Our Mission
The Golden Valley Historical Society was established in 1974. Its mission is to find, preserve, and disseminate historical knowledge about the City of Golden Valley, Minnesota.
Left: Sept. 10 presenter, Dr. Michelle Terrell. Right: In this undated photo, suffragists demonstrate outside a police court, courtesy of Twin Cities PBS.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 HISTORY PROGRAM
History Unearthed: The Archaeological Discovery of Mary Jackman Colburn’s Homestead and her Contributions to the Minnesota Suffrage Movement
On Thursday, September 10, 2026, the Golden Valley Historical Society and League of Women Voters of Golden Valley are sponsoring a presentation by archaeologist Dr. Michelle Terrell, who will share how a chance archaeological discovery just north of the Twin Cities brought to light the remarkable story of Mary Jackman Colburn (1811–1901)—a pioneering physician, suffragist, spiritualist, and one of Minnesota's earliest champions for women's equality.
“History Unearthed: The. Archaeological Discovery of Mary Jackman Colburn’s Homestead and her Contributions to the Minnesota Suffrage Movement” will enlighten participants on archaeology, Minnesota suffrage, and Mary Jackman Colburn. This 7:00 pm history program, at the Golden Valley Historical Society, 6731 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, is free, open to the public, with no preregistration required.
Titled "Rights and Wrongs of Woman,” Colburn delivered what is thought to be the first public lecture on the subject of the suffragette movement in Minnesota in 1858. She became known for fighting at the Minnesota Legislature for woman suffrage. In 1869, she organized one of the first local suffrage societies in Minnesota in Champlin.
The September 10 program is an opportunity to uncover a fascinating chapter of Minnesota history and meet one of the remarkable women who helped change it forever. While her name may be unfamiliar to many today, Colburn was a leading voice in the movement for women's suffrage and is celebrated as one of just 25 women commemorated on the Minnesota Woman Suffrage Memorial on the State Capitol grounds.
Through archaeological evidence and historical research, her extraordinary contributions are once again coming to light.
Meet the Presenter: Dr. Michelle Terrell
Dr. Michelle Terrell brings more than 30 years of experience in archaeology and historical research throughout Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. A celebrated archaeologist in Minnesota and beyond, her work explores how archaeological discoveries and historical records combine to tell the stories of the people who have shaped our communities. Dr. Terrell is co-owner of Two Pines Resource Group, a cultural resources management firm dedicated to preserving our shared heritage.
Please also note
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The Golden Valley History Museum, same address, will be open prior to the program, from 6:00 -7:00 pm.
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An annual September tradition - beginning at 7:00 pm - the history talk will be preceded by a very brief recap of Golden Valley Historical Society’s 2025-26 fiscal year, ending August 31.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 GUIDED WALKING TOUR
A Cemetery Stroll: Step Into Golden Valley's
Past-One Story at a Time
Golden Valley Historical Society (GVHS) is presenting a Thursday, May 14 guided walking tour of the Golden Valley Public Cemetery.
This 7:00 pm stroll will be packed with pioneer tales, surprising connections, and the preservation story that saved this historic place. This site holds 157 years of history; of the stories of town fathers, mothers, and families; and of special tributes to veterans beginning with the Civil War.
The Golden Valley Public Cemetery, corner of Winnetka Avenue and Medicine Lake Road, tucked away between today’s busy roads, is one of Golden Valley’s oldest historic places— and is still quiet, dignified, and full of people-sized stories. On this guided walk, you’ll learn why the cemetery was founded in 1869, and how early residents selected the land, and the remarkable community efforts that kept this sacred space from being lost to time.
GVHS’s partners in this 7:00 pm event at the corner of Winnetka Avenue and Medicine Lake Road are the City of Golden Valley, which has owned the cemetery since 1992, and Chester Bird American Legion, which will also conduct a program here on Memorial Day.
Nick Thorson, GVHS board of directors, will conduct the tour. Golden Valley City Council member Maurice Harris will give brief remarks on behalf of the city. The event is free, open to the public, and no pre-registration is required.
At a glance
Oldest stories, right in town Walk a site established in 1869—one of Golden Valley’s earliest surviving landmarks.
Founded on inclusion Hear about early bylaws that stated that no one should be turned away because of religion or race.
A preservation comeback Discover how neighbors—especially George Nassig—rallied to restore the grounds and create a perpetual care fund.
