NEW! this year in History

• History Displays

New history displays are up at the lighthouse grounds.
• Merchandise

Merchandise at the museum, T-shirts and puzzles, has a direct link to local history and proceeds will go to local restoration efforts. There are fresh touches at all the Two Harbors history sites and you can help. The Lake County Historical Society received a large donation of paint and will need volunteers to help paint all the buildings on Lighthouse Point. Get involved by calling 834-4898.
• Mallet Restoration Fund

Another money-maker for the Mallet Restoration Fund will be the sale of large prints (like this one of old city motorcycle officers) at Waterfront Gallery on First Avenue. An exhibit of rarely seen and all spectacular photographs will premier June 26 at the downtown gallery.

Talk about it

We heard that all the Two Harbors history sites would be opening this weekend so decided to get a little sneak peek by visiting with Lake County Historical Society Director Mel Sando.

What we heard next was astounding. But you have to keep it to your neighbors.

Turns out there are “no excuses” when it comes to exploring a bit of local history.

“It’s pretty spectacular,” Sando said.

It’s free entry. The society has hooked up with the library and now you can check out the Edna G, the 3 Spot, lighthouse or depot museum just like you check out a book.

Anyone with an Arrowhead Library System card can get a $10 ticket at the Two Harbors Library for all the sites in the society’s care.

That includes the entire lighthouse grounds and the 3M Museum.

And while you are there, look for some sprucing up done to the displays.

The Two harbors Light Station has new boards touting local history on the way up the stairs of the tower. There are similar local history boards at the pilot house.

Of course, nothing beats what we’ve always known to be free on Agate Bay. Those great views of the lake.

If you want to spend some money, look for fund-raising all summer to improve the trains next to the museum. Merchandise sales of Two Harbors-specific puzzles and T-shirts will go directly to restoring the Mallet steam engine.

Tags: two harbors, community, history, historical society