Before automobiles, planes, and the Light Rail, there were streetcars in cities across Minnesota. They were pulled by horses until 1889, when electricity became practical. Stillwater had no horsecars because of its steep hills, but in 1889 it opened the first electric streetcar lines in the state, ahead of Minneapolis and St. Paul. A […]

Just over a century ago, Charles Strite was employed at a local manufacturing plant. Fed up with burned toast in the cafeteria, a great idea “popped” into his head, and the Toastmaster automatic electric toaster was born! About the event: Enjoy a program about the history of toast and view our antique toaster collection. Sample […]

Jim Lammers presents his newest book, “Lighthouses of the Great Lakes: An Architect’s Sketchbook.” The book contains 500 sketches of beacons all over the Great Lakes area. Lammers takes readers on a road trip, sharing the history and inner workings of the lighthouses as well as the lighthouse establishment itself. Copies of the book will […]

Author and historian Mark Labine will tell the adventurous story of​ ​Isaac Labissonière, a 19th Century Métis pioneer who ​blazed a trail of firsts in Minnesota. Isaac traveled with his family via oxcart from the Selkirk Colony to become one of the first settlers of St. Paul in the 1830s. He went on to build the St. Paul Chapel, […]

AWA wrestling fans mark your calendars for April 29, 2026 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm for author/historian George Schire's next talk and presentation.  It will be another Main Event as George share's stories about the good, the bad, and the ugly character's that wore wrestling's greatest prize.  In addition, George will include stories of the championship […]