Beltrami County History Center | Bemidji

Beltrami County History Center – In Detail

The Beltrami County History Center, located in Bemidji, Minnesota, serves as the cultural and historical hub of Beltrami County. Housed in the restored 1912 Great Northern Railway Depot, the center blends architectural significance with immersive historical exhibits and public engagement. Managed by the Beltrami County Historical Society, it not only preserves artifacts but also provides a space for education, research, and community connection.

Historical Background of the Historical Society

The Beltrami County Historical Society was officially formed on January 26, 1952 by a group of civic-minded individuals passionate about preserving the region’s past. Founding members included Dr. Charles Vandersluis, who would later go on to record over 135 oral histories, and Harold Searls, a local newspaper editor and WWII veteran. The Society was incorporated later that same year, on November 9, 1952.

Initially, the Society stored artifacts in various locations around Bemidji until it opened its first museum building in 1962, located at 300 Bemidji Avenue-a structure shared with the Bemidji Chamber of Commerce. This site served the organization for over 30 years, but limited space and growing collections prompted a move.

In the early 1990s, the museum was temporarily relocated to the Beltrami County Fairgrounds. Around this time, the historical Great Northern Depot-threatened with demolition-became a focus of preservation efforts. A major restoration project was undertaken, supported by county funding, state bonding bills, private donations, and grants. After a multi-year rehabilitation, the depot reopened in October 2000 as the new home of the History Center.

The Great Northern Depot – Architecture & Restoration

Built between 1912 and 1913, the depot is a well-preserved example of Neoclassical and Arts and Crafts architecture. It was the last depot constructed under the vision of railway magnate James J. Hill, symbolizing Bemidji’s importance in northern Minnesota’s rail network.

The depot originally served as a bustling station along the Great Northern Railway line. It featured a central ticket office, waiting rooms, and freight space. As rail use declined in the 20th century, the depot fell into disrepair and was nearly demolished in the 1980s. Community leaders and historical advocates launched a campaign to save and restore the depot, which culminated in a $2 million renovation project.

Today, the depot’s original woodwork, brickwork, and interior finishes have been restored, and it stands as one of the best-preserved railroad depots in the state. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural and transportation significance.

Mission and Focus

The mission of the Beltrami County Historical Society is to "collect, preserve, and share the history of Beltrami County", covering the stories of Indigenous peoples, early European settlers, immigrants, and modern communities. The center operates with a commitment to accuracy, inclusivity, and accessibility.

Exhibits and Collections

Permanent Exhibits

West Gallery: This gallery tells the story of the land that became Beltrami County, beginning with Indigenous Anishinaabe traditions and moving into the eras of fur trading, logging, and European-American settlement. The gallery features an original railroad ticket office, complete with an operational telegraph system and a detailed model train layout maintained by the Northern Iron Horse Railroad Society.

Anishinaabe Heritage Exhibit: This section highlights the history, culture, and contemporary life of the Ojibwe (Chippewa/Anishinaabe) people, including beadwork, oral traditions, and treaties that shaped the region.

Pioneer Life & Early Industry: Displays include logging tools, homesteading artifacts, kitchenware, farming implements, and household items that illustrate frontier life in the 1800s and early 1900s.

Veterans Wall & Military History: Photographs, uniforms, and memorabilia trace the military service of Beltrami County residents from the Civil War through the Gulf War.

Temporary & Rotating Exhibits

The museum regularly updates its temporary galleries to feature themes such as:

“Women in Winter Sports” – celebrating local female Olympians and winter athletes.

“Niimi’idiwan: They Dance” – showcasing Ojibwe powwow traditions.

“Stolen Histories” – addressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women crisis in Minnesota.

2025 Exhibit: “Empowering Women” – tracing the women’s rights movement and key female figures from Beltrami County.

Special Programs and Events

The History Center is not just a static display space-it is active in community education and engagement. Programs include:

History Mystery: An annual, immersive theatrical event where participants solve a fictional murder mystery set in a historical context. Themes include late 1800s logging camps and early 1900s social gatherings.

Workshops: Topics such as genealogy, family storytelling, historical research techniques, and memoir writing. Often led by regional historians like Sue Bruns.

Lectures and Book Talks: Inviting authors and researchers to discuss topics related to Minnesota and Indigenous history.

Youth Activities: School field trips, scavenger hunts, and history-themed summer camps.

Oral History Collection

A hallmark of the Beltrami County Historical Society is its oral history archive, initiated in the 1950s by Dr. Charles Vandersluis. He interviewed early settlers and community leaders, creating 135 recorded interviews detailing everyday life, immigration, Indigenous relations, and local businesses. These recordings are now being digitized and transcribed, with many accessible through the Minnesota Digital Library.

Research and Archives

The History Center offers robust genealogical and archival services, including:

Access to photographs, newspapers, maps, land records, obituaries, and family histories.

Research appointments available to the public (typically 45 minutes, with a small fee).

Staff and trained volunteers assist visitors with navigating physical and digital collections.

Archival materials are stored in climate-controlled conditions for long-term preservation.

Cultural Stewardship & Indigenous Repatriation

The Historical Society works with local tribes-particularly the Red Lake Nation-on initiatives to repatriate sacred or culturally sensitive items. In recent years, the organization has supported legal reforms that allow institutions to return collections that were once off-limits due to donor restrictions. These actions reflect a growing commitment to equity and cultural justice in museum work.

Visitor Information

Location:
130 Minnesota Avenue SW
Bemidji, MN 56601

Hours:
Wednesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Closed Sunday–Tuesday and on major holidays

Admission:

Adults: $7

Seniors: $5

Students: $3

Groups (10+): $4 per person

Children under 5: Free

Free for members and SNAP cardholders

Amenities:
Gift shop featuring regional books, crafts, and souvenirs
Rental space for meetings and educational events
Accessible entrances and restrooms

Conclusion

The Beltrami County History Center is more than a museum-it is a cultural crossroads where the diverse stories of northern Minnesota come alive. From the preserved depot’s grandeur to the evolving exhibits on Indigenous culture, immigrant families, women’s rights, and local industry, it serves as a vital institution for preserving memory, building identity, and educating future generations. Its balance of historical integrity and community involvement makes it a cornerstone of heritage preservation in the region.