Museum holding grand opening of the Early Brown County Exhibit on June 5
NEW ULM — The public is invited to the grand opening of the new permanent exhibit “Becoming Brown County”, at the Brown County Historical Museum on Saturday, June 5. The exhibit tells the story of the early history and formation of Brown County. The grand opening will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.
The exhibit tells the story of Brown County during three eras: prehistory, early human habitation, and European settlement. Specific topics will include geographical formation of the county and how it has affected human settlement, Native American cultures before and after European contact, the fur trade, settlement by Europeans, formation of Brown County, early towns, early industries and businesses and the ethnicity and culture of inhabitants.
The exhibit includes small minor themes such as health care, recreational activities and the fabric of community. These minor themes will be rotated out and replaced with new minor themes rotated in to keep the exhibit fresh. The exhibit is permanent, but may be updated in future years to highlight other stories or to incorporate new ways to convey history to visitors.
Visitors are encouraged to bring children with them. “Becoming Brown County” includes activities for children. They will learn about the Native American winter count, the plague of the locusts, the buffalo, the fur trade and much more.
“Becoming Brown County” was made possible with generous donations from individuals, corporations and foundations. Also, volunteers donated their time and talent to assist with the research for this project including: Joel Botten, Daniel Groebner, Randy Krzmarzick, Terry Sveine and Gary Wiltscheck.
While visiting, guests are invited to tour other exhibits and displays in the museum. The second-floor exhibits include Brown County Transportation, the 150th Anniversary of the New Ulm Fire Department, Artwork by Anton, Flavia and Wanda Gag, the Explorer‚Äôs Corner and the Guest Curator display by Dave & Linda Weldy. Third floor houses the exhibit “Never Shall I Forget: The U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.”
The Brown County Museum is located at 2 North Broadway, New Ulm, MN 56073.