The purpose of the Clearwater County Historical Society shall be the collection, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge about the history of Clearwater and to related it to the history of the State of Minnesota. To nurture among people a knowledge of, and appreciation for, the History of the Clearwater County. To realize this objective, the Society shall collect and preserve the materials and records of human culture relating to Clearwater County and Clearwater County Citizens, serve as an information center on and for the County, and through research and interpretation, illuminate the human story. Through fostering a sense of history among all county residents, the Society enriches the county's cultural environment and enables people everywhere to draw strength and perspective from the past and impart purpose to the future.
The Society maintains Gran Chruch and Cemetery in Popple Township, which is currently listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. In the 1980's a restoration of this 1890's church was completed and it is open to the public.
The society cares for the old city / county jail located in Bagley, Mn. Built before 1905 (exact date is not known) it is Minnesota's longest used jail building, closing in 1998. Restoration of this buildings is ongoing. The jail is open to the public by appointment and during select citywide events.
The Historical Society has eight historic markers in Clearwater County: Gran Church, listed on the National registry; the site of the former town of Weme in Eddy Township; the town site of Winsor; a logging site on Long Lake in southern Clearwater County, a logging site on the Clearwater River near First Lake and one at Long Lost Lake, at the Four Sisters pine trees in Bagley, the town site of Mallard, and at the Old Jail in Bagley.
Staff is available to present programs on county history. Several programs are available on short notice and others can be developed to suit your needs. Presentations can be scheduled at your convenience and for any size or age group. There is no charge, however a donation is welcome. Contact the museum to set up a presentation.
View our online Collection at mncollections.org and click on Clearwater County Historical Society. This will allow you to view all our public artifacts and photographs.
Check out our Facebook! We upload weekly with different stories, photographs, and events. There is a little something there for everyone.
Museum Director: Tamara Anderson-Edevold
Museum Collection Manager: Denise Hogenson
Buildings and Grounds: Jim Michel
Museum Assistant: Jazmyn Smith
President: Mary Hood
Vice President: Rick Abel
Secretary: Lynn Riggs
Treasurer: Richard Olson
Nancy Ames
Laurie Brein
Ron Johnson
Ronald O. Halvorson
Melanie Paulson
County Commissioner: Mark Titera
All Year Round:
Tuesday through Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Saturday are Seasonal 10 am - 2 pm
Additional hours available by appointment.
The museum is closed on major holidays and during snowstorms!
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 241
Bagley, Mn 56621
Museum Location
264 First St W
Shevlin, MN 56676
For more information you can email us at clearwaterhistory@icloud.com or call us at 218-785-2000