What participants will learn on the guided walking tour
Along the way, we’ll make brief stops that spotlight the people, places, and turning points that shaped this landscape:
Origins (1869) Learn of the founding families interred here, and the shared community effort that established the cemetery.
Choosing the site Discover why the first proposed land was rejected, and how tradition helped determine the final location.
Growth & change Follow the cemetery’s expansion and name change—and how a small association kept it going through the years.
Veterans remembered Pause at graves and memorials honoring those who served their country from the Civil War through World War II.
Near loss—and renewal Learn of the mid‑century decline, then the determined restoration that helped ensure the cemetery’s survival.
A historic place today See what preservation looks like now—and how we can continue to honor this place for generations to come.
Also on this day, in advance of Memorial Day, in collaboration with Chester Bird American Legion, we will
Hand out flags for attendees (provided by Chester Bird American Legion to place at veterans’ grave sites
Read aloud (Golden Valley city official) a list of Golden Valley veterans buried here
Have taps performed by a Chester Bird veteran
What you’ll need to know
Date/Time/Location Thursday, May 14; 7:00 – 8:15 pm; Golden Valley Public Cemetery, 2525 Winnetka Ave., Golden Valley
Parking Convenient parking is available (just to the north, across Winnetka Avenue) at the Midland Hills Shopping Center
Accessibility The cemetery is set on an incline, so comfortable walking shoes are a. great idea. We’ll take a leisurely pace. Bring a camp stool if you choose to sit during opening or closing remarks.
Bring a friend, comfortable shoes, and come ready to see today’s familiar streets, and sacred ground, in a new way—through the lives, legacies, and lasting impact of Golden Valley pioneers and military veterans.
Left: General Mills Headquarters, Golden Valley, MN; Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (1958), courtesy of the General Mills archives. Above: presenter Bobak Ha’Eri.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9 ILLUSTRATED TALK
How Mid-Century Commercial Architecture Helped Transform Golden Valley
The Golden Valley Historical Society (GVHS) is collaborating with Docomomo US/MN on a Thursday, April 9 talk about the development of midcentury commercial architecture in Golden Valley and how the arrival of commerce and industry helped transform Golden Valley from village to city to a formidable first-ring suburb of the Twin Cities.
Along with photos and well-researched anecdotes, guest speaker Bobak Ha'Eri, creator of the award-winning Minnesota Modern Registry, will introduce you to the companies, issues, and unique perspectives that drove post-war commercial development of this city.
The presentation will highlight the General Mills Headquarters Campus (1956-58); G.H. Tennant Co. (1956-57); Midwest Federal Savings and Loan (1964); Heilicher Bros., Inc. building (1964-65); Minneapolis Clinic of Psychiatry and Neurology (1967-68); WTCN-TV Studios (KARE 11) (1973); Valley Square Professional Building (1973); Westwood Lake Office Park (1973-76); and many others.
The “How Mid-Century Commercial Architecture Helped Transform Golden Valley” illustrated talk, followed by a question-and-answer session, is at 7 pm at the Golden Valley Historical Society (GVHS), 6731 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley. It is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required.
Bobak Ha’Eri is a Docomomo board member and Adjunct Professor for the University Honors Program and Instructor of Legal Practice at the Law School. He is also the principle creator of the award-winning Minnesota Modern Registry, a project that meticulously catalogued over 11,000 Minnesota properties. He says his interest in architecture blossomed when “it was far too late to change majors in college.” Passionate about all modernism, he enjoys “diving into the history of buildings and place and sharing the stories of the modern movement.”
Docomomo is the international organization for the documentation and conservation of buildings, sites, and neighborhoods of the modern movement. Docomomo US/MN, with a home base in Golden Valley, is the Minnesota chapter of Docomomo US.
Docomomo educates the public about Modern architecture and design; maintains a register of important Modern architecture to be preserved and documented; shares techniques about the documentation and conservation of the movement; and acts as a watchdog when examples of Modern architecture and design are in jeopardy.
The Golden Valley History Museum (same address) will be open from 6:00 – 7:00 pm, prior to the program.
Photos: Drew Arrieta
FOOD, HOUSING, BASIC NEEDS
PRISM Food Shelf & Services: Our Thursday, March 12 Community Partner Spotlight
Golden Valley is fortunate to be home to organizations that reflect our community’s long tradition of neighbors helping neighbors. One of those organizations is PRISM Food Shelf & Services, 1220 Zane Avenue N, which has supported west-metro families for more than 50 years.
