HeenBook is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and sharing local rural family history. Sharing occurs on many levels. Our shared history may be because we have the same ancestors. Our shared history may be because we have the same or similar photographs. Our shared history may occur when we exchange stories or experiences. All of these events create a community for exchange and appreciation of our history.
Public Events
HeenBook has hosted numerous community events in local rural venues. These events usually focus on the history of the community. In recent years, these events have included genealogy and photographs in local settings. These events have been held in rural churches when larger venues were needed. We have also made presentations at county historical societies in Minnesota.
Some large events have been held at Heen Farms, using the barn and school building for gatherings. At the farm we have hosted church services (Christmas programs and festivals), University of Minnesota alumni meetings, faculty orientation conversations between farmers and professors, and social gatherings. All of these events support our purpose of preserving and sharing local rural history.
School House Events
School events grew out of our commitment to thank the community for their work on the restoration project and to bring the schoolhouse museum experience to as many visitors and schoolchildren as possible.
For 20 years, the Warren Heen Memorial District #44 School gave visitors a chance to visit a country school as if it were a day in 1932. Complete with books, tablets, teaching materials, and ink with inkwells. The school looked like the students had just stepped out to recess for old playground games.
During its 20 years of operation visitors from more than forty states and four foreign countries toured the building. Tour buses stopped by, including a group from Norway. Grandparents brought grandchildren, telling them about their education going “to a school just like this one”. Local schools brought elementary classes on field trips, and young students were greeted by “teachers” in costume who invited them into the country school of the past.
The restoration of the school building, as well as the donation of original school objects within the building, all made possible due to the commitment and support of the local community. Community members bought school memorabilia, desks, papers, teachers materials, much of which was original to District #44.
Large community gatherings were held for special events such as the year we honored the teachers.
After 20 years, the building “retired” as a museum, and received its new mandate of supporting local rural family history. Today it contains books and genealogy materials to support the HeenBook project and other community events.
Private Photo Events
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After a family has lent us their vintage family photos to scan and/or digitize, we hold a private event for them to see the results. Family groups of 3 to 15 are invited to view the digitized photos on a large screen television. Often multiple generations attend, giving young children a chance to see photos of their ancestors for the first time, along with an introduction to genealogy. Discussion, family stories, identification and questions follow naturally in this setting. Refreshments are part of the scene, and relationships are enriched through the events.
Designed by Mickey Reed