Our museum was founded to collect and preserve the history of Raymond, Minnesota and the surrounding area. Incorporated as the nonprofit Raymond Area Historical Society in June 2019, the long held dream was finally realized when we moved into two historic elementary school classrooms in what is known as the Raymond Event Center (former school/gym) in March 2024. Look for the blue Door 13 on the north side of the center, and if you spot the seven foot tall cupola, you’re in the right place!

With funds from a capital campaign in the Covid year of 2020, museum volunteers are fulfilling the vision, and have spent many hours working the space. A number of display cases were collected and made ready for artifacts with a Raymond connection. The effort is closely tied to the City of Raymond, following an agreement to work together for the success of this long term, community asset. Volunteers and city personnel cleaned, repaired and readied the space for museum use.

Local people and Raymond High School alumni and friends responded generously (and still are) to our call by donating hundreds of historic items connected to the town and the surrounding townships. Raymond celebrated 100 years in 1988 with a temporary museum. In 2013 for our 125th year, there was another temporary museum. But this one is here to stay!

Visitors will see numerous items from the community’s past, reflecting the pioneer spirit of the founding families, churches, businesses, organizations, and events all the way to present day life in the Raymond area, both town and country. Exhibits change and there is always something new to see.

Research/genealogy opportunities are available since we are fortunate to have all 118 years of The Raymond News file copies on site. We look forward to collecting family histories as well.

Over 300 people came to visit the museum during our grand opening on Harvest Fest weekend August 23-25, 2024. We were gratefully impressed by all the positive comments they shared with us. Based on the overwhelming response, our small, but dedicated group is encouraged to keep expanding and updating this community asset. We are happy to be affiliated with the Kandiyohi County Historical Society and are grateful to Director Jill Wohnoutka for her continued help and guidance.

Admission is free, and free will donations are welcome. We are open to the public, and through the end of 2024, we are open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Appointments for other visiting times can be made by calling 320-894-2969. You can email us at raymondaraemuseum@gmail.com or mail to Museum, PO Box 216, Raymond, MN 56282.

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Donations of items with a direct connection to Raymond are still being accepted by appointment.