We made it to $50,000!

Oct 19, 2020 | 50th Anniversary, Admin Update

We made it to $50,000!

We are so excited to announce that with a donation from WBLAHS Past President and supporter Mary Jane LaVigne we have reached our goal of raising $50,000 through the 50^th anniversary!

It was a tremendous undertaking that took the efforts of a great many dedicated volunteers, sponsors and donors to pull off. We could not have done it without each and every one who played a part in this milestone.

Please continue to the enjoy the online offerings at Whitebearhistory.org through October 31^st and if you have not yet made a contribution to the important work of the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society to gather, preserve and share the stories of our community there is still time to do so.

We thank you all and can’t wait to see what the future brings for the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society!

Support our work

There are so many more stories to tell! Help launch us into our next 50 years.

Donate today

WBLAHS & The Admiral D Announce Summer Historical Boat Tour Schedule

Jun 17, 2021 | Programs

Join us for a cruise on the Admiral past the communities that dot the shore of White Bear Lake and hear the stories that make those areas unique.

Tuesday, June 29th 6:30-9:00pm

Boarding will begin at 6:00pm and we will leave the dock at 6:30pm.
Cash Bar Available

Event proceeds benefit the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society.

Reservations Required – Get your tickets here!

$35 per person for the general public/$30 per person for WBLAHS Members

*Individual WBLAHS memberships are eligible for 1 discounted ticket; Household & higher memberships are eligible for 1 discounted ticket per household member attending the tour.

Current WBLAHS members please use coupon code “Member21” at checkout.

We thank you for your support of this very important fundraising event!

Village of Birchwood Celebrates 100 Years

May 11, 2021 | Uncategorized

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the Village of Birchwood. In preparation for a centennial celebration in September, the WBLAHS has been gathering stories and images of Birchwood and its people. Several projects are in the works, including a series of interpretive signage for parks within the city that share the history of the property and the namesake for each.

Currently underway is a study of the Birchwood Village Hall. The 1970s cedar siding was recently removed to reveal the original 1930s vertical pine siding that was designed in the Moderne style by architect Magnus Jemne. A task force appointed has been working to recommend next steps to the city council.

Jemne worked locally in the office of then Minnesota architect Cass Gilbert and eventually partnered with co-worker Thomas Holyoke for five years. He is best known for the design of the Women’s City Club completed in 1931 in St Paul, Minnesota. There are few other known examples of his work that remain.

Watch for future updates on the future of the Birchwood Hall and upcoming programs and events to celebrate the centennial of Birchwood Village.

COVID-19 Update

Dec 3, 2020 | Admin Update

The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society offices and Resource Library at the White Bear Lake Armory are open to the public by appointment. Please call 651-407-5327 or email office@whitebearhistory.org to arrange a time.

The Fillebrown House and White Bear Town Hall remain closed to the public at this time.