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Fillmore County History in Focus at Historic Forestville this Summer

Local historians from Preston, Spring Valley, and Wykoff will share stories from their towns

For immediate release

Dated: May 28, 2025

Contacts: Nick Jungheim, 651-259-3060, nick.jungheim@mnhs.org or Allison Ortiz, 651-259-3051, allison.ortiz@mnhs.org

Location: Historic Forestville

PRESTON, Minn. (May 28, 2025) – At Historic Forestville, visitors hear the story of a once-successful town that fell on hard times. However, many surrounding communities in Fillmore County fared better, and still thrive today.

On select dates this summer, Historic Forestville will welcome local historians from Preston, Spring Valley, and Wykoff to share their towns’ histories. Residents of these communities will also receive free admission to the historic site on each town’s respective date.

Preston Day - June 8
Featuring Sheila Craig from the Preston Historical Society. Preston residents receive free admission to Historic Forestville with proof of residence.

Spring Valley Day - July 13
Featuring Spring Valley town historian Sharon Jahns and Spring Valley Historical Society Director Kayla Czapiewski. Spring Valley residents receive free admission to Historic Forestville with proof of residence.

Wykoff Day - August 10
Featuring members of the Wykoff Area Historical Society. Wykoff residents receive free admission to Historic Forestville with proof of residence.

Discussion will focus on the founding of these communities, the challenges they overcame, and why each town became a successful and attractive place for its residents. The presentations will each take place from 1:30–2:30 pm. They will be free to attend with a suggested donation of $5 which will go to the presenting local historical society.

About the Minnesota Historical Society
The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs, and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories, and connects people with history.