The situation with the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic is unsettling and is a momentous time in our history. As preservationists and historians of Lyon County’s history, it is important for the Lyon County Historical Society to collect information and stories related to the pandemic. It is important for all of us to record our experiences during this pandemic for future scholars and historians.

LCHS collects documents, photographs, and objects to help tell the story of Lyon Countyís history. During this time of social distancing, perhaps you have had the time to create a piece of art, written a poem or short story, or produced a video. Or, you have taken photographs of empty shelves in the grocery store or written in a diary or journal of your experience. Consider preserving these items of historical significance and sharing or donating originals or copies to the historical society.

Submissions can be mailed to LCHS at 301 W. Lyon St., Marshall, MN 56258 or emailed to director@lyoncomuseum.org. Check out our website: www.lyoncomuseum.org for a self-history questionnaire to help with documenting your experience. We are collecting questionnaires, which can be mailed or emailed.

Lastly, we plan to produce a short video featuring window displays from throughout Lyon County. We have seen many creative windows with hearts, thank you notes to essential workers, and so forth, and we want to capture these in a video. Please consider emailing photos of these or other creative displays in response to the pandemic. The photograph featured this week was taken by LCHS collections manager, Paul Evanson, of a window in Minneota.

Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus and the executive order by Governor Tim Walz on April 30, the Lyon County Historical Society Museum is closed to the public until May 18. Staff can be reached at 537-6580 or director@lyoncomuseum.org. Thank you to our volunteers, members, and our communities in Lyon County for your support. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this unprecedented time in our history. We hope to see our volunteers, members, and visitors soon. Stay safe and healthy!