A Chase to the Death:

by Russ Swanson

Russ Swanson details events leading up to and following the attempted 1876 robbery of the First National Bank in Northfield, MN by the James-Younger Gang, which soon culminated into what was once the largest manhunt in U.S. history.

Timeless in Brick

by Lisa Besemer

Lisa Besemer, a New Ulm native and top-selling real estate agent in the region, combines her passion for historic preservation with her deep knowledge of the local housing market. As both a dedicated historian and trusted Realtor, she brings unique insight into New Ulm’s most iconic homes, sharing their architectural details and the stories of those who lived there.

Rebellion, Migration, and Identity: The History of “A Life for the Revolution”

by Erich Becker

Step behind the curtain with German playwright Erich Becker as he uncovers the history that inspired A Life for the Revolution. From political upheaval in Germany to the immigrant experience in New Ulm, Becker will trace the real-world events that shaped his story. Learn how revolution, migration, and the struggle for identity became the foundation for the drama on stage, and discover how history and art intertwine to tell a story that still resonates today.

BCHS 95th Annual Meeting

with Featured Speaker Garrett Ebling

“Collapsed: A Survivor’s Climb from the Wreckage of the 35W Bridge”

On August 1, 2007, the Interstate 35W Bridge in Minneapolis collapsed beneath more than 140 commuters into the Mississippi River in a cloud of dust, smoke, and flame during the evening rush hour; Ebling was one of them. He tells the story that has been missing from the investigations and the political debates – the story of the survivors.

Community Bands of Brown County

by Dan Groebner

Known nationally for its polka bands, Brown County has a rich history of     community bands as well. Town bands popped up everywhere, for as little as one performance to as many as a thousand (over eighty years). Some won state  championships and national attention. Some filled a momentary need for music. As a local history researcher and member of the New Ulm Municipal Band, Dan Groebner describes Brown County’s history of music and community bands.

A Turner’s Tragedy

by Kim Kerrigan

Kim Kerrigan is a graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato, and the grandnephew of James Schneider, a gymnastics instructor at New Ulm’s Turner Hall, 1897-1901. Kerrigan shares information about his granduncle’s fulfilling years in New Ulm and his untimely death as a result of the 1903 Iroquois Theater fire in Chicago that claimed over 600 lives.

Funny Money

by Julie Ferrell

Julie Ferrell, a retired U.S. Secret Service agent, shares highlights from her career, explores the world of counterfeiting, and connects it all with stories from right here in Brown County.

A Bar, a Beard, and a Drug…store

By Dan Backer

Local history buff, Dan Backer, will be sharing the incredible story of the world record holder for the longest beard ever grown. He’ll also take us on a trip down memory lane, sharing stories of Backer’s Bar, Esser’s Bar, and Backer’s Drug. From life behind the counter to the realities of running a small-town business in the early to mid-1900s, this presentation filled with history, humor, and heartfelt nostalgia.

The Infamous Dakota War Trials of 1862

by John Haymond

Author John Haymond discusses his book The Infamous Dakota War Trials of 1862: Revenge, Military Law, and the Judgement of History. Haymond offers a fresh perspective on the U.S.-Dakota War and the controversial military trials that followed, which led to the largest mass execution in U.S. history. Drawing on his expertise in 19th-century military law, Haymond explores the causes of the war, the legality of the trials, and the lasting impact on American history and historical memory.

The Dakota Indian Internment at Fort Snelling

by Corrine Marz

Author Corinne L. Monjeau-Marz presents a deeply researched and objective account of the Fort Snelling internment camp, where 1,600 Dakota women, children, and elders were detained following the Dakota War of 1862. Drawing from extensive historical data, she will discuss the devastating impact of the camp, including poor living conditions, disease, and the lasting consequences for the Dakota people. Her talk will provide new insights into this often-overlooked chapter of Minnesota history, highlighting the resilience of those who endured these hardships.

Did you miss a Brown County Historical Society program and want to watch it?

Check out recordings of our past programs here on the Program Recordings page.