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For a list of current and upcoming programs including Tapping History and Tapping History Cruises, please click here.

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Past Events

Monday, January 14, 7:00pm
 
The Diaries of Lydia Ferguson,
Excelsior Pioneer
with ELMHS volunteer Lisa Stevens

​Much of what we know about early Lake Minnetonka history comes from the pages of this frail woman’s diaries. She recorded it all, from 1854-1886, in a clear eyed chronicle which includes her own family’s tale of suffering, insanity, death, love, endurance and guts. Experience a sepia tone-free view of the past in Lydia Ferguson’s own words.

Portrait of Lydia Ferguson, ca. 1855.

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Monday, February 11, 7:00 pm

Maps Tell a Story​ 
​with Darel and LaVerna Leipold

In this Tapping History the Leipolds will draw from their collection of Lake Minnetonka and regional maps to show how each map has a special and unique story to tell. The Leipolds’ store in Excelsior has been in business for 47 years and has built a general and special collection of Lake Minnetonka memorabilia.

Map of Lake Minnetonka, 1909

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Monday, March 11, 7:00 pm

Peter Gideon: The Apple Wizard
with Sharon Dana

Peter Gideon was an Excelsior pioneer and a world famous horticulturalist whose crowning achievement was the creation of the Minnesota hardy apple, the Wealthy. He was also quite an eccentric and controversial character for his time. Join us as Sharon Dana presents her research on the life of this multifaceted and determined man. 

Portrait of Peter Gideon, late 19th century.

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