Dassel History Center and Ergot Museum
The Dassel History Center and Ergot Museum has become an art and cultural center for the community to enjoy with an array of opportunities to learn more about the area and its history.
The center, which is located at 901 First St. N., in Dassel, is home to the Dassel Area Historical Society (DAHS). The society, made up of volunteers, strives to bring the past, present, and future together in a way that all generations can learn from and enjoy.
Not only does the historical society operate the museum and provide resources for genealogists, but the DAHS also hosts cultural events and programs throughout the year.
Most recently, the museum hosted the Smithsonian Institution’s traveling exhibit, “Between Fences,” in 2009. In September 2011, it will again have the pleasure of hosting another Smithsonian traveling exhibit, “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.” This exhibit will run through Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011.
The historic Universal Laboratories building, which houses the museum, is on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2006, it was named one of the 25 top preservation projects in the state by the Minnesota Preservation Alliance.
Its main exhibit, “From Blight to Blessing,” showcases what the building was originally built for – manufacturing ergot, of value to the pharmaceutical industry. From 1937 to the mid-1970s, Universal Laboratories provided raw ergot from the grain fields of the western US and Canada to pharmaceutical companies. Critical drugs were produced from the ergot, saving countless military and civilian lives.
In addition, the museum features an assortment of temporary exhibits throughout the year providing artifacts, photos, and historical information.
Each year during the annual Red Rooster Days, the center is also host to the Dassel-Cokato Arts Associations Fine Arts Show, featuring an assortment of works from local artists.
Other permanent exhibits are the Peterson Pharmacy exhibit, featuring donated historical equipment and pharmaceuticals; and the Magnus Johnson exhibit, showcasing memorabilia of the US Senator from the Kingston area.
A 6,000-square-foot annex has been added to the Universal Laboratories building, which includes a new office and library area, an archives room, two bathrooms, catering kitchen, and a meeting room.
The new structure also includes a community room, which is a project through the City of Dassel. The Dassel Township board of supervisors also call the history center home.
The facility is available for use by organizations, businesses, and private parties.
A variety of unique gifts are available for purchase including DAHS totes; jewelry, artwork, and prints done by local artists; and historical books by local authors.
The museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The website is also a great place to connect with other people who share an interest in history. The site features links to a history center blog, including an all-school reunion blog. The school blog invites people to share memories of classes, teachers, fads, music, and more.
Mail may be directed to the Dassel History Center and Ergot Museum, PO Box D, Dassel, MN 55325. Questions may be directed to (320) 275-3077 or dahs@dassel.com.
The center’s website is www.dasselhistorycenter.org.
