Peter Community and Family Education. The public is welcome to attend these free films at the Nicollet County History Center.

Annual Meeting
2025-04-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Nicollet County Historical Society – Treaty Site History Center, 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, 56082, United States
The annual business meeting will be held on Monday, April 7, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m. – Doors open
5:30 p.m. – Business meeting
6:00 p.m. – Program

“Exploring Our History with Maps” with Bob Sandeen
Maps are more than just paper and ink—they’re a historian’s best friend! Former NCHS Research Coordinator and longtime volunteer Bob Sandeen will take us on a journey through time using some of our most valuable historical resources: maps.
From county atlases to plat books, these documents don’t just chart the land—they tell the stories of the people who lived and worked there. Since 1885, Nicollet County maps have helped historians trace farm boundaries, identify landowners, and uncover hidden connections between the past and present. Without them, our research would be far more challenging.

The meeting is open to the public. There is no cost to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.

Business Meeting Information

Free Day Friday
2025-04-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Nicollet County Historical Society – Treaty Site History Center, 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, 56082, United States
Whether you bring the whole family, your best friend, or prefer to explore on your own, the History Center is open at no cost on Friday, April 18!

Two Lights for Tomorrow
2025-04-18 20:00 - 2025-04-19 06:00 | MN
Two Lights for TomorrowOn the night of April 18, 1775, two lanterns were hung in the steeple of Boston’s Old North Church—a signal that British troops were approaching by sea. That quiet act of warning helped set the American Revolution in motion.
On April 18, 2025, 250 years later, the Nicollet County Historical Society will hang two lanterns in our window as part of Two Lights for Tomorrow, a national initiative marking the start of the United States’ 250th anniversary commemoration.
We hang these lanterns not just to remember the past, but to reflect on the values that brought this nation into being—ideals of liberty, community, and courage. In times of uncertainty, remembering where we come from can help light the way forward.
We invite you to join us. Place two lights in your window tonight—lanterns, candles, flashlights—any visible symbol of reflection and hope. Together, we can honor the past and recommit to building a better tomorrow.
Learn more at america250.org

Film Series | I Am DB Cooper
2025-05-01 14:00 - 16:00 | Nicollet County Historical Society – Treaty Site History Center, 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, 56082, United States
In 1971, an unsuspecting criminal by the name of DB Cooper boarded a plane, stole $190,000, and jumped out. The legend of DB Cooper only continued to grow over the years, and the case was largely considered closed until a man came out of the woodwork to confess his crime.
Two bounty hunter brothers encounter an ailing old man named Rodney Bonnifield while coordinating his bail after a violent encounter on a dairy farm involving a machete. Close to his sentencing, he reveals to the bondsmen not only was he responsible for the notorious DB Cooper plane hijacking, but the ransom cash is still buried, and he needs their help digging it up. Up against the clock with Rodney’s prison sentence looming, the group set out on a modern-day treasure hunt to recover the money he buried on the Columbia River 50 years ago, uncovering bizarre truths about Rodney Bonnifield and his connection to the only unsolved hijacking in US history.
WATCH THE TRAILER
Rated TV-14. 1h 40 min.
The Films on First Thursdays documentary film series is presented in partnership with the Nicollet County Historical Society and Saint Peter Community and Family Education. The public can attend these free films at the Nicollet County History Center.

Stripped of Citizenship: American-born Women, Marriage, and Expatriation in Minnesota
2025-05-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Nicollet County Historical Society – Treaty Site History Center, 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, 56082, United States
As a result of federal legislation in 1907, American-born women lost their citizenship when they married alien men. Derivative citizenship resulted in thousands of Minnesota women becoming aliens in their own country. Digital tools and databases make learning who these women were easier. Scholars to date have focused on American women who married German nationals because all enemy aliens—including American-born women married to alien men from Germany and some of its allies—had to register with the federal government. Thus, there is a clear paper trail for some states. Such a trail exists in Minnesota, too, because of a unique 1918 order that required all aliens (and not just enemy aliens) to register in the state.
In this presentation, “Stripped of Citizenship: American-born Women, Marriage, and Expatriation in Minnesota,” Lori Ann Lahlum explores the expatriation of American-born women in Minnesota who married aliens and the ways in which we can reclaim their stories.
Admission is $5.00 for non-members and free for NCHS members.

Cox House Self-guided Tours
2025-06-07 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-21 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-05 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-19 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-02 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-16 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-30 13:00 - 16:00 | Cox House, 500 N. Washington Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, 56082, United States
Cox House Self-Guided Tours Begin in June
Step inside the beautifully preserved 1871 E. St. Julien Cox House and explore at your own pace.

Tour Dates: June 7 & 21, July 5 & 19, August 2, 16 & 30
Hours: 1–4 p.m.
Admission: Free. No reservations required. Free-will donations appreciated.

