MCHS Events & Activities
At MCHS, we are passionate about preserving and celebrating our local heritage. Over the years, we have hosted and sponsored numerous events and activities, both at the Pioneer Museum and throughout the community. These gatherings bring history to life, offering something for everyone — from educational exhibits and workshops to festive community celebrations. Below, you'll find some highlights of the diverse events we've proudly been a part of. Join us in celebrating our rich history and community spirit!
As 2025 winds down, we’re proud to celebrate all that has happened at the Pioneer Museum!
With ongoing tours, events, and community gatherings, the museum continues to be a vibrant space for learning and connection. Stay tuned as we add more to this year’s story!
2025 MCHS Annual Meeting
Held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, the MCHS Annual Meeting took place at the Best Western in Fairmont. Guests gathered for a welcoming Social Hour at 5:00pm, followed by a delicious meal served at 6:00pm.
The evening’s featured speaker was Blake Davis, a proud 1985 Fairmont High School graduate. Davis drew from his distinguished career in the Corrections industry, sharing both professional expertise and personal reflections that informed, engaged, and inspired all in attendance.
Senator Amy Klobuchar visits Martin County Historical Society. We had a great time showing Senator Amy Klobuchar around the museum tonight! It was fun sharing some of the projects we’ve been working on and chatting about what’s happening in our community. Thanks for stopping by Senator!
A major thank you to author Kevin Callahan for bringing his book tour to our museum! Kevin presented his book, Brothers in Arms, and the Style brothers of Fairmont that are featured in it. We had a wonderful crowd that asked some engaging questions and carried on some lively conversations. Thanks again Kevin!
Had a great time learning about the Vietnam Memorial Wall and the Wall of Faces project with Herb Reckinger - thanks so much to Herb and his wife for sharing their information, experiences, and the stories of some of Martin County soldiers from the wall - it was an extremely interesting and meaningful time!
Artist John Sagissor was on hand for our open house celebrating his wonderful artwork in our newest Art History display!
Special Guest at the Pioneer Museum – Traveler and author Seth Varner
"Wandermore in Minnesota – Traveler and author Seth Varner documents town history through his writings and photographs, explores local communities, and promotes small-town tourism. His journey brings him to Fairmont and The Martin County Historical Society.
Everybody had an excellent time at the 17th annual MCHS Card Party! Now we don't know if the cards (or tiles) were good, but we do know one thing, the cake sure was!
Tom Tourville gave an amazing presentation on the Rock and Roll history of Martin County - bands were fondly remembered, ballrooms and other venues were discussed, and many memories were shared!
We had the tremendous honor of hosting songstress Farah Siraj at the museum for her Arab Women in the Arts presentation - not only is Farah a supremely talented musician but a great presenter and historian as well. Special thanks to our friends at the Fairmont Opera House for helping to bring Farah and her group to our county and for the wonderful work they do to make our community a special place!"
We kicked off Fair Season last week with our History of the Martin County Fair presentation. The crowd was great and lots of memories of previous fairs were shared!
We had a great group for our 1970s presentation - lots of great history and wonderful memories were shared!
What an awesome group that came to see our veteran's interview with Fred Wollschlager - the conversations before and after were interesting as well!
Lenny and Jim had an awesome time recently at the Trimont Community Breakfast and touring the Trimont Historical Museum. As you can see, the museum contains many interesting artifacts, and their recommendation is for others to check it out as well. A big thanks to Ean from Sinn Family Celebration of Celebration of Life and the Trimont Historical Society for being wonderful hosts!
It was a ton of fun getting to show Granada-Huntley-East Chain's 2nd and 3rd grade classes the Pioneer Museum - looks like they had a good time too!
The Fairmont Christian School 2nd Grade recently visited the Pioneer Museum in Fairmont and took a tour of Martin County history.
The Martin County West 6th Grade recently visited the Pioneer Museum in Fairmont and took a tour of Martin County history. Their tour included viewing and learning about artifacts, documents, and displays depicting Martin County’s past.
5th and 6th grade students from Fairmont Christian School spent the morning with us exploring Martin County’s rich history. From pioneer life to local artifacts, these curious young minds asked great questions and showed so much enthusiasm for learning! We love seeing students engage with the past and connect with the stories that shaped our community.
