Created: 05-15-24
Last Login: 05-23-26
Laura advertisements
"Following the Fish," Book Talk with Michael Risku at the CC History Museum
Description: Join the Cook County Historical Society as we kick off our 2026 Speaker Series on May 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the History Museum. Minnesota author Michael Risku will present a comprehensive look at the commercial fishing industry that once defined North Shore communities from Knife River to Grand Portage, based on his new book, Following the Fish: A History of Commercial Fishing Along Minnesota's North Shore (Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2026). Drawing on oral histories and years of research, Risku explores the life of Indigenous fishers and Nordic immigrants, the geography that shaped their trade, and the eventual collapse of the industry. Risku, who was born into a commercial fishing family and holds a Coast Guard captain’s license, is a professor emeritus from the University of the Incarnate Word and resides in Two Harbors. Admission is free and open to the public, with donations graciously accepted. This event is part of the Cook County Historical Society 2026 Speaker Series. Learn more: cookcountyhistory.org/2026-speaker-series
Publish Date: 05-23-26
Museum, JHP, Bally Blacksmith Shop & Chippewa City Church Summer Hours
Description: Summer hours for all five Cook County Historical Society sites will go into effect within the next couple of weeks! For the History Museum and JHP, summer hours begin Sunday, May 24, and will be Wednesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Bally's and the Chippewa City Church will be open Saturdays and Sundays, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., beginning June 6. Yes, you read that right. This year we are thrilled to announce that the Bally Blacksmith & Metal Shop will be open regular hours throughout the summer. This summer is your chance to get a glimpse of history in one of the few standing blacksmith shops in its original location in Minnesota. Finally, the replica fish house and Nee-Gee Fishing Tug are on display at the Grand Marais Rec Park. Learn more here.
Publish Date: 05-23-26
JHP Art Gallery open Monday, May 25th
Description: Looking for something to do on Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day)? The Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m! Stop by to see our current gallery exhibit, which just opened on May 22, featuring work from the 2025 Plein Air Grand Marais "Best in Show" winner Logan Hudson. Additionally, see pieces from our May Local Artist of the Month, James Ellis. Need more art? Our Gallery staff have been busy rearranging collections to introduce a new historic artists' corner (located within the center gallery). This mini exhibit will feature work from local artists from the JHP permanent collection. Displays will rotate quarterly. Currently, the featured artist is John Spelman III. This mini-exhibit will be on display through June. Admission to the gallery is free and open to the public; donations graciously accepted. Learn more here.
Publish Date: 05-23-26