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 three annual meetings, an annual “Potluck Dinner,” 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 Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives: Restaurants in Early Shakopee (Part 2) on Tuesday, April 14 at the Shakopee Community Center.
Upcoming Presentations
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives: Restaurants in Early Shakopee (Part 2)
Tuesday, April 14, 1-2 p.m. | Free | Shakopee Community Center Ṡakpe ti Senior Lounge, 1255 Fuller Street South
Some of the restaurants in early Shakopee are discussed, including Uptown Cafe, Wampach’s, Gerlach’s Cafe, Pablo’s Restaurant, Imperial Wok Restaurant, A&W Restaurant, Clem’s, and many more.
Please pre-register with Shakopee Parks and Recreation at the Shakopee Community Center or online through Shakopee Parks and Recreation.
For the Good of the Women: The Minnesota Correctional Facility in Early Shakopee
Tuesday, April 21, 2-3 p.m. | Free | Benedictine Windermere Way, 1709 Windermere Way (952-900-5214)
The woman who convinced a group of men to build a reformatory for women, the place as it looked then and now, a few stories about growing up near the reformatory, and the prisoners who lived there, and those who escaped, are discussed in this program.
No pre-registration required.
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.