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?
- Next presentation is A Place to Belong: Civil War Veterans in Early Shakopee on Tuesday, May 12 at Shakopee Community Center, 1255 Fuller Street South.
Upcoming Presentations
Downtown Shakopee Tour #1
Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m.-12 noon | Free | Meet in front of the Shakopee Public Library, on Lewis Street
Downtown Shakopee Tour #1 talks about various people and places in downtown Shakopee, including Ida Gertrude May Gjerdrum Buck (1883-1957), Paul Pablo Edward Schwaesdall (1949-2024), Maximus Max Guido Wermerskirchen (1931-1959), Charles Manaige (1846-1938), a Chinese man in Shakopee (1892), Sophia de Levie (1919-1943), John Shoto (1798-1899), Mahala Conklin Shumway (1835-1909), Mary Brown Griffin (1825-1882), and Jane Lamont Titus (1827-1899).
No pre-registration required. Bring a lawn chair and dress for the weather.
A Place to Belong: Civil War Veterans in Early Shakopee
Tuesday, May 12, 1-2 p.m. | Free | Shakopee Community Center Ṡakpe ti Senior Lounge, 1255 Fuller Street South
During the Civil War, many men in Shakopee and the area joined in the war. Learn about the people, those who lived and those who died, and the stories about the veterans from Shakopee.
Please pre-register with Shakopee Parks and Recreation at the Shakopee Community Center or online through Shakopee Parks and Recreation.
Valley Cemetery Tour
Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.-12 noon | Free | Valley Cemetery, 1500 4th Avenue East
Shakopee Heritage Society president David R. Schleper presents information on some of the people buried in Valley Cemetery. The event requires walking, so participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to bring a chair to sit in during the presentation.
No pre-registration required. Bring a lawn chair and dress for the weather.





