Cook County Historical Society Announces 2026 Speaker Series
The Cook County Historical Society is pleased to announce its upcoming 2026 Speaker Series, featuring a diverse lineup of regional authors and local historians. This year’s series brings together stories of the North Shore’s commercial fishing traditions, firsthand accounts of law enforcement in rural America, and the cherished legacies of local families and influential Cook County women.
The series begins on May 30 and continues through the summer with events held at the Cook County History Museum and the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.
Michael Risku: Following the Fish | May 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. | Cook County History Museum Michael Risku will present a comprehensive look at the commercial fishing industry that once defined North Shore communities from Knife River to Grand Portage. 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.
Dick Dorr: Chasing Justice | June 27, 2026, at 2 p.m. | Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery Former Cook County Deputy Sheriff Dick Dorr offers a firsthand account of his nearly three-decade career patrolling the North Shore. Moving to Grand Marais at age 11 and graduating in 1966, Dorr returned to his hometown in 1969 to begin a career in law enforcement. His presentation and book, Chasing Justice, navigate the balance between duty and compassion in a rural landscape where every call brought the unexpected.
Tom Toftey: Ade Toftey Memories| July 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. | Cook County History Museum Minnesota author Tom Toftey will share insights into his latest project, building on the reflections of his father, Ade Toftey. Ade was a significant figure in local history, known for his involvement with the Cook County Historical Society, his role as editor of the Cook County News Herald and long-standing "Remember When" columnist, as well as deep involvement in the Grand Marais community.
In this event, Tom Toftey, an award-winning author of Unexpected Gifts, brings his storytelling expertise to this personal exploration of family and local heritage.
4th Annual Stories that Matter: Women of Cook County | July 30, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery Held during the Fishermen’s Picnic, this popular annual event returns to highlight the influential women who have shaped the region. Building on past presentations of figures such as Hazel Belvo, Alta McQuatters, and Eleanor Waha, this year’s program continues the mission of uncovering and celebrating the vital contributions women have made to the social and cultural fabric of Cook County.
Save the date, Historical Alliance of Cook County, Storytelling from the Back Roads | October 3, 2026, time & location TBD Join the Historical Alliance of Cook County for its annual event, Storytelling from the Back Roads. This event features stories from local historians about the local area. The Historical Alliance of Cook County includes Schroeder Area Historical Society, Tofte Historical Society, Gunflint Trail Historical Society, and Cook County Historical Society.
All events are free and open to the public, with donations graciously accepted. For more information, please visit the Cook County Historical Society website at cookcountyhistory.org/2026-speaker-series
All events are free and open to the public, with donations graciously accepted.