Attractions and events are never lacking when you have a History Center and Art Gallery like those in Blackduck, Minnesota. Since their Grand Opening in the fall of 2006, volunteers have planned and hosted more than 35 events and art shows. To check out the various art shows that have been held, see the Gallery link.
Attend and shop a Holiday Bazaar in December and compare the historic-like gifts created by Santa’s elves, also decorations and ornaments, toys, art and jewelry, and packaged candies and old-fashioned foods. If you look close, one elf can be seen peeking and playing around the toys. The center also sponsors holiday movies and sleigh rides for kids and families. “Cookies By The Pound” was a great hit and will be repeated each year.
What would Valentine’s Day be without Cupid and sweethearts enjoying a movie, or dining out? The history center facilitates this event by holding a prize drawing, and provides specialty candies and cookies to sweeten the deal.
June – the month of weddings. In 2007, the history center showcased wedding gowns from the past and present, complete with a reception of punch, wedding cake, and gifts, also portrayed from the past. There were gowns from four generations, men’s suits and top hats, gloves, tiaras, veils, jewelry - all historical apparel with stories to go along with them.
A summer event ‘Share Our Cultures Day’ found residents and visitors munching ethnic foods, watching and listening to various nationalities perform, and even participating in Native American singing with the drum and dancing activities. Story telling, games and basket weaving were examples of other activities at this event.
A Farmer’s Market - fresh vegetables, squash, pumpkins, berries, and perennial flowers brought us to our fall fundraising event. Home made baked and canned goods were also sold. The fall harvest, bake sale, brats and hot dogs with steaming hot coffee were a big hit.
An Open House event to thank the public for our successful first year was held November 10, 2006. The public was thrilled to hear an announcement that we were expanding our facility. A Grand Re-Opening with refreshments and door prizes was held December 1st.
LOOKOUT – FIRE! Perhaps one of the best events held by the history and art center. This event was for all ages, with Forest history and Lookout Tower displays, Fire Wardens and Fireman to talk with, and fire trucks and fire fighting equipment to explore. The program “Room with a view; living in a forest fire lookout” was exceptional and repeated in the afternoon. Lunch consisted of ‘Lookout Chili,’ a hot item.
Silhouettes - a collection of historic silhouettes belonging to a member was on display for a short time. These types of pictures are very collectable and are hard to find. This event/display was talked about for weeks, with requests for a repeat show.
Another popular event was entitled “Needlework – Past and Present” - recent work and family treasures from area residents. Visitors were especially surprised and pleased to discover so much talent existed in the area.
Book signing by area residents is still another type event. Louis Marchand, author of History of Rural Schools in Beltrami County, and Alfred “Bud” Petrowske, author of
On the Trail: People and Descendents of the Big Bog Area are two such people.
Artist and author Don Houseman showcased his original illustrations in the gallery and did readings from his first book for children entitled How Harvey and His Friends Saved the Barn.
Vintage clothing, Christmas cards, valentines, and a variety of collections, along with all the other antique and collectibles housed in the history center are events in and of themselves, and make for interesting visits and a fun way to spend an afternoon or day. To see what events are coming up next, see the “What’s New” Twitter link.
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