Upon arrival, you’ll receive a short introduction and a printed guide to help you navigate the home. Wander from room to room and experience what life was like in Victorian-era St. Peter.
New this year: A temporary textile display features historic garments from the Nicollet County Historical Society collection, highlighting fashion, fabric, and finely stitched details from the past.
Admission: Free will donations are welcome to help us support this historic property
Location: In St. Peter, Minnesota, at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Skaro Street.
Accessibility: The Cox House is not fully accessible. There are steps and uneven grounds.

Log Cabin Workshop
2025-07-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Nicollet County Historical Society – Treaty Site History Center, 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, 56082, United States
Mark Johnson of Artisan Restoration in Kasota will teach us how cabins were built and maintained in the past during this hands-on workshop. If you’re interested in participating, please wear appropriate clothing. This event is free, and no registration is required.

NCHS at the Fair!
2025-08-07 12:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-08 10:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-09 10:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-10 11:00 - 15:00 | Nicollet County Fairgrounds, 400 W. Union Street, Saint Peter, MN, 56082, United States
Join us at the Nicollet County Fair for “Nicollet County Town Ball: A Nine-Inning Historical Showcase,” celebrating the rich history of local baseball teams, including the St. Peter Saints, Lafayette Grays, and Courtland Cubs. Visit us inside the Thompson Exhibit Building from Thursday, August 7, to Sunday, August 10, to talk with staff, volunteers, and Board members.

Shadows at the Crossing: Spirits of Old Traverse des Sioux
2025-10-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Traverse des Sioux, 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, 56082, United States
Lantern light, prairie air, and voices from the past. Experience Traverse des Sioux after dark on this immersive guided tour. At six stops along the trail, you’ll meet costumed interpreters portraying real people connected to this place. They’ll share their stories in first person, giving you a glimpse into the choices, challenges, and resilience that shaped Minnesota Territory.
As daylight fades, the atmosphere shifts. Early evening tours highlight the prairie landscape; twilight and nighttime tours surround you with rustling grass, night sounds, and the glow of lanterns on the rocky path. The setting creates an unforgettable focus on the storyteller before you.
Long before Minnesota was a state, Traverse des Sioux was a river crossing, a gathering place, and the site of the 1851 Treaty. Today, little remains of the town, but Shadows at the Crossing brings its layered history to life.
Tour details:
– Six stops led by a guide
– 60–65 minutes in length
– Daylight tours (6–6:30 pm) emphasize the site; twilight and evening tours (6:40 pm and later) heighten the atmosphere
Tickets:
– Adult: $12
– Senior (55+): $10
– Child (12–17): $5
MNHS & NCHS members: 20% discount
Recommended for ages 12+
Advance purchase encouraged

Shadows at the Crossing: Spirits of Old Traverse des Sioux
2025-10-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Traverse des Sioux, 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, 56082, United States
During Shadows at the Crossing, step into the past on this immersive, lantern-lit outdoor tour that brings the history of Minnesota Territory to life. Along the way, you’ll encounter the spirits of those who lived at Traverse des Sioux during its most pivotal years. Their stories of courage, conflict, resilience, and cooperation offer a deeper understanding of our shared history.
Once a key gathering place along the Minnesota River, Traverse des Sioux experienced a surge in prosperity after the signing of the 1851 treaty, but its growth was short-lived. Today, little remains of the once-thriving town, making this event a rare opportunity to explore its layered legacy.
Tickets:
Adult: $12
Senior (65+): $10
Youth (ages 12–17): $5
MNHS & NCHS members receive a 20% discount
Recommended for ages 12 and up due to the interpretive nature of the program.
Advance purchase recommended. Walk-ups will be accommodated as space allows.
Tickets go on sale Friday, September 12.

Shadows at the Crossing: Spirits of Old Traverse des Sioux
2025-10-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Traverse des Sioux, 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, 56082, United States
Lantern light, prairie air, and voices from the past. Experience Traverse des Sioux after dark on this immersive guided tour. At six stops along the trail, you’ll meet costumed interpreters portraying real people connected to this place. They’ll share their stories in first person, giving you a glimpse into the choices, challenges, and resilience that shaped the Minnesota Territory.
As daylight fades, the atmosphere shifts. Early evening tours highlight the prairie landscape; twilight and nighttime tours envelop you in the rustling of grass, the sounds of night, and the glow of lanterns on the rocky path. The setting creates an unforgettable focus on the storyteller before you.
Long before Minnesota was a state, Traverse des Sioux was a river crossing, a gathering place, and the site of the 1851 Treaty. Today, little remains of the town, but Shadows at the Crossing brings its layered history to life.
Tour details:
– Six stops led by a guide
– 60–65 minutes in length
– Daylight tours (6–6:30 pm) emphasize the site; twilight and evening tours (6:40 pm and later) heighten the atmosphere
Tickets:
– Adult: $12
– Senior (55+): $10
– Child (12–17): $5
MNHS & NCHS members: 20% discount
Recommended for ages 12+
Advance purchase encouraged
