As we begin our 101st year as an organization, we wanted to take a moment to look back at the books and items that not only tell stories of our area, but were some of your favorites in 2025. From personal memoirs to essential guides for learning about and exploring the North Shore, these ten items were your most popular selections at both the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery and the Cook County History Museum.

10. Downtown Grand Marais Vol. I, 2nd Edition by Eugene Glader

Curious about the history of Wisconsin Street or the Grand Marais harbor? Eugene Glader’s well-researched book provides a lot-by-lot history of the town’s downtown area. Expanded in this 2nd edition with additional pages and photos, it is a must-have guide to learn the stories of how this small town evolved into the community it is today. Published by Eugene Glader, 2016. Purchase online here.

9. Chasing the North Wind by Kathryn Krotz-Finn, with richard c. struck

Kathryn Krotz-Finn’s memoir shares her story of growing up as the daughter of Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame inductee Clarence J. Krotz. Krotz, a WII bomber pilot, was the founder of the first airport in Cook County, which permanently altered the landscape of aviation traffic in the area. This book offers a unique perspective on life in the Arrowhead Region, detailing Kathryn's lifelong love affair with flying her vintage 1941 Piper J-3 Cub and her experiences as a female pilot. Published by Northern Wilds Media, Inc, 2023. All proceeds from the sale of this book support the Cook County Historical Society. Purchase online here.

8. Historic Cook County 2026 Calendar

Our annual calendar remains a favorite! To celebrate our Centennial, the 2026 edition serves as a "Community Time Capsule," featuring a mix of modern photos submitted by community members and historical images from our archives. The project was also in partnership with our fantastic youth volunteers this summer. Created and produced by the Cook County Historical Society. Purchase online here.

7. Seven Aunts by Staci Lola Drouillard

Part memoir and part cultural history, this book by local author and historian Staci Lola Drouillard tells the stories of seven women who held their families together through the 20th century. Spanning Anishinaabe, French, German, and English heritage, it is a "patchwork quilt" of resilience and love set against the rugged backdrop of the North Woods. This book was a Minnesota Book Award for Memoir & Creative Nonfiction winner and a NE Minnesota Book Award winner for Memoir in 2023. Published by the University of Minnesota Press, 2022. Purchase in person at the JHP or History Museum gift shop.

6. Walking the Old Road by Staci Lola Drouillard

This essential read provides a "People's History" of Chippewa City and the Grand Marais Anishinaabe. Drouillard weaves oral histories and archival research to bring to life the once thriving village that stood on the edge of Grand Marais, preserving the stories of the families who called it home. The book was a winner of the Hamlin Garland Prize for Popular History in 2019 and the NE Minnesota Book Award for Nonfiction.

The Cook County Historical Society was honored to host Staci as part of our 2025 Centennial Celebration Speaker Series, where her presentation, titled, They Had a Big Feast: Chippewa City and Ojibwe Food Knowledge at the Turn of the 20th Century, included stories from this book and other related texts regarding community foodways and the influence of Ojibwe culture on the foods we still eat and enjoy today. Published by the University of Minnesota Press, 2019. Purchase in person at the JHP or History Museum gift shop.

5. “Colvill Smiled” by Steven R. Hoffbeck

This book by Steven Hoffbeck focuses on the “gentle giant” and town of Colvill namesake, William Colvill, who led the 1st Minnesota Regiment's legendary charge at the Battle of Gettysburg. Hoffbeck offers a detailed and human look at one of the most famous regiments of the Civil War and the man behind it. The Cook County Historical Society was pleased to host Hoffbeck at the Johnson Heritage Post in 2025, as part of our Centennial Celebration Speaker Series. Published by Steven Hoffbeck, 2025. Purchase in person at the JHP or History Museum gift shop.

4. Gentle Hikes of Minnesota’s North Shore (2nd Edition) by Dr. Ladona Tornabene, Lisa Vogelsang, and Melanie Morgan

A must-have guide for accessible exploration. This book features the best scenic outings under 3 miles from Duluth to the Canadian border. With detailed maps and "know-before-you-go" info on trail surfaces and inclines, it’s the perfect companion for families, casual walkers, those with accessibility needs, and anyone looking to enjoy the shore’s beauty without a heavy pack. The Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery was honored to showcase some of Dr. Tornabene’s photography as one of our main gallery exhibitions in 2025. Published by Adventure Publications, 2018. Purchase online here.

3. At the End of the Caribou by Jocelyn Bowman Thornton

Since its release in 2024, At the End of the Caribou has been a best-seller in the History Museum, JHP, and online shops. This biography tells the story of Cap and Billie Peterson, the adventurous couple who moved from Chicago to the North Woods and who helped shape the Tait Lake area. Published by the Cook County Historical Society, 2024. Purchase online here.

2. Centennial Celebration Cookbook

Created specifically for our 100th anniversary, this isn't just a recipe book—it’s a collection of Cook County’s culinary heritage and history. It features a blend of historical and modern recipes from local community members and restaurants, paired with archival photos that tell the story of how food has brought this community together for a century. The book includes 233 recipes spanning over 200 pages, with over 50 photos. Created by the Cook County Historical Society, published by Create My Cookbook, 2025. Purchase online here.

1. John A. Spelman III: Artist and Printmaker by Scott Husby and Tracey Cullen

This book explores the life and legacy of John Spelman III, and is our best-selling book in 2025. Known for his woodblock and linoleum-block prints, Spelman captured the quiet beauty of fish houses, logging camps, and North Shore landscapes. This volume is a must-have for any lover of regional art and history. Published by the Cook County Historical Society, 2021. Purchase online here.

Ready to add these to your collection? You can find all these items in person at our gift shops or browse our selection online at cookcountyhistory.org/cchs-shop. Find the most up-to-date hours for the History Museum or Johnson Heritage Post via these links.