Explore the Village at the Freeborn County Historical Society
The Freeborn County Historical Society (FCHS) 18 structure Village will open May 1. Self-guided tours are available Wednesday through Friday, May 1 through September 30; and, on a variety of Saturdays beginning May 11; or by appointment.
We are also seeking volunteers to act as tour guides for the 2019 tour season in the Village and in the Freeborn County Historical Museum (FCHM). As a Tour Guide, you will act as an ambassador for the school tour groups offering an engaging, interactive experience for the children in our community, and occasionally a tour group from outside of the area. By joining our team of volunteers, you become an integral part of the FCHS team, share your appreciation of our history, and strengthen the Historical Society by providing an invaluable service.
The Village, with 18 buildings dating from the 1850s to the early 1900s takes you back to a time when eight grades were educated in one room, the general store covered needs not found in the vegetable garden, and one horsepower was a luxury. In addition to the historic buildings, the Village features a large collection of antique farming equipment.
The Museum displays over 40 exhibits featuring businesses, destinations and artifacts. The Museum features a variety of artifacts including a 1955 Fordomatic F-100 turquoise truck owned by actress Marion Ross (Happy Days, That 70′s Show, SpongeBob SquarePants), who lived in Albert Lea for much of her youth as well as a large collection of artifacts and a wide range of memorabilia from rockabilly guitarist and accomplished singer/songwriter Eddie Cochran (’Summertime Blues, ‘C’mon Everybody’).
Village tour rates are: Adult Admission, $7.50; Children under 18, $2; Group Rates Available. Admission rates also include a self-guided tour of the History Museum. Both the Village and Museum are FREE to FCHS and FCGS Members; Group Rates Available.
The Freeborn County Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1948, committed to building the future by preserving the past. The Society collects preserves and tells the story of Freeborn County’s past through museum exhibits, research, collections, tours, and educational programs. The Society is located at 1031 Bridge Avenue, Albert Lea, Owatonna, MN.
