History of the Society:

The St. Louis Park Historical Society was founded in April 1971 by Marie Hartmann, a lifelong citizen of the Park. Its stated purpose was "the discovery, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge about the history of St. Louis Park, Minnesota." Marie was a dedicated and persistent collector of information, documents, and memorabilia that documented the history of the City. She led the Historical Society almost single-handedly until her death in 1996.

Purpose of the Society:

In accordance with the Bylaws of the St. Louis Park Historical Society, the mission of the Society shall be the collection, preservation and dissemination of knowledge about the history of St. Louis Park, Minnesota. More particularly, its objective shall be:

1. To locate and collect any material which may help to establish or illustrate the history of the City of St. Louis Park. These materials shall include but are not limited to: printed matter such as histories, genealogies, biographies, gazetteers, directories, newspapers, pamphlets, catalogues, circulars, handbills, programs and posters; geological and Native American artifacts; manuscript materials such as letters, diaries, journals, account books, charts, oral history interviews; account books, charts, audio and video materials and other multi-media materials; and other museum materials such as pictures, photographs, paintings, portraits, furniture, scenery, and such artifacts that are illustrative of events, and activities of its residents in the City of St. Louis Park. These materials to be collected, preserved, and exhibited in accordance with all laws and regulations that may apply to the collection, possession and preservation of such materials, as appropriate.

2. To disseminate historical information to any interested persons, groups, and institutions by any of the following means: publishing historical materials such as newsletters and books; maintaining a web site that presents information and photographs; holding meetings featuring workshops, lectures, or informative programs; conducting historic tours; marking or restoring historic buildings and sites; and by operating a museum or historic site.

3. To make this material available for study and research by individuals and scholars, as appropriate, making sure that it is accessible to the public in compliance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended.

4. To accomplish these goals through the establishment of clearly defined collection, preservation, and dissemination policies and procedures.

5. To provide that all programs, functions and events of the Society, including membership, shall be made available to anyone regardless of race, color, age, national origin, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, gender, or sexual preference.

6. And that this organization shall have the power to own property, to apply for and receive grants, that it may accept bequests and may establish and maintain an endowment fund for carrying out the above stated purposes.