Mission Statement
- The Afton Historical Society was organized in 1980
for the purpose of locating and collecting any material which would
help to establish or illustrate the history of the Afton area or the
state, the exploration, settlement, development, and activities in
peace and war, the progress of population, ethnic grouops, wealth,
education, arts, science, agriculture, manufactures, trade, etc., and
to disseminate historical information to interested persons, groups,
and institutions.
- Finishing up our 25th year, our mission
remains the same.
About Afton, Minnesota
The historic village of Afton is nestled between wooded river bluffs and a protected scenic river, the lovely St. Croix.
Some call Afton "nostalgic, friendly, and quaintly charming." Visitors
in the mid-1800's were reminded of Robert Burns' poem "Afton Water" and
thence came its name.
Following French fur traders to the St. Croix Valley, New Englanders
platted the Village in 1855, and influenced its simple, straightforward
architecture.
Clear drinking water still flows from the springs shown on the early
plats. Some of the virgin pines still stand in its deep ravines. Wild
flowers, deer, flying geese, and songbirds thrive here, along with wild
berry bushes left from Afton's early berry industry.
Today, in the center of a quiet residential community, is a small
business district of restaurants, an inn, marinas, and unique shops and
services. Surrounding the village are farms, parks, and nature
preserves.
Most of the village businesses are located in 19th century houses or buildings, some of which are still being restored.
Afton Historical Museum
The Afton Museum is located in the former Congregational church (1868)
building in the Historic Village of Afton. Over the years it housed the
Congregational and American Methodist congregations and later was a
meeting place for fraternal organizations, such as Modern Woodmen of
America and the American Legion and Auxiliary. In about 1926, after the
flood, the building was moved onto a new basement on an adjacent lot
south. It became the seat of government and voting place for the
Village of Afton and in 1976, candidate Walter Mondale voted when he
was elected Vice President of the United States with President Jimmy
Carter.
The Museum, now a restored building, has many displays including a
turn-of-the-century kitchen and schoolroom, library, military
artifacts, post office, telephone switchboard, fashions, and children's
toys and games as well as an extensive photograph gallery of early
schools and classes, early settlers, and historic events. The lower
floor of the Museum is dedicated to displays of early agriculture and
farm artifacts.
Volunteers operate the 3 vintage rug looms with which they weave rugs for sale at the Museum.
Extensive files on area family information and photographs, census
record information, and information about Afton's 7 cemeteries,
including a Civil War cemetery are available for research purposes.
The Museum is operated by volunteers and there is no admission fee.
Hours:1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, year around
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays, May - October
AFTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFICERS
& BOARD
President: Stan Ross
Vice President: Sue Biagini
Secretary: Kris Haslund
Treasurer: Laurel Ross
Office Manager: Carol Brotzler
Board Members:
Ken Martens
Sarah Johnson
Lee & Ellen Johnson
Doug Stoltzmann
Mike Thoemke
