Lyon County Museum

The 7th Annual Indoor Christmas Tree Walk
2019-11-16 10:00 - 2019-12-31 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
The 7th Annual Indoor Christmas Tree Walk opens at the Lyon County Museum on Saturday, November 16. The tree walk ends on December 31. View decorated trees by individuals, non-profit organizations, businesses, and service organizations.
To vote for you favorite(s), place money in a box located by each tree. The top 3 groups with the most money in their box will win the 2019 tree walk. They will receive Marshall Chamber dollars.
All proceeds from the boxes will go to benefit the Lyon County Historical Society’s mission of preserving and presenting Lyon County history.
The trees are available to view during regular museum hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10:00-5:00
Thursday: 10:00-7:00
Saturday: 10:00-4:00
Sunday: Closed
The museum is closed on November 28 & 29 and December 25

Time Travelers: Gingerbread House and Ornament Decorating
2019-12-07 10:30 - 12:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
Time Travelers takes place on a Saturday, October-May, at the Lyon County Museum from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm. The themes and activities are related to history and LCHS exhibits and collections. Time Travelers is targeted to students in kindergarten through 6th grade and their families, but is open to all ages.
Cost: Classes are free. Sign up is recommended, but not required by calling 537-6580 or email director@lyoncomuseum.org the Friday before the class.
December Theme: Gingerbread House and Ornament Decorating
Come join the holiday fun! See decorations from yesteryear and make your own ornament or a simple gingerbread house!

Holiday Home Tour
2019-12-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
The Lyon County Historical Society’s Holiday Home Tour is Sunday, December 8 in Marshall. The tour is 1:00-4:00 PM. The Holiday Home Tour is a fundraiser for the Lyon County Historical Society.
Tickets are $20/each and are available at the Lyon County Museum, Hy-Vee, and Coco Avenue. Limited amount of tickets sold.
The tour can be done in any order. The ticket book includes a description of each home and a map.
The Lyon County Museum will be open from Noon – 4:00 PM on the day of the tour for cookies and refreshments. The museum is decked out for the holidays. Check out the annual Christmas Tree Walk and the Heritage Room Christmas Display.
LCHS thanks the homeowners who make this event possible:
Derek and Raftyn Rignell
Steven Smisek
Stu and Barb Zick
Dr. Mary Hagan
For more information, please contact Jennifer at the Lyon County Museum by calling 507-537-6580 or email director@lyoncomuseum.org

Community Collection: Snowmen and Father Time Display
2020-01-21 10:00 - 2020-03-16 17:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
The Snowmen and Father Time display includes a vast collection of snowmen and father time collectables from the collection of Mark Schwanebeck. The display is located in the museum’s Heritage Room exhibit. The exhibit ends on March 31.
Museum Hours:
Monday: 10:00-5:00
Tuesday: 10:00-5:00
Wednesday: 10:00-5:00
Thursday: 10:00-7:00
Friday: 10:00-5:00
Saturday: 10:00-5:00
Sunday: Closed

Community Collection: How to Talk Minnesotan Display
2020-01-21 10:00 - 2020-03-16 17:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
The How to Talk Minnesotan display includes books, posters, and other mementos related to the book and musical, How to Talk Minnesotan from the collection of Howard and Jody Mohr. The display is located in the museum’s entry. The exhibit ends on March 31.
Museum Hours:
Monday: 10:00-5:00
Tuesday: 10:00-5:00
Wednesday: 10:00-5:00
Thursday: 10:00-7:00
Friday: 10:00-5:00
Saturday: 10:00-5:00
Sunday: Closed

Time Travelers: History of Minnesota's Casserole: Hotdish!
2020-01-25 10:30 - 12:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
Time Travelers takes place on a Saturday, October-May, at the Lyon County Museum from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm. The themes and activities are related to history and LCHS exhibits and collections. Time Travelers is targeted to students in kindergarten through 6th grade and their families, but is open to all ages.
Cost: Classes are free. Sign up is recommended, but not required by calling 537-6580 or email director@lyoncomuseum.org the Friday before the class.
January Theme: History of Minnesota’s Casserole: Hotdish!
Chase away the winter chill and learn the history of a Minnesota favorite: Hotdish! Bring along your family’s favorite hotdish recipe to share. Our craft will be something you can use in your kitchen at home.

