Interested in Shakopee history? Consider becoming a member!
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: “The Battle of Shakopee in 1858” on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Benedictine Living Community on Windermere Way
- So Groovy: Shakopee in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s video has been posted
- 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
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.
Old Town, New Town: Shakopee in the Last 50 Years
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 1-2 p.m. | Free | Shakopee Community Center Ṡakpe ti Senior Lounge, 1255 Fuller Street South
The town of Shakopee fifty years ago is quite different than the city of Shakopee today. This presentation will look at some of the buildings, including those on the north side of First Avenue, and some of the newer places that are here today.
Please pre-register with Shakopee Parks and Recreation at the Shakopee Community Center or online through Shakopee Parks and Recreation.
Instigate, Inflame, and Ignite! Fires in Early Shakopee
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Free | Scott County Historical Society, 235 Fuller Street South
The fires helped change the landscape in early Shakopee. Stories about the the Great Fire of 1879, the fire at the Ferdman Store in 1934, the fires at the St. Paul House in 1965, the Riviera Supper Club fire in 1952, the fire at Page and Hill in 1957, and the deadly Chevrolet garage fire in 1959, along with others, will be discussed.
Please pre-register with the Scott County Historical Society by calling 952-445-0378.