The month of May is Minnesota Museums Month. Since its inception in 2012, Minnesota Museums Month has come to be a celebration of our shared communities, histories, and cultures. The annual tradition is a collaboration among museums of all types — history, art, science, zoos, gardens, and more, to raise awareness and celebrate the importance of museums around the state. This month, you are encouraged to visit sites and institutions in our community and across our great state. With at least one museum in every Minnesota county, there is no shortage of opportunities to explore.

Minnesota is one of only a few states in the country that dedicates an entire month to celebrating the rich cultural resources of its museums. Here, communities recognize the important role local museums have as not only tourist destinations, but also as partners for economic development and cultural exchanges. According to Ford Bell, former president of the American Alliance of Museums, “Today, more than ever, museums are an integral part of the foundation of our civic life in America. They help us to face the challenges of the future, grounded in the lessons of our shared history.”

As part of Minnesota Museums Month and promoting the Lyon County Museum, we worked with Western Print Group in Marshall to setup an online merchandise store. The store includes drinkware, T-shirts, pullovers, polo shirts, and jackets. Men’s, women’s, and youth sizes. $2 for every article of clothing (does not include the drinkware) sold will go to the Lyon County Museum.

Visit the Lyon County Museum page on Western Print Group’s website, www.western-printing.com to order. The closing date for the online store is Friday, May 23, at noon. There are options for flat rate shipping or in store (Western Print Group in Marshall) pickup. 

The photograph featured this week shows the temporary exhibit at the Lyon County Museum, Sounds of Summer: Ballrooms, Bands, and Music. The exhibit is located in the conference room on the 2nd floor of the museum. The exhibit will end in August.

The Lyon County Historical Society (LCHS) is a non-profit, member-supported organization. LCHS operates the Lyon County Museum at 301 W Lyon St in Marshall. The Lyon County Museum is open year-round to visitors. To contact us, visit our website: www.lyoncomuseum.org, call: 507-537-6580, email: director@lyoncomuseum.org, or on our Facebook page.