EXHIBITS
The Beltrami County Historical Society offers permanent and temporary exhibits that explore the history of the people and places of Beltrami County. The museum is housed in the History Center at the historic
Great Northern Depot in Bemidji.
We share our community history through photographs, text, and artifacts. We welcome your visit and exploration!
Special Exhibits
Niimi'idiwan: They Dance
Special Exhibit, March-May 2022, West Gallery
We are honored to present this special exhibit on the history and traditions of regional Anhsinaabe Powwows (Nimiwin in Ojibwe). Each panel includes images from local and state archives. Visit the museum to see our artifacts on display, including dancing sticks, regalia, hand drums, and an early 1900s jingle dress with tobacco can-lid jingles!
We are grateful for the support of the Bemidji Public Library and the Minnesota Legacy Amendment that supports the arts, culture, and heritage of Minnesota for their partnership with our programs. We also appreciate the support of exhibit sponsor Kraus-Anderson for printing our panels.
Exhibit Panels
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Videos
Recordings of our programs and related media
Beltrami County Women in Winter Sports
Special Exhibit, January - March 2022, East Gallery
The women of Beltrami County are not only extraordinary athletes, but many are pioneers of their sport, shaping rules and play for decades to come. This exhibit includes images, artifacts, and records from female athletes across a variety of sports, including curling, cross-country skiing, biathlon, downhill skiing, sleddog racing, ice skating, basketball, and more! We encourage you to explore images and related media from this exhibit (below).
Thank you to our exhibit sponsors Sanford Bemidji Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center, Women Anglers of Minnesota, L&M Fleet Supply, and Dunham Sports, and all of our athletes and volunteers who contributed resources and history for this exhibit.
Exhibit Artifacts & Images
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PERMANENT
EXHIBITS
Early Land and County History
West Gallery
Long before Beltrami County and its townships were established, the land and waters evolved as glaciers melted and glacial lakes receded, forming the lakes, rivers, and lands that we are familiar with today. This portion of our gallery explores the area's early land history and first inhabitants through European settlement, as well as artifacts of Native American communities established in the area prior to settlement.
Great Northern Railroad Ticket Office
West Gallery
Visit the original Ticket Office for the Great Northern Depot, which opened to the public in 1913. Try out the Depot Telegraph, explore railroad tools, and learn more about rail operations. The railroad model in this room is maintained by the Northern Iron Horse Railroad Society - press the button to watch the train move around!
Local Anishinaabe History
West Gallery
Visit the original Ticket Office for the Great Northern Depot, which opened to the public in 1913. Try out the Depot Telegraph, explore railroad tools, and learn more about rail operations. The railroad model in this room is maintained by the Northern Iron Horse Railroad Society - press the button to watch the train move around!