The Norman County Historical Society (NCHS) began collecting artifacts in 1947. Society artifacts are housed in the Prairie Village in Ada. Hundreds of visitors from all over the United States, parts of Canada, and many foreign countries have registered at the museum and Village.
The NCHS feels a definite obligation to help preserve our history, not only for the present generation but also for the future members of our society. We rotate major exhibits every two years and update current exhibits often. We have no admission charge so you can stop in often and find something new has been added.
You are encouraged to join the Society to support the preservation and care of our counties history as an individual, family, or business. Volunteers are always welcome. If you have a special project interest or talent to share, please contact Solveig Kitchell, Executive Director at 218-784-6904 or nchgs@arvig.net.
NCHS is a 501c3 organization
Memberships and Contributions may be sent to:
Norman County Historical
PO Box 201
Ada, MN 56510
Membership Categories
- Individual: $15.00
- Family: $20.00
- Business: $25.00
Donations
Currently, we are in need of donations for a new climate-controlled storage building. Contributions and memorials may be made with the donation button on the Home page of this website, on Facebook, or by check to our address above.
NCHS is a member of the Minnesota Northwest Foundation, and as such is able to accept contributions of commodities, stocks, as well as cash donations.
Should you wish to support the very important work of preserving the history of Norman County in a larger amount or by giving a “Gift of Commodities“, contact Solveig Kitchell, NCHS Executive Director/Curator.
History of the County
Norman County was organized on February 17, 1881, from a part of Polk County which in turn had been a part of Pembina County. After the French trappers, many of the earliest settlers came from Fillmore County Minnesota around 1871. The county’s name was chosen because of the great number of Norwegian immigrants who settled in the county. We are proud to have the most individuals of Norwegian descent in Minnesota!
Norman County is in the Red River Valley of Minnesota; one of the great farming regions of the world. The county is made up of twenty-four townships. Check out the map of the county as it looked in 1895.
The county seat is located in Ada, which is situated near the center of the county. Other towns and communities presently in Norman County include Hendrum, Halstad, Twin Valley, Gary, Borup, Perley, Flom, and Shelly. The county borders North Dakota on the west and is surrounded to the north by Polk County, to the east by Mahnomen County, and to the south by Clay County.