Jim Marushin from the Martin County Historical Society gave a presentation about the Native Americans that lived in the Fairmont area. 7th graders learned about how the Native Americans lived according to the seasons, were nomadic, styles of crafts and even games they played
We had a super time with the 3rd & 4th graders from the Fairmont Christian School! They had a blast on their field trip while learning about Martin County History!
There was lots of good energy in the museum as Fairmont's First Graders came for their annual field trip!
2024 was a remarkable year for the Pioneer Museum, filled with memorable events and activities.
From engaging presentations and class reunions to student tours and special group gatherings, the museum served as a hub of connection and celebration. Here’s a glimpse of some of the year’s highlights!
2024 Annual Meeting & Dinner
The Martin County Historical Society's 2024 Annual Meeting & Dinner was a memorable event, held at the Best Western in Fairmont. Attendees enjoyed a wonderful meal and the opportunity to connect with fellow citizens. The highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Trae Vassallo, daughter of Dr. Roger and Beth Neist. Trae, a Fairmont native, shared her impressive journey, which began with learning how to program at the age of 7.
After graduating from Fairmont, she pursued higher education at Stanford, earning both a bachelor's and a master's degree in mechanical and electromechanical engineering, along with an MBA. At just 28, Trae co-founded a company that was later sold to Motorola for $550 million. She also holds 13 patents, has keynoted at SXSW, authored a book on women in the workplace, and was named a Venture Catalyst by Forbes magazine.
In addition to her remarkable achievements, Trae shared touching stories about her family, adding a personal and heartwarming touch to the evening.
Author Patick M. Garry PowerPoint presentation and book signing for his book, The Power of Gratitude: Charting a Path Toward a Joyous and Faith-Filled Life. He uses a memoir of his parents to illustrate what he sees as the defining trait of their lives—gratitude.
FHS Class of 2004: The FHS Class of 2004 recently took a tour of the museum as part of their 20-Year Reunion, led by Class of '04 Alumnus and MCHS Curator, James Marushin!
"Had a great time learning about the Vietnam Memorial Wall and the Wall of Faces project with Herb Reckinger - thanks so much to Herb and his wife for sharing their information, experiences, and the stories of some of Martin County soldiers from the wall - it was an extremely interesting and meaningful time!
We enjoyed Upward Bound 5th St touring the MCHS's Pioneer Museum!
"We had a great crowd and an awesome time talking about the Luedtke Slough Controversy! Special thanks to former FHS Biology Teacher Dan Kehrberg for being on hand (with props) to give his firsthand experiences and answer questions."
Granada Huntley Class of 1974: We had such a wonderful time hosting the Granada-Huntley Class of 1974 for a portion of their 50th Reunion!
St. John Vianney 5th Grade: "We had a wonderful time showing the 5th graders from St. John Vianney around the museum!"
Fairmont 1st Grade: "Had this group of young historians in for an awesome tour of the Martin County Historical Society!"
What a fun day having the 3rd graders from Fairmont Elementary in for a field trip! Thanks for being a great class full of energy and curiosity!
"Really enjoyed this wonderful group that came down to watch our Churches of Martin County powerpoint - thanks for coming all!"
The Fairmont chapter of the P.E.O. recently held their fall meeting at the Pioneer Museum.
FHS Class of 1974: Thank you very much to members of the FHS Class of 1974 for visiting the museum as part of their 50th Class Reunion - what a great day!
Truman 4th Grade: "Had a great time helping the 4th Graders from Truman learn about Martin County history!"
Cub Scout Pack 57 Fairmont toured the MCHC Pioneer Museum! The kids had lot of questions,, we enjoyed sharing with them the history of Martin County!
We were very excited to host Quality of Life Day for the Martin County Leadership Class - a great time was had by all!
We had an awesome time with this group talking about the history of some Martin County Businesses!
The 17th annual MCHS Card Party: "What an amazing card party - there was lots of fun, games, and CAKE! Thank you to all who came!
Great day with lots of young, excited learners from the Martin County Homeschool Group!
2023 was a year of connection and community at the Pioneer Museum.
From class reunions and student tours to special events and presentations, the museum was alive with activity and discovery. Look back at the highlights!
St. John Vianney School 5th Grade
Martin Luther High School 7 & 8 Grades
Martin County West 6th Grade
