Since 1925, Cook County Historical Society has been collecting, preserving, and sharing our material, cultural, and artistic heritage.
Cook County Historical Society Mission:
The purpose of the Historical Society shall be the collection, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge about the history of Cook County and to relate it to the history of the State of Minnesota.
Founded on October 29, 1925, by William E. Culkin of Duluth, MN, the Cook County Historical Society now operates five buildings: the Historical Society Museum (the 1896 Lightkeeper's House); the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery (JHP Art Gallery); St. Francis Xavier Chippewa City Church; Bally Blacksmith Shop; and a 1930s fish house replica and the 35’ fishing tug, Nee-Gee, built in 1935 in Grand Marais.
All sites are free to the public, serving all of Cook County as well as our visitors.
CCHS facilities plan
The Cook County Historical Society Board welcomes you to read our Facilities Plan.
Our goal is to strengthen the organization and build support to help accomplish our mission. We hope you see the magnitude of our responsibilities and become excited about the importance of sharing local history in our community.
This working document is intended to:
1) Provide an update on the condition and needs of each of our sites
2) Report on changes within the organization as well as new opportunities and challenges
3) Explain how CCHS’s mission of historic preservation informs the intended work