Renville County Historical Society and Museum
The City of Morton has been the lucky ones in Renville County to have the Historical Museum housed in our town. Not only is the museum on the grounds, but there are also a total of six buildings on the grounds. The museum is open daily, and the other buildings are open on occasion. The Renville County Historical Society and Museum is conveniently located across from the city park, so if you would like to take a break during your time at the museum or your kids need to stretch their legs, you can do so at the park.
Hours of Operation
Monday through Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Sunday: By appointment only
Admission Cost
18 yrs & older: $5.00
6 – 12 years: $3.00
5 & under: Free
History of Museum Location
At the start of the Renville County Historical Society Museum in 1940, the Historical Society created displays at the Renville County Courthouse. In the early 1950s, the Renville County Historical Society's Board decided to put down its roots. The land was donated to the Historical Society by William Buckley in Morton, Minnesota and moved into two Norfolk Township schoolhouses; one schoolhouse was the Main Museum and the other was put back to look like a country school at the time.
The Museum Building History
As artifact donations were received, the Renville County Historical Society Museum (RCHM) grew. Built in 1989, visitors can find the research library, offices, storage and a variety of exhibit areas in the main museum building. The two schoolhouses moved to this location still remain with one still as a schoolhouse and the other being utilized for exhibits. The “machine shed" as it is coined, is located behind the school houses, stores agricultural and transportation equipment, tools and more artifacts to see! The St. John’s Church from Beaver Falls in 1891 has traveled with a stop in Olivia in 1909, again sometime in the 1980s and has stayed south of the main museum since 1997. The last building of the RCHM is the Lerud Log Cabin that is protected by the Heritage Building behind the St. John’s Church.
Uncover History from Renville County
If you are looking for any information about the history of Morton or the surrounding area, the Museum is a great place to start. They have been asked to find more information about the parcels, finding gravesites at small county cemeteries and more. If you have bits of information, there is a good chance the Renville County Historical Society Museum will be able to help you find the information you are looking for. The research fee starts at $20 per hour, plus postage. Contact the director today.
Donate to the Museum
The Renville County Historical Society (RCHS) Museum is a non-profit organization and is always welcoming donations for the hard work they do. If you would like to donate, you can tax-free by sending a check to the following address:
Renville County Historical Society (RCHS)
441 N Park Dr
Morton, MN 5620