Carver County Historical Society Inc

The Carver County Historical Society's mission is to Collect, Preserve, and Interpret the history of Carver County.

                                                                                  We need a new microfilm machine! 

                                                   This JUST IN!  We have an anonymous donor who will match your donation up to a total of $1000!

This year we are raising funds to replace our ScanPro. A nonfunctioning computerized microfilm reader in the research library. The computerized microfilm reader allowed us to fill email and phone research requests without having to print and mail physical copies to distant researchers. We also can no longer accommodate as many researchers due to the loss of the machine. With the purchase of a new microfilm reader, we’ll be back at full capacity and ready to take on all possible research requests.

Established in 1940, the Carver County Historical Society is a private, not-for-profit organization. Located across from Bayview Elementary School in Waconia, the Historical Society’s Museum was expanded in 1998 to better serve the public. The museum houses five local history exhibits, a veterans’ exhibit, and a local history and genealogy library. There is no charge to visit the museum or library. Researchers are welcome to use the Historical Society’s non-circulating library. The library contains records and materials dealing with Carver County including census materials, naturalization records, local newspapers, maps, photographs, and local history books.

In 2015, the CCHS added the Historic Andrew Peterson Farm. The diaries of Peterson became the basis for Vilhelm Moberg's Immigrant novel series. Peterson's horticulture work earned him acclaim through, what would become the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The 12.17 acres include the original Peterson house, three barns, a Chaska brick smokehouse, and a granary.  Tours of the property are available by appointment. It is the immediate goal of the CCHS to focus on building the infrastructure of the property and restoration of the buildings. The north barn and smokehouse have so far been completed. The house and the granary will be completed by the end of 2023.

To contribute to the development of the Peterson development fund, click on the photo below of the south barn.