The museum offers a wide variety of edcational outreach activities including museum lessons kits and resource materials.
Our programs use photographs, artifacts, historical documents and live demonstrations to bring hands-on learning to people of all ages and abilities.
Our kits can also be checked out. Contact us for more information.
Name of Kit/Lesson
Descripton
Items Included
African Americans in Otter Tail County
There were many African Americans who played a vital role in Otter Tail County. Find out who they were and hear their stories.
Slide show
Be Mine
A lighthearted history of St. Valentine's day and valentine greeting cards.
Artifacts
Dirt and Diligence
Keeping yourself and your house clean is a never-ending job. See how Otter Tail County residents in the early 1900s managed to keep clean during a dusty, dirty time.
Slide show
Fur Trading in Otter Tail County
The fur trade played an important part in the development of Otter Tail County. Find out what it was like to be a voyager. An audio tape of authentic voyager songs and a slide show is included.
Slide show, audio cassette tape
Good Tidings We Bring
Christmas cards have been a tradition for many years. Discover their origin and look at examples from the past and around the world.
Artifacts
Grandpa's Toolbox
Grandpa always said: "To fix something, you need the right tool." Find out what kind of tools grandpa used.
Artifacts, matching game
Growing up in Otter Tail County
Kits will always be kids. Look at what it was like to go to school in the early 1900s. See and handle some of the toys, clothing and school items that were popular.
Slide show, artifacts
Hat Show
If you ever wanted to be a model, here is your chance. See many styles of hats from the 1800s through today. Have fun with your hat style show.
Artifacts
Homesteading and Family Life in Otter Tail County
The first pioneers in Otter Tail County had a lot of work to do. They had to clear the land for farming, build a home and raise a family. Find out what life was like for those early settlers.
Slide show, artifacts
In the Eyes of the Beholder: Steroscopes
Take a hands-on look at one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the early 1900s. Many different cards to view are included.
Stereoscope, photographs
Networks in the Landscape
What is a network? Find out how waterways, railroad lines, road and telephone networks effected the county's development.
Occupational Hats
A fun look at the many jobs people in Otter Tail County have, both today and in the past. You can be a bus driver, nurse or fireman.
Artifacts
Peddler's Suitcase
Early pioneers, especially children were excited to hear the peddler knock on their door. Find out who he was and what items he sold.
Artifacts
Stepping Through Time
A look back on changes in shoe styles from the late 1800s through today.
Artifacts
The Latest Fashion
Fashion was as important to early county residents as it is today. Learn about some of the fads and styles of yesteryear.
Artifacts
The Trunk in Grandsma's Attic
Grandmothers were known for saving things. See what one grandmother saved and why these items were so precious to her. In-house only.
Artifacts
Thing-a-ma-jig
Objects long out of use served a purpose at one time. Find out what they are and what they were used for.
Artifacts
Touch the Earth
Native Americans were the first inhabitants of Otter Tail County. Take a look at how they hunted, farmed and developed a rich culture.
Artifacts, slides or PowerPoint
Town Development in Otter Tail County
Focuses on why towns started, why they succeeded, and how they have changed.
