Valley Cemetery Tour | Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.-12 noon | Free | Valley Cemetery, 1500 4th Avenue East
Mission
The Shakopee Heritage Society (SHS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the heritage for the city of Shakopee, Minnesota. The SHS can be considered the stewards of the city’s history, architecture, and founding principles that create a proud and eclectic community. Our mission is to preserve history, architecture, stories, events, artifacts and anything Shakopee. Simultaneously, we promote community awareness about the establishment of our river city, development through the Queen Anne period, growth during the industrial revolution, strength during both World Wars, and leadership toward community growth.
Who We Are
Established in 1999, the society consists of a board of trustees, general members, and relies heavily on interested participants who grew up in the city (or proximity) willing to share knowledge and stories about the city. The board consists of seven elected directors that make decisions regarding the education of local history, and recommendations to the county historical society. The board also acts as a liaison for Shakopee collections and archives, municipal and community committees, publications, and membership events. General membership continues to grow and receive a quarterly newsletter, updates on historic stories, and interaction with the board. Membership also receives an invitation to annual meetings, historic presentations, and a group effort to learn and share anything Shakopee.
Affiliations
The SHS has established friendly connections and affiliations with the Scott County Historical Society, Minnesota Historical Society, local retail, city and municipal staff. Feel free to browse, learn, and explore how the Shakopee Heritage Society is dedicated to history and future awareness. Any suggestions or interests are always welcome. Thank you for your continuing support!
What’s New?
- Next presentation is Cata Wambli and the Dakota Alphabet: The Story of Reverend Samuel W. Pond on Tuesday, June 9 at Shakopee Community Center, 1255 Fuller Street South
Upcoming Presentations
Valley Cemetery Tour
Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.-12 noon | Free | Valley Cemetery, 1500 4th Avenue East
Shakopee Heritage Society president David R. Schleper presents information on some of the people buried in Valley Cemetery. The event requires walking, so participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to bring a chair to sit in during the presentation.
No pre-registration required. Bring a lawn chair and dress for the weather.
Downtown Shakopee Tour #2
Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m.-12 noon | Free | Meet in front of the old Central Elementary School (Scott County CDA, 100 5th Avenue East)
Downtown Shakopee Tour #2 will discuss people in downtown Shakopee including the WPA Mural at Central School, Jacob Ries and the Bottling Works, Samaha Islamic Center, the first hospital in Shakopee (and Albert Leclaire who was refused treatment), the Great Fire of 1879, which included the destruction of many buildings including the National Hotel, Miss Hill’s Millinery, John Gutenberg Meat Market, and John Frank’s Tailor Shop, Charlie Sam and the Chinese Laundry in 1901, and the attempted robbery of John Berens’s store, among others.
No pre-registration required. Bring a lawn chair.
Cata Wambli and the Dakota Alphabet: The Story of Reverend Samuel W. Pond
Tuesday, June 9, 1-2 p.m. | Free | Shakopee Community Center Ṡakpe ti Senior Lounge, 1255 Fuller Street South
Reverend Samuel W. Pond, who moved to Prairieville (later Shakopee) in 1847, according to Gary Clayton Anderson, “knew more about the Dakota than any other white person in the mid-nineteenth century. He spoke their language more fluently, and he was an especially keen observer of Dakota economic, social, and religious institutions.” Learn about Cata wambli, and the documentation of the written Dakota language.
Please pre-register with Shakopee Parks and Recreation at the Shakopee Community Center or online through Shakopee Parks and Recreation.
Catholic Cemetery Tour
Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m.-12 noon | Free | Catholic Cemetery, 830 10th Avenue West
Shakopee Heritage Society president David R. Schleper presents information on some of the people buried in the Catholic Cemetery. The event requires walking, so participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to bring a chair to sit in during the presentation.
No pre-registration required.