PRISM offers dignity-centered resources for food, housing, and other basic needs. Its mission has always remained the same: to provide social services and connections that empower people in our community to build healthy, stable lives.
On Thursday, March 12, guest speaker Jason Wittak, PRISM Strategic Partnerships Coordinator, will share the story of the organization, from its beginning over 50-years ago to current challenges brought about by federal funding cuts and federal immigration activities that have upending the lives of many area citizens.
The presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session, is at 7pm at the Golden Valley Historical Society, 6731 Golden Valley Road. It is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required.
PRISM provides food assistance to individuals and families in Golden Valley, Crystal, Robbinsdale, New Hope, and surrounding communities. Visitors can select groceries that meet their household’s needs, including fresh produce, dairy products, and pantry staples. This approach helps ensure both access to nutritious food and respect for personal dignity.
In addition to food support, PRISM offers clothing assistance, limited financial assistance programs, and seasonal support initiatives that help families remain stable during difficult times. These services have become increasingly important as more households face rising food and housing costs.
Organizations like PRISM remind us that community care has always been part of Golden Valley’s story — and continues to be today. To learn more about PRISM, including the need for volunteers, visit www.prismmpls.org.
GVHS will have collection boxes available on March 12 for program attendees to donate food, clothing, and essential care items.
The Golden Valley History Museum (same address) will be open from 6:00 – 7:00 pm, prior to the program.
SUBSRIBE, WATCH, SHARE, ENJOY
GVHS launches YouTube Channel in February; initial releases feature history programs from 2025
Yes, we’re a little proud of ourselves, and think we’re kind of modern, even. GVHS just debuted the Golden Valley Historical Society YouTube channel! While there will be endless content possibilities, we will initially begin posting videos of our monthly history programs.
Whether you were unable to attend a particular program, want to revisit a favorite program, or want to share a program with others, you are now able to.
Visit this site and subscribe to the new channel:
https://youtube.com/@goldenvalleyhistoricalsociety?si=mHCjdEFg-RoXguFw
What’s premiering on YouTube? Initial releases include these four programs from 2025:
“The History of Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and Rotary International’s Role in Eradicating Polio. ”November 13, 2025
Explore the powerful partnership that changed lives and helped conquer polio.
“The History of the LGBTQ+ Community in Golden Valley.” October 9, 2025
Stories are shared and the past honored in a roundtable discussion celebrating LGBTQ+ Month and the vibrant history of our local community.
“The Game is for the Girls: The 50-Year Story of Golden Valley Girls Softball.” April 10, 2025
Discover the inspiring journey and achievements of girls’ softball in Golden Valley throughout the decades
“More Than a Housewife: The Image of Post-War Women in Magazine Illustrations.” March 13, 2025
Dive into the changing roles and dynamic portrayals of women in the post-war era as portrayed through magazine art.
Don’t forget to hit "Subscribe" so you’ll never miss an update or program! Share news of the GVHS YouTube Channel with others who love history and Golden Valley!
KSTP-TV's Minnesota Live "Must See Museum" is the Golden Valley History Museum
In January 2026, KSTP-TV photojournalist Bill Middeke met with GVHS president Lin Nelson-Mayson for a visit to the Golden Valley Historical Society.
Several weeks later, the result of this visit is a short, fun, and inviting look at the Golden Valley History Museum, including the 1882 chapel, the museum’s “largest artifact,” that is still operating today, hosting monthly history programs and special events including weddings.
Thanks to Mr. Middeke and KSTP, you can access this 3:39-minute Minnesota Live “Must See Museum” feature here: KSTP Features Golden Valley History Museum
Located at 6731 Golden Valley Road, the museum is open Saturdays from 11am to 3pm.
The original Golden Valley City Hall, left, and the current city hall, right.
FEBRUARY 12 GVHS HISTORY PROGRAM
Past and Future: 2003 “Celebrate Golden Valley!” documentary viewing, discussion, and sharing
Learn more about Golden Valley’s ongoing heart and history at Golden Valley Historical Society’s (GVHs) Thursday, February 12, 2026 program: “Past and Future: Celebrate Golden Valley!” GVHS will screen a nearly forgotten 2003 documentary -- produced by Golden Valley Historical Society, Rotary Club of Golden Valley, and Curtis Laine of Studio 23 – followed by a moderated discussion of the city’s past and future.
The presentation is at 7pm at the Golden Valley Historical Society, 6731 Golden Valley Road. It is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required.
