Nicollet County Historical Society

A circular logo for the Nicollet County Historical Society, celebrating the past cultivating the future, features black silhouettes of grass, a butterfly, and a tree, with the organization's name and "Est. 1928" below in blue and gold.
Phone 507-934-2160
Email info@nchsmn.org

The Nicollet County Historical Society was organized on August 22, 1928. From its home in the Treaty Site History Center, the Nicollet County Historical Society preserves, protects, and interprets the history of Nicollet County and the state of Minnesota. The Treaty Site History Center features a nationally recognized award-winning exhibit on the Traverse des Sioux Treaty of 1851 and its consequences, other local history displays, and a full-service research archive.

Events from this organizer

Today

  • A picture of a squirrel standing in a forest.

    Film Series | A Squirrel’s Guide to Success

    Nicollet County Historical Society - Treaty Site History Center 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, United States

    See the world through the eyes of an orphan red squirrel called Billy, as he grows up and develops all the skills he will need to be released back to the wild.

  • A man is depicted pointing with his right hand, wearing a suit and tie, set against a background of protest signs. The text reads "McCARTHY Power Feeds on Fear" prominently on the right side of the image.

    Canceled Film Series | McCarthy

    Nicollet County Historical Society - Treaty Site History Center 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, United States

    McCarthy chronicles the rise and fall of Joseph McCarthy, the Wisconsin Senator who would test the limits of American decency and democracy.

  • Text reading "Closed for Fall Break" is displayed against a background with autumn leaves, a tree, and grass.

    CLOSED FOR FALL BREAK

    Nicollet County Historical Society - Treaty Site History Center 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, United States

    Plan your visit accordingly: our museums and offices will be closed for fall break from November 28-30. Regular hours resume on December 3 at 10:00 a.m.

  • Illustrated scene of a snowy evening with a crowd of people holding glowing candles and walking towards a warmly lit church. The words "The First Silent Night" are written in script at the top of the image. Snow-covered trees and buildings are in the background.

    Film Series | The First Silent Night

    Nicollet County Historical Society - Treaty Site History Center 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, United States

    Join renowned actor Simon Callow as he uncovers the moving origins of Silent Night.

  • A colorful geological map serves as the background for a central text box. The text reads: "Our Landscape as a Time Machine: St. Peter's Geologic Past." Various shades and patterns indicate different geological features.

    Our Landscape as a Time Machine: St. Peter’s Geologic Past

    Nicollet County Historical Society - Treaty Site History Center 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, United States

    This presentation will introduce participants to St. Peter's geologic history through the lens of geologic maps. You'll learn how maps help us reconstruct the past and how they help us locate natural resources. Finally, you'll learn about some places nearby that reveal the evidence of our geologic past.

  • Blurred image of birch trees with text announcing that we are closed for winter break from December 22, 2024, to January 6, 2025.

    CLOSED FOR WINTER BREAK

    Featured
    Nicollet County Historical Society - Treaty Site History Center 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, United States

    Our museums and offices are closed for winter break from December 22, 2024 - January 6, 2025.

  • An elderly man in a military uniform and cap sits at a typewriter on a wooden table, surrounded by papers. The room has several windows with partially closed blinds and warm lighting from lamps.

    Film Series | The Typist

    Nicollet County Historical Society - Treaty Site History Center 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, United States

    Explore the life of Larry Tillemans, the last living clerk-typist of the Nuremberg Trials. Discover his experiences documenting testimonies of Holocaust victims and perpetrators, and how he dedicated his life to sharing these vital lessons of history.

  • The image shows a richly decorated cathedral ceiling with ornate designs and stained glass windows. Text overlay reads "On Eagle's Wings: Minnesota's Sacred Music.

    Film Series | On Eagle’s Wings: Minnesota’s Sacred Music

    Nicollet County Historical Society - Treaty Site History Center 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, United States

    Explore the dramatic shift in sacred music when major Christian religions attempted to reach out to engage the congregation.

  • Sketch of a baseball player pitching is overlaid on a blurred background with large text reading "KITTY TO COOPERSTOWN." The player wears a cap and uniform, and a baseball is depicted near the text. A blue signature is visible in the bottom right corner.

    Film Series | Kitty to Cooperstown

    Nicollet County Historical Society - Treaty Site History Center 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, United States

    "Kitty to Cooperstown" chronicles the extraordinary journey of Jim 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. 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.

  • Text reading "Nicollet County Historical Society Annual Business Meeting, Monday, April 7, 5:00-7:00 p.m." is overlaid on a faded map background.

    Annual Meeting

    Nicollet County Historical Society - Treaty Site History Center 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, United States

    Mark your calendar for the annual business meeting on April 7. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event.

  • Illustration of the Treaty Site History Center with blue sky and trees in the background. Text reads: "Free Day Friday, April 18 | 10 AM - 4 PM, Nicollet County Historical Society.

    Free Day Friday

    Nicollet County Historical Society - Treaty Site History Center 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, United States

    Mark your calendar for a free day at the History Center! Enjoy a cost-free experience on Friday, April 18, 2025.

  • A figure with a parachute harness holds a briefcase, standing against a cloudy sky backdrop with a small plane. Yellow text reads "I am DB Cooper." Dollar bills are scattered in the air, and trees are visible in the foreground.

    Film Series | I Am DB Cooper

    Nicollet County Historical Society - Treaty Site History Center 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter, MN, United States

    In 1971, DB Cooper boarded a plane, stole $190,000, and jumped out. "I Am DB Cooper" is a hybrid-documentary of a modern day treasure hunt to uncover truths about the only unsolved hijacking in US history.