Time Travelers: Valentines' Day Tea Party
2020-02-08 10:30 - 12:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
Time Travelers takes place on a Saturday, October-May, at the Lyon County Museum from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm. The themes and activities are related to history and LCHS exhibits and collections. Time Travelers is targeted to students in kindergarten through 6th grade and their families, but is open to all ages.
Cost: Classes are free. Sign up is recommended, but not required by calling 537-6580 or email director@lyoncomuseum.org the Friday before the class.
February Theme: Valentine’s Day Tea Party
It’s all about vintage Valentines fun! Join us for some Victorian games and an old fashioned tea party! We’ll make valentines to brighten the day for Marshall area senior citizens.

Lyon County Museum Closed
2020-03-17 10:00 - 2020-06-28 17:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
The Lyon County Museum will be closed to the public until further notice. Email and phone messages will still be answered.

Lyon County Museum Reopens
2020-06-29 11:00 - 16:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
The Lyon County Museum reopens on Monday, June 29!

Lyon County Museum Closed July 4
2020-07-04 12:00 - 16:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
The Lyon County Museum is closed on Saturday, July 4 for Independence Day.

Shop Hop through Lyon County
2020-08-10 08:00 - 2020-08-17 17:00 | MN
Facebook Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/598427564412121/
It’s time to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Lyon County! Grab a passport, which will lead you to the shops and notable landmarks all throughout Lyon County, and when you stop at the participating locations, you can mark it off your passport and you’ll be entered to win a prize!
Passports will be distributed throughout the county with pickup places at:
Marshall:
– Lyon County Museum
– Marshall Area Chamber & Visit Marshall Office
– Patzer’s Hardware Hank
– Walnut Grove Mercantile
Minneota:
– This & That Recreated
Tracy
– Midwest Supply
Shop at the stores to get your passport marked and take photos of you and your shopping buddies at the notable historic landmarks. Show us your photos by posting them in this event! Want additional entries in the prize drawing? Keep following this event and see if you can guess the historic places we post about throughout the week!
To complete your passport, stop by at least 8 locations in at least 2 different towns. You can turn the passports in at the Lyon County Museum Book Drop in Marshall. This event will start on Monday, August 10th and run through the 17th, so venture out and maybe you’ll visit some place new in Lyon County! Be sure to check each locations posted business hours to plan your shopping stops ahead of time.
This event is hosted by Visit Marshall and the Lyon County Historical Society

Museum Closed
2020-09-07 11:00 - 16:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
The Lyon County Museum is closed on Monday, September 7 for Labor Day.

Pumpkin Walk
2020-10-29 10:00 - 2020-10-31 17:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
The Lyon County Museum is holding a Pumpkin Walk on October 29-October 31. More information to come…

Lyon County Museum Closed
2020-11-03 11:00 - 16:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
The Lyon County Museum will be closed on Tuesday, November 3 due to a scheduled power outage related to the Marshall City Hall construction project.

Lyon County Museum Closed
2020-11-21 12:00 - 2020-12-18 19:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
Due to Minnesota Executive Order 20-99, the Lyon County Museum is closed November 21-December 18 or until further notice. For research requests or other inquiries, contact the museum at 507-537-6580 or the contact page on the website.

A Century of Civic Engagement: League of Women Voters in Minnesota Traveling Exhibit
2021-03-01 11:00 - 2021-03-31 16:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
A new traveling exhibit, A Century of Civic Engagement: League of Women Voters in Minnesota, will open at the Lyon County Museum, 301 W Lyon St, Marshall on Monday, March 1. The exhibit will run through March 31. The 12 panel exhibit will be located in the conference room on the 2nd floor of the museum. Museum hours are Monday-Friday 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. For more information, contact the museum at 507-537-6580.

To celebrate the 19th Amendment’s centennial year, LWV Minnesota created a traveling exhibit to recognize the organization’s mission and history over the past century. Exhibit visitors will discover that: “Growing from the deep roots of the suffrage movement in the 19th century, Minnesota’s non-partisan League of Women Voters uses a statewide network of local chapters to encourage informed and active participation in government, register, and empower voters, work to increase understanding of public policy issues, cultivate women leaders, and influence public policy through education and advocacy.”