The 30-minute video, produced 23 years ago, features stories about local landmarks, community leaders, and the evolution of Golden Valley.
The documentary will shine a light on how the city developed; the discussion will hopefully surface ideas for continued vibrancy, success, and innovation in the future.
“We think you’ll discover that some topics continue to be relevant today,” said Lin Nelson-Mayson, GVHS board president, “including public works, human rights initiatives, and fostering community spirit.”
After the film, attendees will have the opportunity to share their memories, ask questions, and connect with other participants as we reflect on the city’s continuing journey and celebrate its vibrant spirit.
Discussion on Golden Valley’s past and future is timely as it will follow the January 26 City of Golden Valley Town Hall, said GVHS board member, Nick Thorson. “Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, this is an opportunity to talk about and Celebrate Golden Valley!”
Denise LaMere-Anderson, whose 2021-2025 term of office on the Golden Valley City Council recently ended, will moderate the discussion. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have served on the council,” Denise recently said, reflecting on her tenure, “and I remain deeply optimistic about Golden Valley’s future.” She was also the council’s liaison to the Golden Valley Historical Society during this same period.
The Golden Valley History Museum (same address) will be open from 6:00 – 7:00 pm, prior to the program.
Monday, JANUARY 26
GOLDEN VALLEY TOWN HALL: OVERVIEW OF CITY OPERATIONS, UPDATE ON “BUILDING FORWARD,” Q & A
Golden Valley Historical Society is one of the sponsors of a City of Golden Valley Town Hall event on Monday, January 26, 6:30 pm, at Brookview. Mayor Roslyn Harmon, city council members, and city staff will be present at an event featuring an overview of city operations and an update on the “Building Forward-Civic Center Campus” facilities project.
A question-and-answer session, moderated by Mayor Harmon, will follow.
Other Town Halls will be scheduled during the year.
Regarding these events, in a recent CCX Media interview, Mayor Harmon shared: “This is definitely a vision that’s coming to fruition to really have a community engaged, to ask questions, and to be informed. If you want to know what’s happening in our city, if you want to know why we make the decisions, or how our government is processed. It’s really important to come to these town halls to ask questions about issues taking place in our city.”
Other sponsors are the City of Golden Valley, League of Women Voters–Golden Valley, and Rotary Club of Golden Valley.
Photographer Cassandra Roy (Anishinaabe), our January 8 presenter, created this image of David Wilson (Dakota), a participant in the Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ / Bassett Creek Oral History Project, at the headquarters for the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization near where the creek connects with the Mississippi River.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026 PROGRAM
Celebrating Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ (Bassett Creek) Through Indigenous Photography
On Thursday, January 8, the Golden Valley Historical Society (GVHS) will host a talk by Cassandra Roy (Anishinaabe), an Indigenous artist who’s photographing Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ (Bassett Creek) in all four seasons. This event will feature her winter photography, portrait photography, and other artistic projects.
The presentation is at 7pm at the Golden Valley Historical Society, 6731 Golden Valley Road. It is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required. The presentation is at 7pm at the Golden Valley Historical Society, 6731 Golden Valley Road. It is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required. (The Golden Valley History Museum, same address, will be open from 6:00 – 7:00 pm, prior to the program.)
The creek’s watershed has been home to Dakota people for thousands of years. The creek begins its journey at Medicine Lake in Plymouth and winds its way through Golden Valley before being routed underground in Minneapolis. Historically, the creek connected with the Mississippi River above Owámniyomni (St. Anthony Falls). In 1992, the creek began running through a new tunnel that was built under downtown Minneapolis. It now discharges into the river downstream of the falls.
Since 2021, local community groups have been raising awareness of Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ, the Dakota name for Bassett Creek. Roy has partnered with these efforts to create beautiful photographs of Indigenous people and events related to the creek.
In fall 2025, Roy’s portrait photography was featured at The Loppet’s Trailhead in Theodore Wirth Park as part of the exhibit “Native Voices: Stories from Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ.” The photographs were paired with quotes from the Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ / Bassett Creek Oral History Project. They highlighted Indigenous connections to the creek and the importance of maintaining good water quality.
To learn more, you can access the oral histories on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. This 2-minute video provides guidance on how to pronounce Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ.
The creek photography project is supported by a Community Grant from the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization. Additional support is provided by Valley Community Presbyterian Church, Golden Valley Historical Society, Hennepin History Museum, The Loppet, and others.
