So Groovy! Shakopee in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s | RESCHEDULED to Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2-3 p.m. | Free | Benedictine Living Community, 1705 Windermere Way
Mission
The Shakopee Heritage Society (SHS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the heritage for the city of Shakopee, Minnesota. The SHS can be considered the stewards of the city’s history, architecture, and founding principles that create a proud and eclectic community. Our mission is to preserve history, architecture, stories, events, artifacts and anything Shakopee. Simultaneously, we promote community awareness about the establishment of our river city, development through the Queen Anne period, growth during the industrial revolution, strength during both World Wars, and leadership toward community growth.
Who We Are
Established in 1999, the society consists of a board of trustees, general members, and relies heavily on interested participants who grew up in the city (or proximity) willing to share knowledge and stories about the city. The board consists of seven elected directors that make decisions regarding the education of local history, and recommendations to the county historical society. The board also acts as a liaison for Shakopee collections and archives, municipal and community committees, publications, and membership events. General membership continues to grow and receive a quarterly newsletter, updates on historic stories, and interaction with the board. Membership also receives an invitation to annual meetings, historic presentations, and a group effort to learn and share anything Shakopee.
Affiliations
The SHS has established friendly connections and affiliations with the Scott County Historical Society, Minnesota Historical Society, local retail, city and municipal staff. Feel free to browse, learn, and explore how the Shakopee Heritage Society is dedicated to history and future awareness. Any suggestions or interests are always welcome. Thank you for your continuing support!
What’s New?
- So Groovy! Shakopee in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s has been rescheduled to Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2-3 p.m., due to a last-minute scheduling conflict.
- The Bricks: The People and the Workers in Early Shakopee video has been posted
- Calvary Cemetery Tour 2026 video has been posted
- The St. Mary’s of Marystown and Shakopee Catholic Cemetery tour videos from summer 2026 have been posted
Upcoming Presentations
So Groovy! Shakopee in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s
RESCHEDULED to Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2-3 p.m. | Free | Benedictine Living Community, 1705 Windermere Way
This presentation will discuss some of the experiences of people growing up in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, including the Little Store, the Puppet Show, and the swimming pool, along with other memories.
No pre-registration required.
¡Hola! Latino/a and Hispanics in Early Shakopee
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 1-2 p.m. | Free | Shakopee Community Center Ṡakpe ti Senior Lounge, 1255 Fuller Street South
Shakopee has many Latino/a, and some of them, including Aurelio Marin Mendez Jr., Paula Morales Johnson, Luis Canchari, Mari-Luz Palacios, Mathias Antonio Soto-Elgueta, and Angelica Maria Arevalo-Contreras, among others, will be discussed.
Please pre-register with Shakopee Parks and Recreation at the Shakopee Community Center or online through Shakopee Parks and Recreation.
Weird and Wonderful in Early Shakopee
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Free | Scott County Historical Society, 235 Fuller Street South
Martha Tamazawiŋ Toboska War Eagle Wamadeduda Otherday and the 1897 County Fair, the 1918-1920 Flu, the gunman who went to the electric chair in 1937, the rat-tail bounty in the 1930s to 1950s, the barbershop who collapsed in 1931, and the Cambodian-American who arrived in Shakopee in 1987, and other weird and wonderful things that happen in early Shakopee are discussed in this presentation.
Please pre-register with the Scott County Historical Society by calling 952-445-0378.
The Battle of Shakopee in 1858
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2-3 p.m. | Free | Benedictine Living Community, 1705 Windermere Way
On May 27, 1858, the Battle of Shakopee happened on the north side of the Minnesota River near Shakopee. While people in Shakopee watched the action on the south side of the river, about 150 Anishinaabe warriors entered the Minnesota River valley near Shakopee hoping to ambush a nearby group of Dakota and leader Ṡakpedaŋ. Anishinaabe warriors fired gunshots and killed a Dakota man fishing in the river around 5 a.m., starting the Battle of Shakopee. It lasted for five hours, until the Anishinaabe retreated and moved north toward Lake Minnetonka. Learn about the Indians and white people who were there.
No pre-registration required.