Upcoming Events
Learn more about Golden Valley's history by joining us at one of our upcoming programs!
THURSDAY, MAY 14 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.
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.
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.
Annual Holiday Open House at the Golden Valley Historical Society is Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
Golden Valley Historical Society’s Annual Holiday Open House is Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. The public is invited to visit the Golden Valley History Museum and Historic Church, 6731 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Never visited or not for a long time? You’ll find the Historical Society decked out in festive holiday finery; discounted vintage Golden Valley street signs for sale; tours of the award-winning history museum; free Lunds and Byerly’s cookies from “Byerly’s Peggy;” a chance to visit and learn more about the Historic Church and its 1882 chapel; details on rental of the chapel for weddings; vow renewals, and memorial services; discounted Golden Valley Historical Society memberships; and a variety of volunteer opportunities.
Golden Valley History Museum
Open since Sept. 2018, the Golden Valley History Museum features an immersive exhibition that traces the history of Golden Valley from the ice age and pre-European contact to today.
The exhibition, “Golden Valley: No Place Like Home,” also explores the former Golden Valley High School, the first Byerly’s Foods, Golden Valley Garden Club, Ewald Brothers Dairy, Golden Valley Police and Fire Departments, civil rights, human rights, and leadership.
The museum will be open, and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions.
At the Museum: Cookies from "Byerly's Peggy" Nelson
Also in the museum, from 11 am to 3 pm, will be beloved former Byerly’s employee Peggy Nelson (now a museum greeter), who will hand out cookies and treats courtesy of the Golden Valley Lunds and Byerly’s store. Peggy will also answer your questions about the museum’s Golden Valley Byerly’s exhibit highlighting the first store in the locally loved chain, one which introduced the Twin Cities and Minnesota to “Glamorous Groceries.”
SPECIAL ONE-DAY SALE
Discounted Vintage Golden Valley Street Signs
Thanks to the City of Golden Valley, the Historical Society is the repository of over 800 decommissioned, mainly vintage Golden Valley street signs, some dating back to the 1940s. Stop by (use the museum entrance) and peruse, they could be perfect for last-minute holiday gift shopping. Signs will be discounted to $20 and can be purchased by cash, check, or PayPal. Proceeds from the sale of signs support GVHS programs and operations
SPECIAL ONE-DAY SALE
Discounted Historical Society Memberships
Sign up to become a Historical Society member at a discounted cost of $20 for an individual and $40 for a family annual membership. Members are the first to know about upcoming events and opportunities. We rely on our members to help sustain our programs and maintain the Historic Church.
Inside the Historic Church is this 1882 Chapel
If you’ve never visited before, make a point to visit this Historic Church, a Golden Valley Road landmark. Inside is the 1882 chapel which in 1890 weas pulled by horses and mules almost a mile over rolling logs to its current location. We’ll share its complete history with you at the Open House.
Historic, Memorable, Intimate Weddings
Built in 1882, the chapel is the oldest church and one of the oldest buildings in Golden Valley, a charming and intimate venue for up to 80 guests – and just east of downtown. Stop by the Open House for a look. We’ll also answer your questions about the chapel’s rental for weddings, vow renewals, and memorial services.
Visit, Learn, Enjoy, Join
Historical Society board members and volunteers will be on hand to welcome you and answer your questions.