Dassel History Center and Ergot Museum
The Dassel Area Historical Society brings the past, present, and future together in a way that all generations can learn from and enjoy.
Dassel’s active historical society manages the Dassel History Center & Ergot Museum located at 901 First St. N., in Dassel.
Not only does the historical society operate the museum and provide resources for genealogists, but the DAHS also hosts cultural events and programs.
The historic Universal Laboratories building, which houses the museum, is on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 2006, was named one of the 25 top preservation projects in the state of Minnesota by the Minnesota Preservation Alliance.
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.
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, a 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.
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.
Officers of the society are David Broesder, president; David Floren, vice president; Diane Johnson, secretary; and Rory Smith, treasurer. Mary Jane Arens is financial officer. Carolyn Holje is museum director, and Kristi Rorah is assistant director.
Anyone who would like to become a member of the DAHS can call the museum, or download a membership form on the society’s web site.
Members receive a quarterly newsletter with updates and information about the DAHS.
A sample of the first newsletter is available on the web site, as well.
The web site is also a great place to connect with other people who share an interest in history. The site features links to a DAHS blog and 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 DAHS, PO Box D, Dassel, MN 55325. Questions may be directed to (320) 275-3077 or dahs@dassel.com.
The DAHS web site is www.dassel.com/DAHS/dahs.htm.
Museum activities
A variety of unique gifts are available through the Dassel Area Historical Society. From shirts, hats, and totes with the DAHS logo to historical novels by local authors, the DAHS is a fun place to look for something special.
Throughout the year, the museum features an assortment of exhibits, providing information, photos, and historical pieces regarding ergot, Peterson Pharmacy, Magnus Johnson, and much more.
Community room is available at museum
The Dassel Museum features a community room that can accommodate up to 240 people. For questions or to reserve the room, call the city at (320) 275-2454.
