Call us Today 320-243-7547 or Email paynesvillehistoricalsociety@gmail.com
Paynesville Historical Society Museum
WALK THROUGH OUR STREETS
Our museum is uniquely setup to provide you the feeling of being transported to a different time. Our design emphasizes the experience of being in history, not looking at history!
About
The mission of the Paynesville Historical Society shall be the discovery, preservation and dissemination of artifacts and historical material which are specific to the community of Paynesville and its surrounding area.
Through the initiation of the local Lion’s Club, the Paynesville Historical Society was organized on October 23, 1969, as a non-profit organization with the purpose of preserving and promoting the vast historical interests of the community and the surrounding area.
Fun for all ages
The museum has events and programs throughout the year (Check our event page for current & past events). The museum's unique design and layout provides you a time travel experience as you walk the museum streets experiencing history as if you were there . Families enjoy the conversation generated as your children listen to you reminisce of your childhood experience (imagine a TV with no remote, a phone attached to the wall with a cord!). Grandparents enjoy the same experience when children are left in awe and wonder imagining washing laundry by hand, toys that don't have batteries, or a music machine you laid big black circles on.
Museum Information
Museum Admission
The museum is free to visit for all. We provide a free will donation box upon entry if you desire to donate, however it is not required.
Exhibits
Upon entering the museum you will see a timeline of history beginning with stunning prehistory artifacts, and as you walk through time you will experience innovation evolve before your eyes.
Street Walk
Head into the back of the museum for a stroll down the streets of a different era. See the many shops, home life and work life exhibits. Experience the feel of being transported back to the early days of rural towns in Minnesota.
One Room Schoolhouse
The Brown School is an historic, and fully furnished, one room schoolhouse. The schoolhouse is open and setup for learned of all ages to experience school in one room. The schoolhouse is fully furnished and it really is an old schoolhouse that many locals attended.
Church
This church was relocated to the museum grounds. Built by German Evangelical pioneers in 1895. It was one of the "Sister" churches of the Zion Circuit. The church is beautiful inside and out.
Farm Equipment Display
Our equipment display is outdoors. It brings to light a time before modern day farm machinery.
Location & Hours
Visit Us
Paynesville Historical Museum
251 Ampe Drive
Po Box 313
Paynesville Minnesota 56362
Museum building
320-243-7547
paynesvillehistoricalsociety@gmail.com
History Museum
Country Schoolhouse building
Rural church
Farm equipment display
Summer: 10am - 4pm, Tuesday through Saturday
Oct - May: 10am - 4 pm, second and fourth Saturday
Images of Impact: The Work of Paynesville Historical Society & Museum in Photos