The Minnesota Legislature finally voted YES on September 8, 1919 to ratify the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, granting women the right to vote and ending the 72-year struggle for woman suffrage.

But as distinguished Minnesota suffragist Clara Ueland said that day, “Today is the commencement rather than the end of our work.” The League of Women Voters Minnesota was born, with Ms. Ueland as its first President, to help carry out the new work of empowering voters and defending democracy, with women now at the table – and in the voting booth. One hundred years later, LWV Minnesota continues to thrive as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization promoting good government and civic engagement throughout Minnesota.

Come visit this vibrant exhibit that features Minnesota’s suffrage story, highlighting the women who made it happen – and who continue to lead through the League of Women Voters to make democracy work for all.

Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt at the Museum
2021-04-01 11:00 - 2021-04-03 16:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
Visit the Lyon County Museum on April 1-April 3 to complete an Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt! After locating eggs in the exhibit galleries, the completed scavenger hunt form can be turned in for a chance to win prizes. Treat bags will be available for museum visitors. Schwan’s ice cream novelties in the museum’s ice cream shop are buy one get one free! Museum hours are Monday-Friday: 11:00 AM-4:00 PM and Saturday 12:00 PM-4:00 PM.

LCHS Annual Meeting
2021-06-03 17:00 - 19:30 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
The Lyon County Historical Society Annual Meeting is Thursday, June 3 at the Lyon County Museum, 301 W Lyon Street in Marshall.
Schedule of Events:
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Social Hour (Box Lunch, Cake, Tour Exhibit Galleries)
6:00 PM: Business Meeting (2019 and 2020)
6:30 PM: Presentation by David Pichaske on his book, “The Secret Places of Southwest Minnesota”
The box lunch is $9.00/each. To reserve a meal, call Jennifer at 537-6580. The deadline to reserve a meal is May 31.
The event is open to the public. For more information, contact the museum at 507-537-6580

Lyon County Museum Closed July 5
2021-07-05 11:00 - 16:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
The Lyon County Museum is closed on Monday, July 5 for Independence Day (Observed)

Crazy Days at the Lyon County Museum
2021-07-15 09:00 - 16:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
While shopping downtown Marshall on Thursday for Crazy Days, stop by the Lyon County Museum for specials.
Schwan’s Ice Cream Shop Special:
– $1.00/each Root Beer Float or Orange Float
Museum Gift Shop Special:
– 40% Total Gift Shop Purchase
Cool off in the museum and tour exhibits on the main floor, lower level, and 2nd floor.

A Day of 1860 Base Ball
2021-08-14 13:30 - 16:30 | Lyon County Fairgrounds, Fairgrounds Rd, Marshall, Minnesota, 56258
CANCELED

We are having a special event during the Lyon County Fair in commemoration of Lyon County’s 150th anniversary, which was last year.

Special Event:
A Day of 1860 Base Ball
The Quicksteps Base Ball Club of Minnesota vs. Local Players
Saturday, August 14 at 1:30 PM
Bud Rose Grass Area by Lyon County Fairgrounds Entrance

About the Quicksteps Base Ball Club of Minnesota:
The Quicksteps first took the field in 1994. Clad in 1860-style uniforms and using authentic reproductions of 1860 equipment, the Quicksteps have played over 200 matches in 20 seasons in five states. The Quicksteps show base ball (two words) as it was played in the milestone year of 1860, when a uniform code of rules and practices was first in use and when play had spread throughout the nation. The club has entertained audiences at historical festivals in Minnesota such as the Winona Victorian Fair, Stillwater’s Lumberjack Days, and St. Paul’s Wild West Frontier Fest, and has performed at permanent attractions such as Historic Fort Snelling, (St. Paul), Murphy’s Landing (Shakopee), Dakota City Heritage Village (Farmington), James J. Hill Farm (North Oaks), Brooklyn Park Historic Farm, and Living History Farms (Des Moines, IA). The club has also annually since 2005 demonstrated the game before a Minnesota Twins’ contest, first at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome and beginning in 2010 at Target Field.

We are in need of players to play against the Quicksteps Base Ball Club of Minnesota. Any interested players can please contact Jennifer or Paul at 537-6580 or director@lyoncomuseum.org

Lyon County Museum Closed on Labor Day
2021-09-06 11:00 - 16:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
The Lyon County Museum is closed on Monday, September 6 for Labor Day.

