The Norman County Historical Society (NCHS) began collecting artifacts in 1947. Society artifacts are housed in the Prairie Village in Ada. Thousands of visitors from all over the United States, parts of Canada, and many foreign countries have registered at the museums 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 also have a commitment to the many people who have in good faith, contributed items believing that reflections of our early history would be made available for all interested persons. 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
% Lorna Rockstad
2045 210th Ave.
Ada, MN 56510
- Individual: $15.00
- Family: $20.00
- Business: $25.00
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. Contributions are accepted for any amount, however, the following are suggested levels of support:
- Pioneer: $250-$499
- Merchant: $500-$999
- Investor: $1,000.00 plus
Should you wish to support the very important work of preserving the history of Norman County in a larger amount, contact Solveig Kitchell, NCHS Executive Director/Curator.
Log Museum-Prairie Village
In 2000, the Historical Society took on the project of building a new log museum to be located on the grounds of the Prairie Village. This building allows for a rotating exhibit space that meets the needs and demands of today’s society. In 2013 the Norman County Historical Society and the Norman County Genealogy Society merged into one organization called the Norman County Historical Society (NCHS). The NCHS Research Center is also housed in the Log Museum.
Red River History Museum
The Norman County Historical Society opened the Red River History Museum in the old Shelly School after the Flood of 1997 destroyed the museum building in Ada. Today it is supported by NCHS as a sister museum but is run by wonderful volunteers from the Shelly area. The school is a unique 1930s art deco-style building. It is the repository for the society’s military collection. This museum is one of the attractions on U.S. Highway 75, the Historic King of Trails.
