Native American History Display

Welcome to the McLeod County Museum:

Located at the intersection of Hwy. 7  West and School Road in Hutchinson, MN the McLeod County Museum features an art gallery, an exhibit area, a research library and archives, plus a large meeting room with kitchen facilities that is available for rent by the public.  The Historical and Genealogy societies hold monthly meetings which highlight varied historical topics, along with special events, exhibitions, and classes. The museum also publishes a monthly newsletter for members.

McLeod County ’s Martin McLeod:

The father of McLeod County, Martin McLeod, was one of the areas earliest and most influential pioneers that promoted the area and its organization during Minnesota’s territorial years.  Born in 1813 in L’Orignal, Ontario, Canada of Scotch descent, he came to Minnesota in the winter of 1836, experiencing many hardships and adventures, as an explorer and trader for General H. H. Sibley.  He was elected to the 1849 Minnesota Territorial Legislature and served four consecutive terms. McLeod is noted for his authorship of the first legislation to establish public schools in Minnesota and became known as “The Father of Minnesota Public Schools”. 

A Wood Carver’s Saga Gallery:

Our newest art installation is from the art collection of long time resident, Emanuel Albrecht.  Emanuel spent his entire adult life carving exquisit artwork from local area woods.  In this collection, “A Wood Carver’s Saga”, Emanuel uses large wood panels to depict the story of a Pioneer Women leaving her home and comming to America to settle in Hutchinson, MN.  The artwork is stunning and the story is reflective of most of the pioneers of McLeod County. 

The Exhibit Gallery:

A tour of the exhibit area begins with a statue of “Justice,” preserved by Glencoe resident Paul Gaines after it was moved from Minnesota’s second state capital building.  Also on displays Les Kouba’s original statue of Chief Little Crow and an authentic Native American dug-out canoe.  See a church interior, complete with altar.  A 1950s era kitchen and living room display, and agricultural, doctor, and shoemaker tools from the late 1800s.

McLeod  County Town Displays:

Each community has a unique story, told in a series of panels, pictures, and artifacts, beginning with Glencoe and continuing with Hutchinson, Brownton, Plato, Biscay, Lester Prairie, Winsted, Stewart, and Silver Lake, the order in which the towns were founded in McLeod County History.

Restored Log Cabin Home:

The newly restored Schiro log home was built around 1879 by Ferdinand Schiro, a German immigrant, who settled in rural Brownton in RoundGrove Township.  He and his wife Pauline raised eight children in this 26’ by 20’ one-room cabin.  The cabin looks much as it would have in the late 1800s, thanks to a $30,000.00 restoration. Donations from society members and groups have almost covered the total restoration cost, but the Museum is still taking donations to cover the total expense and upkeep.