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“Why should I donate to the historical society?”
It’s a fair question. It may feel easier to support a food shelf or shelter — and those are deeply worthy causes. But history, too, feeds something vital.
Preserving our shared past — the photos, letters, artifacts, and stories — holds us together as a community. These aren’t just objects. They’re memory made visible. They remind us who we are, where we’ve come from, and what we’ve endured together in Isanti County.
- For the young, history educates.
- For the old, it comforts.
- And for all of us, it roots us — in place, in purpose, in belonging.
Sometimes, a single letter or photograph becomes what we call a “rose in December” — a tangible reminder of warmth and meaning in a cold or distant time.
Thank you for considering a gift to the Isanti County Historical Society. Your support helps preserve the soul of our community.
Donate Historic Items
Become Part of Isanti’s Story
Every family has that one photo…that interesting artifact… The one that makes you pause, smile, and remember.
A faded letter, a childhood artifact, a worn tool once held in a grandfather’s hand — these items carry memory. They remind us that we’re part of something larger than ourselves: a place, a people, a shared story called Isanti County.
By donating historic items, you help preserve that story — not just for today, but for generations to come. Whether it’s a photo album from the 1950s or your uncle’s handwritten harvest journal, your contribution becomes a living thread in the fabric of our community.
Some donations are displayed. Others are digitized. All are treasured. Because in the quiet preservation of one family’s history, we find the soul of us all.
What items will become part of our permanent collection?
We welcome items that:
- Have a strong connection to Isanti County
- Help tell the story of the people who lived, worked, and gathered here
- Include any known background or origin (provenance)
We especially value:
- Photos (people, buildings, events)
- Letters, journals, or ledgers
- Artifacts related to farming, schools, businesses, or civic life
- Keepsakes from local churches, veterans, clubs, or schools
Don’t be afraid to ask. Even the smallest item may hold unexpected value.
How do I know if the Historical Society can use the item I wish to donate?
Contact the ICHS Director by using the form on this page or by calling 763 689-4229.
What is the procedure?
When you bring in your donation, we ask that you complete a temporary custody form with your name, address, and a description of the item you wish to donate to ICHS. Your description should include the age, condition and story behind the item whenever possible.
In most cases we prefer that the donation is “unconditional” (that is, the society has the right to use the item as it sees fit). With the temporary custody form the donor transfers the title and right of possession to ICHS. However, in the event you do not want to donate documents or photos, unconditionally, but would like them to be part of our digital online database, we are happy to take these types of items on loan, so that we can scan them into our database.
What happens to my donation?
Once the decision has been made to include the item in the Society’s collections, the item is given a unique number and descriptive information regarding the item is recorded on the Past Perfect software that allows researchers and staff to locate your item easily. The donated item is then placed in its proper location.