1910: Building a Legacy by Gavin Van Moer Author Talk
2021-09-07 18:30 - 19:30 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
Gavin Van Moer will discuss his new book “1910: Building a Legacy” at the Lyon County Museum, 301 W Lyon St in Marshall on Tuesday, September 7 at 6:30 PM.

Description:
1910 is a historical narration that follows the timeline of numerous immigrant families coming to Southwest Minnesota. Along their story lines we see immigrants come through Ellis Island, colonize French Canada, and even some who have to bury their children at sea due to horrendous travel conditions. The sacrifice for all was great but their legacy prevails. As their children grow up they fight through drought, depression, wars, and death. We follow along soldiers in WWll, sergeants in peaceful Germany, SW MN farmers and teachers, and throughout the book you get an incredible comprehensive history of how humanity has progressed in SW MN from dirt floor houses in the prairie to modern farms. A story greatly relatable to all who have lived in Lyon County for over the past 100 years. Through stories of faith, love, and family we follow along generations of Americans from the moment of there birth to their tragic death.

About the Author:
Gavin Van Moer is a small town kid from Tracy, MN. A 2017 graduate from South Dakota State University, Gavin graduated with a Bachelors of Science in History specializing in teaching. Although he is a full time hog farm, he has a passion for history and a determination to preserve his family’s legacy. Dedication to research, one on one interviews, and creative writing has helped produce a well rounded, intriguing, and historically accurate reading experience.

This program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

The Beautiful Snow by Cindy Wilson Author Talk
2021-09-21 18:30 - 19:30 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
Cindy Wilson will discuss her book “The Beautiful Snow: The Ingalls Family, the Railroads, and the Hard Winter of 1880-81” at the Lyon County Museum, 301 W Lyon St in Marshall on Tuesday, September 21 at 6:30 PM.

Description:
“The Long Winter is one of the most memorable novels in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series. It beautifully details the dramatic events of a harrowing winter with months of never-ending blizzards leading to railroad blockades that all but cut off fledgling communities.
But what really happened during the Hard Winter of 1880–81?
Lively and rewarding, The Beautiful Snow is a new look at the Hard Winter. Pulling from nearly three thousand regional newspaper articles, The Beautiful Snow weaves the historical record around and through Wilder’s fictionalized account of The Long Winter. From the tireless efforts to dig out the railroad blockades, to lavish oyster parties, to carefully spun boosterism, the Hard Winter comes to life with extraordinary tales of survival, resilience, and defiance that adds rich context to Wilder’s beloved novel.”

About the Author:
Cindy Wilson fell in love with the Little House books in third grade, when she selected On the Banks of Plum Creek from the library. The series captivated her then and has ever since, with The Long Winter still being her favorite.
Cindy is passionate about history and enchanted by the prairie landscape, and when not meticulously poring over newspaper archives, she enjoys traveling, delving into architecture, creating art quilts, reading, hiking, biking, or going out to watch storms as a trained weather spotter for the National Weather Service. She especially treasures time with her daughter, Laura, who at any given moment is living in some remote corner of the globe, exploring other cultures and histories.
While Cindy’s soul is most refreshed in South Dakota, she lives in southern Minnesota. And while she spent two years immersed in the Hard Winter of 1880–81, her ideal day is actually eighty degrees with a smidge of humidity.

This program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

One-Room Schoolhouse Open House & Fundraiser
2021-10-02 13:00 - 16:00 | Lyon County Fairgrounds, Fairgrounds Rd, Marshall, Minnesota, 56258
Save the Date! We are having an open house and fundraiser for the District #80 Westerheim Township schoolhouse at the Lyon County Fairgrounds in Marshall on Saturday, October 2.

The schoolhouse was moved in August from West Side Elementary School in Marshall to the Lyon County Fairgrounds. The historical society is raising money for building repairs, preservation, and interpretive signage.

