Founded in 1924, the Cook County Historical Society operates four buildings: the Historical Society Museum (the 1896 light house keeper's house) since 1966; the Johnson Heritage Post (JHP) ; St. Francis Xavier's Chippewa City Church open by appointment; and a self-guiding 1930's fish house replica open late May to the middle of October. Alongside the fish house is the 35’ fishing tug, Neegee, built near this location in 1935. All are buildings are open without cost and serve all Cook County as well as our visitors. Other programs, such as the "Passport Program" are intended to educate our youth as to the history of their county. A quarterly newsletter the Overlook reaches more than 500 members.

Activities and buildings are managed by a Board of Trustees with representation from the Board of County Commissioners. Funds to operate the Museum consists of memberships, door donations, book sales, grants, and from Cook County. At present, there is one part time director and 2 part time assistants. The Johnson Heritage Post is funded by endowments. The buildings are staffed by large group of volunteers, many who served year after year. Many activities within the Museum and the “JHP” are also carried on by volunteers. Volunteers and board members offer to the public samples of our traditions, from lefse making, a fish cake dinner, a trout plank dinner, “small talks”, gallery openings, etc.

The Museum is open from May to October with extended hours and the remainder of the year on Friday and Saturday. The public is invited to call ahead to determine hours; 218-387-2883 or history@boreal.org  Our new website can be accessed by www.cookcountyhistory.org Our Annual Dinner Meeting normally occurs in October.