The future of the Historic White Bear Lake Armory
Building transformation Update
March 2026
When the WBLAHS purchased the White Bear Armory from the City of White Bear Lake in 2022, we began working on a strategic plan to create a world-class museum for visitors and residents of the Lake Area to enjoy and learn about our unique and ever-present history.
In 2023 we were able to replace the aging and obsolete elevator to ensure ongoing accessibility for all. With the help of Langer Construction, we completed the masonry restoration process on the Headhouse throughout the spring and summer of 2025. This phase of the armory transformation systematically removed the parapets at the top of the headhouse, cleaned the century old bricks, and reconstructed the parapets with fresh mortar to last another century.
As the work progressed we learned that the western parapet was not as bad as first suspected, but there was unexpected water infiltration over the main doors on the building’s north side. Resources were able to be diverted from the west parapet to resolve the water issues and the project was able to be completed on time and slightly under the original budget!
On the inside of the building, we have been slowly transitioning our use of the main spaces to better serve our visitors and members. Staff offices were moved to the Main Level to be more accessible and visible, the Exhibit Hall (formerly the gym) has been crafted into a multi-use space with our new semi-permanent exhibit X Marks the Spot as well as a gift shop highlighting local items and spaces for traveling exhibits and presentations.
We are thrilled to see the vision for the Armory beginning to take shape and look forward to Building the Future of History together with you!
office@whitebearhistory.org or 651-407-5327.
Northeast corner of Armory – parapet brick failure (2024)
Scaffolding on front of Armory’s Headhouse (2025)
Our vision for the future is focused on these three important goals:
1.) Transform a Historic Armory into a Modern Museum
As caretakers of the Armory, we will preserve and honor its unique history and significance to our community. A transformed Armory will be revitalized for today’s uses: mechanicals, exteriors, bathrooms and circulation spaces will be improved to secure the lifespan, efficiency, sustainability, and utility of the building. New or updated workspaces, offices, and archives will increase the capacity of staff and volunteers and ultimately advance the Society’s mission. New exhibits, classrooms, library, and a gift store will be designed to inspire and engage the public in local history.
2.) Improve Member Services and Expand Public Programs
The heart of the WBLAHS has always been its members: a dedicated and passionate group of supporters who have advocated for our organization and local history. Increased and improved member services can offer more responsive and frequent communications, member privileges, and emmer-only events. The successful public program offerings can be hosted on site and expanded to include events such as family events, genealogy workshops, heritage craft workshops and performances and demonstrations.
3.) Invest in Collections Management
With additional staff, volunteers, and work spaces, the long-delayed efforts to attend to the collections can finally begin. Full inventorying and proper storage of all items will be prioritized. Stabilization and preservation of fragile items can begin. The opportunity to identify and collect new accessions will be possible. Ideally, the collections can be centralized on the property, helping to facility access, preservation and management.
Future of the Armory & WBLAHS
Since its foundation in 1970 the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society has worked to fulfill its mission to “Connect our community to its past, cultivating an understanding and appreciation for our history”.
Today the organization is poised to take ownership of the historic White Bear Lake Armory and to become a leader in local history.
How Did We Get Here?
Market Analysis
Audience Analysis
With Bluestem Heritage Group, we studied and compared the demographics of our members versus our Historic House Tour attendees. We also surveyed 199 people recruited through our Facebook page, which included both members, past-members, non-member visitors, and non-visitors. This survey showed high interest in particular topics and high-engagement programs such as lectures, walking/bus/boat tours and family events. We identified three target audiences: Social Active Adult Leaners, Families and Loyal History Buffs.
Collections Review
With Bluestem Heritage Group we reviewed the status of our collection, which is presently housed in three different locations, the Fillebrown House, White Bear Lake City Hall, and the Armory. These sites were analyzed for security, climate control, environmental stability, pest risk and management ease. As previous studies have noted, the collections are in need of additional investment. The collections of photographs and boat plans are particularly strong and unique.
Historic Context Review
The history of the White Bear Lake Area offers many fascinating and meaningful stories, beginning with the prehistoric period, Dakoa, and Ojibwe. Lake-related development (such as boat works, resorts, summer homes and tourism) are particularly unique and significant. As a suburb, the area shares many over-lapping themes with other nearby communities such as fringe farming, transportation, and suburban development. The geography and environment of the lake is significant both historically and today. There is ample opportunity to explore compelling histories here.
Armory Building and Site Study
With SALA Architects and Bluestem Heritage Group, we studied the present Armory building and site. This effort explore the opportunities and limitations of the spaces, and developed recommendations for re-use of the site as a museum. Engineering studies have identified areas of concern. Our findings have confirmed that the building and property offer many appealing attributes but will need significant investments to evolve into a future museum.
Interpretive Message and Methods
Based on these studies we have identified an interpretive message to guide future efforts: celebrating the art and craft of our lake history. This helps clarify a new attention to the local traditions of craftsmanship (boat building, architecture, design) as well as the craft of community building (towns, schools, businesses, and cultural organizations) and the history of the lake environment, preservation, industry, and recreation.
Where Do We Go?
Fundraising and Community Engagement
Property Acquisition
Planning Out The Museum
Rehabilitation and Construction
Exhibit Planning and Installation
Programming Expansion
Collections Improvements
