Our Story
The Northfield Historical Society (NHS) grew out of the activities of the committee formed to celebrate America’s bicentennial in 1975. One goal of the committee was to establish a museum. The committee first considered Joseph Lee Heywood’s house as a possible site, but members agreed that although the house had great historical relevance, it would be hard to adapt it for use as a museum. A few months later, the Scriver Building came up for sale, and the owner accepted the group’s offer of $125,000.
The committee then began the lengthy process of developing a non-profit organization run by volunteers. The new society had no money, and with publicity help from the Northfield News and KYMN Radio, NHS started seeking contributions.
The first substantial gift the society received was from the Northfield Lions Club. This was followed by donations from FUTURE (Friends United to Undertake Restoration Efforts) and from many businesses, organizations, and individuals. Finally, NHS had enough money to feel that the building was secure. On July 4th, 1976, the Northfield Historical Society celebrated its formation and dedicated the Scriver Building to public service as a museum.
Mission
To serve as the primary stewards of the unique history of the Northfield area, fostering an awareness of its meaning and relevance through the discovery, documentation, preservation and interpretation of our collective stories.
Vision
To achieve a fiscally sound organization driven by a large, diverse and engaged membership, innovative educational exhibits and programming, and a successful presence downtown and throughout the Northfield area.
Values
Integrity
Demonstrate integrity with our relationships with the community and in authenticating of our collected history.
Diversity
To embrace our community’s ethnic and cultural diversity, and ensure our programs, exhibits, and collections celebrate and reflect the differences and commonalities of our collective past.
Collaboration
To work effectively with culturally and ethnically diverse community, state, national, and international organizations in furthering our mission and outreach; to work together respectfully as an internal team comprised of board, staff, and volunteers.
Education
To teach Northfield history through creative, inclusive programs and exhibits, that help people learn the true, meaningful uses of the past.
Stewardship
To serve as dedicated guardians of our local history, maintaining the highest legal, ethical and professional standards.
NHS Staff
Cathy Osterman
Executive Director
Cathy manages the day-to-day operations of the museum as well as overseeing staff and volunteers. She plans programs and events and raises funds for the historical society. She has been with NHS since 2012.
Stephanie Hess
Curator of Digitization and Special Collections
Stephanie coordinates the digitization of materials for preservation and sharing online with the Northfield History Collaborative. She also catalogues, researches, and interprets the NHS photography and Malt-O-Meal collections. Stephanie has been with NHS since 2015.
Amanda Roberts
Curator and Archives Manager
Amanda oversees the preservation and documentation of NHS’s three-dimensional collection. She also manages the archives and oversees volunteers and interns working with the collection. She has been with NHS since January 2018.
Board of Directors
Officers
- President – Greg Kneser
- Vice President – Ron Gardner
- Treasurer – Mel Miller
- Secretary – Rebecca Peterson
- Past President – Sarah Beimers
Directors
- Amy Pagel
- Blake Abdella
- Randy Knox
- Cliff Clark
- Ann Dunlap
- Chris O’Neill
- Clark Webster
- Joy Riggs
- Teri Knight
- Debby Nitz
- Lisa Peterson