October History Happy Hour
John Luecke is an author and historian who specializes in the detailed history of railroads in Minnesota and Wisconsin. His books are known within the rail-enthusiast community for their deeply researched, "day-by-day" chronological histories and technical diagrams. He will provide a brief background on how the rail lines arrived in Northfield. He will then present a description and explanation of the significance of Northfield as the 4 railroad town, a complete rarity that could never have been predicted. He will have a cross-section of photographs that should give an overview of what went on in the later years and how railroading has changed.
October History Book Club
An illuminating history of North America's eleven rival cultural regions that explodes the red state-blue state myth. North America was settled by people with distinct religious, political, and ethnographic characteristics, creating regional cultures that have been at odds with one another ever since. Subsequent immigrants didn't confront or assimilate into an "American" or "Canadian" culture, but rather into one of the eleven distinct regional ones that spread over the continent each staking out mutually exclusive territory.
In American Nations, Colin Woodard leads us on a journey through the history of our fractured continent, and the rivalries and alliances between its component nations, which conform to neither state nor international boundaries. He illustrates and explains why "American" values vary sharply from one region to another. Woodard reveals how intranational differences have played a pivotal role at every point in the continent's history, from the American Revolution and the Civil War to the tumultuous sixties and the "blue county/red county" maps of recent presidential elections. American Nations is a revolutionary and revelatory take on America's myriad identities and how the conflicts between them have shaped our past and are molding our future.
September History Book Club
Early in this century, rivers of oil were found beneath Oklahoma land belonging to Indian people, and beautiful Grace Blanket became the richest person in the Territory. But she was murdered by the greed of white men, and the Graycloud family, who cared for her daughter, began dying mysteriously. Letters sent to Washington, D.C. begging for help went unanswered, until at last a Native American government official, Stace Red Hawk, traveled west to investigate. What he found has been documented by history: rampant fraud, intimidation, and murder. But he also found something truly extraordinary--his deepest self and abiding love for his people, and their brave past.
August History Book Club
On August 6, 1945, Hiroshima was destroyed by the first atom bomb ever dropped on a city. This book, John Hersey's journalistic masterpiece, tells what happened on that day. Told through the memories of survivors, this timeless, powerful and compassionate document has become a classic "that stirs the conscience of humanity" (The New York Times).
August History Happy Hour
Northfield Before The Raid: 1855-1876What was Northfield like in August of 1876?
Northfield—in existence for just 21 years—made history in September 1876. We’ll look back 150 years to see what it was like before The Raid. Barb Evans examines the early days of Northfield’s history from its 1856 founding to the summer of 1876. What businesses and buildings were on Division Street? What homes existed? Churches? Schools? Who were the citizens at that time? Come learn about the town that wouldn’t be robbed.
Barb Evans teaches classes in the Cannon Valley Elder Collegium and leads the occasional walking tour of Northfield’s Downtown Historic District based on the research of local historians and the resources of the Northfield History Center.
Genealogy Assistance Day
Interested in your family history? Not sure where to start? Stumped on a missing relative? Sign up for a slot with our genealogist! Appointments are 50 minutes. Our genealogist will work with you to dig into your family tree and help you piece together your past. Please bring your own device if possible, otherwise iPads will be provided.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/genealogy-assistance-day-tickets-1602655127629?aff=oddtdtcreator
Appointments are free, but space is limited. Please fill out this form before attending.
Thanks to the Genealogy Interest Group at the Rice County Historical Society for helping provide this program.
Genealogy Assistance Day
Interested in your family history? Not sure where to start? Stumped on a missing relative? Sign up for a slot with our genealogist! Appointments are 50 minutes. Our genealogist will work with you to dig into your family tree and help you piece together your past. Please bring your own device if possible, otherwise iPads will be provided.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/genealogy-assistance-day-tickets-1602655127629?aff=oddtdtcreator
Appointments are free, but space is limited. Please fill out this form before attending.
Thanks to the Genealogy Interest Group at the Rice County Historical Society for helping provide this program.
October History Book Club
Until about 100 years ago, when modern geology revealed its prevalence, salt was one of the world’s most sought-after commodities. A substance so valuable it served as currency, salt has influenced the establishment of trade routes and cities, provoked and financed wars, secured empires, and inspired revolutions. Populated by colorful characters and filled with fascinating details, Mark Kaplansky’s kaliedoscpoe and illuminating history is a multilayered masterpiece that blends economic, scientific, political, religious, and culinary records into a rich and memorable tale.