From the (Home) Front III
July 30, 2009 - Lawshe Memorial Museum

The third installation of "From the Front" features activities on the home front, including War Gardening and the Home Guard during World War I; the role of the National Guard during times of crisis at home; and Civil Defense during the Cold War.

Runs through July 30, 2010.

For an abbreviated downloadable version of From the Front II, click here.

Going to the Inaugural Ball: John F. Kennedy's Inauguration
Through December 2010
Hastings Administration Center
1590 West Highway 55

Rose Just of Hastings, chair of the Dakota County Women's DFL, received an invitation to John F. Kennedy's inauguration and the inaugural ball held at the National Guard Armory. Her invitation, gown and accessories are part of the Society's collection and are part of a new Cabinette exhibit.

The gown she wore will only make periodic appearances due to its delicate nature.

St. Paul Union Stockyards Exhibit
April 12, 2008 -December 31, 2010 - Lawshe Memorial Museum

April 11, 2008, marked the end of a 122-year tradition of livestock sales in South St. Paul. The St. Paul Union Stockyards left an indelible mark in the agricultural communities of the Midwest and west while shaping the lives of thousands in Dakota County. With this exhibit the Dakota County Historical Society has crafted a fitting tribute to the yards and the people who worked there. Partner Town Square Television has created an hour-long documentary on the yards, which is viewable at the Lawshe Memorial Museum and is available for sale in the Museum store. Sponsored in part by the South St. Paul Chapter of the Dakota County Historical Society, Central Livestock Association, and Town Square Television.

Strike! The 1948 Meatpacking Strike
Through December 31, 2010 - Lawshe Memorial Museum

Workers from South St. Paul lead the way for a strike of 100,000 packinghouse workers nationwide seeking better wages and working conditions. Gain a hands-on understanding of the challenges of working in a meatpacking plant in the 1940s. Try your hand at managing the strike from the perspective of workers, managers, and the Governor of Minnesota.

Stassen!
Through December 31, 2010 - Lawshe Memorial Museum

The remarkable story of Minnesota Governor and Dakota County native Harold Stassen is the result of the joining of exceptional ability, driving ambition, and the desire to serve. Stassen was the youngest Governor in the state's history and a rising star of the "new" Republicans of the 1940s. Stassen served in World War II and President Eisenhower's cabinet; he was a principal writer of the United Nations charter and lead U.S. negotiator during the 1957 London Arms Control Talks; and he served as President of the University of Pennsylvania. He also sought the Presidency of the United States nine times, though only twice was he a serious contender. Explore his life and learn how this man from our very own South St. Paul helped shape the world.

The Dakotah People
Ongoing - Lawshe Memorial Museum

The Mdewakanton Dakotah Indians have resided in what is now Dakota County for hundreds of years. Gain a better appreciation of their lifestyle, tools, artwork and history from this exhibit.