The Morrison County Historical Society invites the public to an event honoring the long-time service of Art and Jan Warner.
The Warners became involved with MCHS in the mid-1960s when there was an effort to re-energize the organization, which had slumped following the death of curator Alexander Huddleston. Arch Gran from the Minnesota Historical Society was in charge of bringing life back to the society and called a public meeting in 1962 that was attended by Art and Jan.
The couple immediately immersed themselves in the organization, with Art becoming president in 1965. He served 47 of the next 50 years in this position and was still president when he died in August 2015.
Jan took on curatorial and management duties for MCHS in the early days and was formally named the executive director in 1977. She retired from the position in August 2015.
The Warners spearheaded the effort to have a new museum built for MCHS in the 1960s. The first home of the society was in the basement of Morrison County’s Historic Courthouse. With the avid collecting done by former directors, the society quickly outgrew the basement space and needed a new facility. The result was The Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum, which opened in 1975.
Along with running a world-class museum, the Warners were known for their involvement in a variety of community organizations, as well as history-related organizations around the state.
To honor their many years of dedicated service, MCHS is hosting an open house event on Saturday, May 14, 2016, from 2-4 p.m. There will be a special presentation by the board of directors at 2:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, call 320-632-4007.
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When: Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 2-4 p.m.
Where: The Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum, 2151 South Lindbergh Drive, Little Falls, MN
This event is free and open to the public.