Sibley County Historical Society Museum |
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The Sibley County Historical Society was organized in 1940 with August L. Poehler of Minneapolis, former Henderson merchant, as president. Historical Society members immediately began a county wide collection of materials for preservation in a proposed museum. Historic Henderson, Sibley County's first city, founded in 1852, and the first county seat, was chosen as the site of the museum. In the fall of 1948 the Society purchased the former A.F. Poehler residence.During the winter volunteers redecorated and arranged displays and on Memorial Day, 1949, a dedication program was held. The structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Sites in 1982. Construction was begun on the Poehler home in 1884, and the house was completed in 1885. It is a splendid structure with all the latest features of its time, including an upstairs bathroom and central heat. The millwork and brick for the building were made in Henderson. Slate shingles for the roof came from Pennsylvania. The front porch was replaced in the 1930's. The roof
was restored in 1983, using the original slate. Only minor changes
have been made in the interior. Original shutters cover the windows.
The parlor and music room show the original grain painted woodwork
treatment. In the back yard of this 1884 house is a log cabin built by another German immigrant, Christian Didra, about 1858. This log cabin is a dramatic reminder of the harsh living conditions under which the earliest of the Sibley County pioneers existed. The Museum is open to the public for tours Memorial Day and Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. June thru October and by appointment. Genealogy is by appointment only. Admission fee is $2.00. For additional information or to schedule an appointment please contact us.
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