Past Events

History Cruise: A Beginner's Tour of Lake Minnetonka History
Monday, June 13, 7:00 pm

The first in a series of four cruises aboard the "Lady of the Lake" exploring the history of Lake Minnetonka. In this beginner's overview, historian Paul Maravelas will discuss the highlights of lake area history as we cruise around Excelsior Bay and Big Island, just as people have been doing for over a century.

"Beginner's" 1856 map by settler Lydia Ferguson Holtz. From ELMHS collection.

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Monday, January 10, 2022, 7pm
​Tapping History: Dog Sledding in Excelsior
with the Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby 

Learn about the history of sled dog racing in Excelsior as well as plans for the February 2022 Klondike Dog Derby. 

1930s Klondike Day Dog Derby on Water Street in front of what is now the Excelsior Mill.

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Monday, November 8, 2021- 7:00 pm
​​Tapping History: We Have Them Surrounded with Scott Zerby

The City of Shorewood celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, but it’s history is much older than that! Once part of Excelsior Township, Shorewood surrounds present day Excelsior and Greenwood. Former Shorewood Mayor Scott Zerby, will share the history of this city from 1858 to present.

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Historic Oak Hill Cemetery Tour

Monday, October 12, 2020 at 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Oak Hill Cemetery, Excelsior Blvd, Excelsior, Minnesota,

Join historian Scott D. McGinnis at the top of Oak Hill as he leads a tour of historic Oak Hill Cemetery—Excelsior’s burial ground since the 1850’s. Scott will highlight the lives and deaths of the area’s settlers and citizens and will answer questions about those buried here. Limited registration closes at 3:00 pm, October 12, 2020. $5.00 suggested contribution.

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Monday, March 9, 2020- 7:00pm
​​Tapping History: Postcards of Lake Minnetonka

​First appearing in the early years of the 20th century, these cards are sometimes the only evidence we have of the lake's great hotels, massive steamers, amusement parks, as well as humble bait shops, streetscapes and bits of everyday life. This simple ephemera is an invaluable resource for historians, preserving images of years gone by.  Chuck Donley will share some of his personal collection of over 1000 cards of Lake Minnetonka and its surrounding towns and will explore what the fascinating hobby of deltiology can tell us about Lake Minnetonka’s history. 

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Monday, February 10, 2020- 7:00 pm
​​Tapping History: Olaf Searle, The Big Island channel & Mahpiyata Island 

​Much has been written about Big Island Amusement Park, Veteran’s Camp and “Cruiser’s Cove.” Learn about the lesser known history of Big Island as historian Paul Maravelas explores the rise and fall of a Norwegian-born immigration agent, his family’s lavishly landscaped landmark estate and his plans for a bridge to the mainland; and the origin of Mahpiyata Island including architect Franz Gayl's unusual hand built home on it, his effort to develop a camp dedicated to world peace, and the Dakota Indian legend of Mahpiyata. ​

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Monday, January 13, 2020- 7:00 pm
​Tapping History: ​Lake Minnetonka History Trivia Night!

Grab your friends, test your knowledge and win a prize at this special Tapping History. Topics will cover the past and present of Excelsior and the Lake Minnetonka area.  You don’t need to be an expert to participate and you can compete individually or on an informal team.  We will cover everything from famous people, places, boats, and many other topics.  Learn more here!

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Monday, December 9, 2019, 7:00pm
​Tapping History: Lake Minnetonka's Historic Hotel and Tourist Industry with historian Scott D. McGinnis

Scott will discuss the origins of the tourist industry from 1852-World War I including the various attractions/amusements, methods of transportation, and some of the more famous and infamous hotels. Learn more here.

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Monday, November 11, 2019- 7:00pm
Tapping History: Big Island Archaeology ​with Ann Merriman and Christopher Olson from Maritime Heritage Minnesota

Join us as Dr. Ann Merriman and Christopher Olson of Maritime Heritage Minnesota update us on their underwater and maritime archaeological studies of Lake Minnetonka. Their latest project, for the city of Orono, focuses on their fascinating finds on historic Big Island including the Steamboat Pier, Amusement Park, and Veteran's Camp sites. They will show us what was there in 1906 and what evidence remains today. Members register for limited reserved seating here.

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Monday October 14, 5:30pm
​​Oak Hill Cemetery Tour
​with Scott D. McGinnis

​Join historian Scott D. McGinnis at the top of Oak Hill as he leads a tour of historic Oak Hill Cemetery. For more information, including parking and registration here. 

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​Monday, September 9, 7:00 pm 
​​​Tapping History: End of the Road ​
​with Steve Kobs

While researching his own family history, Steve Kobs uncovered fascinating stories of the people who lived and died at the end of Excelsior's Third Street around 1900. Colorful family feuds, an insane asylum, and bird sanctuary come into play as fortunes are made and lost. Steve will also share tips about the ELMHS archive and other useful resources he used to learn more about the Milnors, Bells and Savages.

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Monday April 8, 2019 7:00 pm
​Tapping History: ​Route 66: And Make Thunder His Tribute

Join us for our last Tapping History of the season as we view an episode from the Route 66 series that was filmed in Excelsior! See scenes of Lake Minnetonka, the Excelsior Amusement Park and more.  This episode is shown with permission from Shout! Factory LLC. 

Image courtesy Shout! Factory LLC.

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Monday, March 11, 2019 7:00 pm
​Tapping History: ​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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Monday, February 11, 2019 7:00 pm
​Tapping History: ​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, January 14, 2019 7:00pm
​Tapping History: 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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