Archive - May 2009

Well, about a year ago we had to replace some of the supports on our outside wood staircase.  They needed to be replaced because they were starting to rot.  Last week we got the staircase painted.  See the slide show below for the painting process.  Doesn't it look nice!

Today, Scott Elmer with Dreamscape Remodeling has started the process for painting all the wood on the Division Street and the Bridge Square sides of the building.

The Northfield Historical Society will be closed on Memorial Day, May 25.  We will re-open again on May 26 at 10:00 a.m.

Enjoy the weekend!

NHS is honored to announce its 2008 volunteers of the year. Student Volunteer of the Year is Sofie Jokela. 2008 Volunteers of the Year are Chip DeMann and Earl Weinmann. All three winners will be honored at the NHS Volunteer Appreciation Day on May 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Northfield Historical Society.

Jokela, who graduates from Northfield High School this spring, was a Summer Assistant for two years and participated in SCOPE, Jr. Posse and the Adult Posse. She has a great love for history and is a wonderful musician. About her experiences with NHS she said, “In all of the programs I participated in I deepened my knowledge of Northfield's early history.”

DeMann and Weinmann were selected in part because of their involvement in the publication of “Caught in the Storm,” which was awarded the Milton F. Perry Award for best nonfiction book of 2008 by the National James-Younger Gang Association. Weinmann served as the coordinator of the project for the past four years, guiding the students in their research and writing of the book. DeMann helped the students in their research.  He sat in on classes with the students and advised them on parts of the escape route.

DeMann has served in many capacities with NHS. His first term on the Board was in 1985 and he served as President in 1986 and 1987.  He just finished a six-year term on the board, 2003-2008. He has served on the NHS Building, Exhibits and Finance committees.  He was very involved in the 2001 publication of the John Koblas’ book “Faithful Unto Death.” He also served the President of the Rice County Historical Society (RCHS) in 1988 and is currently on the RCHS Board. DeMann is also active in the Defeat of Jesse James Days (DJJD), serving as General Chairmen in 1983 and 1984.  He is also the leader of the James-Younger Gang. 

Weinmann started his teaching career in 1984 and has taught both high school and middle school. Currently, he teaches seventh grade social studies at Northfield Middle School.  In 2005, he was a top 10 finalist for the Minnesota Teacher of the Year Program. From the first year of his Northfield teaching assignment, he has served the Northfield Historical Society. His involvement began as a tour guide, later as a coordinator for the museum youth programs and more recently as a member of the Northfield Historical Society Board of Directors. He has just finished a six-ear term on the board 2003-2008.  Weinmann served on the Sesquicentennial Committee, and helped instigate the October Cemetery Tour, which is now an annual NHS event. He has also served on the NHS Exhibit Committee, Education Committee, and as a trainer/coordinator for the Adult Posse tour guides.  Earl continues to coordinate the Jr. Curator, SCOPE, Jr. Posse and Summer Assistant Programs at the Historical Society.