For 99 years, Cook County Historical Society has been collecting, preserving, and sharing our material, cultural, and artistic heritage. 

Our recent rebranding as Historic Cook County represents our collection of five historic sites that we (Cook County Historical Society) currently maintain: the Cook County History Museum (the 1896 Lightkeeper's House); the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery (JHP Art Gallery); St. Francis Xavier “Chippewa City” Church; Bally Blacksmith Shop; and a 1930s fish house replica with the 35’ fishing tug, Nee-Gee.

Cook County Historical Society Mission:

The purpose of the Historical Society shall be the collection, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge about the history of Cook County and to relate it to the history of the State of Minnesota.

Founded on October 29, 1925, the Cook County Historical Society now operates five buildings: the Historical Society Museum (the 1896 Lightkeeper's House); the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery (JHP Art Gallery); St. Francis Xavier Chippewa City Church; Bally Blacksmith Shop; and a 1930s fish house replica and the 35’ fishing tug, Nee-Gee, built in 1935 in Grand Marais. All sites are free to the public serving all of Cook County as well as our visitors. Other programs include the Passport to the Past program which is intended to educate students and visitors about local history, as well as monthly historical presentations/events. A biannual newsletter the Overlook, as well as our monthly E-Newsletter, reaches more than 350 members and a growing social media following.

Activities and buildings are managed by a Board of Directors with representation from the Board of County Commissioners. Funds to operate the Historical Society and the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery consist of memberships, door donations, endowments, book sales, grants, gift shop sales, and from Cook County. The buildings are staffed by a large group of volunteers, many who serve year after year. Many activities within the museum and the JHP Art Gallery are also carried on by volunteers. Volunteers and board members offer to the public samples of our traditions, from blacksmithing, fish cake dinners, a trout plank dinner, “small talks”, gallery openings, and many other activities.