– Bake/craft/cookbook sale. Items donated by staff and volunteers.
– Civil War Reproduction Quilt Raffle Tickets for $5.00/each. Drawing will be held on December 13.
– Make and take fall and pioneer crafts.
– Refreshments for sale including slices of pie, craft soda, coffee, and apple cider.
– 2:30 PM: Mary Ellen Mattson of Balaton will share memories and stories of country school. (Please bring your own lawn chair)

Victims of Foul Play: A True Story of One Man's Dark Secrets by Patricia Lubeck Author Talk
2021-10-12 18:30 - 19:30 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
Patricia Lubeck will discuss her book “Victims of Foul Play: A True Story of One Man’s Dark Secrets” at the Lyon County Museum, 301 W Lyon St in Marshall on Tuesday, October 12 at 6:30 PM.

Description:
Clarence Larson married twice. Both of his wives met suspicious ends . . . and yet, he was never convicted of any crime. How can that be? In this masterful exploration of Larson’s life, historian Patricia Lubeck illuminates the failures of procedure and early forensic science that seemingly allowed a murderer to walk free. From the horrifying “accident” that killed his first wife Martha to the strange series of circumstances surrounding the “disappearance” of his second wife Jean, Victims of Foul Play paints a vivid portrait of a sinister man. Richly detailed, with information drawn from original source material and the author’s personal interviews with key players in Larson’s story, this chilling and compelling true crime story is a tribute to two women who deserve truth and justice.

About the Author:
Patricia Lubeck grew up in the small town of Echo, Yellow Medicine County Minnesota. She graduated from Echo High School, then moved to California where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of California. Years later, she returned to Minnesota where she became the director of the Yellow Medicine County and Redwood County Museums. Her first book was published in 2012. She spends her time researching and writing true crime stories from Minnesota’s early history. She enjoys traveling and spending time in museums and historic places. History is important, must be preserved, and is meant to be shared.

This program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Civil War Reproduction Quilt Raffle
2021-10-18 08:00 - 2021-12-13 12:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
The Lyon County Historical Society is selling quilt raffle tickets at the Lyon County Museum, 301 W Lyon St, Marshall. Tickets are $5.00 each for the chance to win one Civil War reproduction quilt. The quilt was made and donated by Irene Hudspeth and is on display in the museum’s front entry. The drawing is Monday, December 13 at noon. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the District 80 Westerheim Township one-room schoolhouse located at the Lyon County Fairgrounds. For more information: 507-537-6580.

Halloween Family Fun Day at the Museum
2021-10-30 10:00 - 17:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
Halloween Family Fun Day at the Museum is Saturday, October 30 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Lyon County Museum, 301 W Lyon St, Marshall. Free event. All kids dressed in costume will receive a treat bag. Activities include: Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt, Make & Take Crafts, Make & Take Coloring Activities, and $1.00 Orange or Root Beer Floats in the museum’s ice cream shop. For more information: 507-537-6580.

The 9th Annual Indoor Christmas Tree Walk
2021-11-20 10:00 - 2021-12-31 19:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
The 9th Annual Indoor Christmas Tree Walk opens at the Lyon County Museum on Saturday, November 20. The trees and museum will stay decorated through New Year’s Eve. View decorated trees by area families, businesses, non-profit organizations, and service organizations.

To vote for your favorite(s), place money in a box located by each tree. The top 3 organizations/businesses with the most money in their boxes will win the 2021 tree walk.
There will be an online option to vote on the museum’s website.

All proceeds from the boxes will go to benefit the Lyon County Historical Society’s mission of preserving and presenting Lyon County history.

1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes will be awarded to the top 3 trees.
1st prize is $150 in Marshall Chamber Dollars 2nd prize is $100 in Marshall Chamber Dollars 3rd prize is $50 in Marshall Chamber Dollars.

Museum Hours November 20-December 31:
Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
The museum is closed on Thursday, November 25
The museum will close at 5:00 PM on Friday, November 26
The museum will close at 5:00 PM on Friday, December 24
The museum is closed on Saturday, December 25

Small Business Saturday Event at the Museum
2021-11-27 10:00 - 17:00 | Lyon County Historical Society Museum, 301 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN, 56258, United States
Specials and Make and Take Craft event on Saturday, November 27 at the Lyon County Museum:
– 25% off total gift shop purchase
– BOGO: buy 1 get 1 Schwan’s ice cream novelty treat free
– Complementary cookies and hot apple cider
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Make and Take Craft
Melting Snowman! Join us to make a melting snowman out of putty and the included plastic accessories; then wait as the snowman melts into a puddle of goo. The cost of the kit is $5 each (funds from purchased kits will support programs at the museum)
