Brown Bag History

Bring your lunch and join author and historian Leo Soukup and special guests to explore Beltrami County's local history!  Each month focuses on a different theme or topic.  Discussion and questions are welcome!

Vietnam War Veteran and former Prisoner of War Sergeant Gary Guggenberger will be speaking at noon at Beltrami County History Center on Thursday, November 17. Gary will be sharing his story and taking questions about his experiences and the impacts of his service and internment.

Gary Guggenberger was born in 1947 in Cold Spring, Minnesota. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on February 6, 1968. He deployed to Southeast Asia in July of 68 as a truck driver with the 352nd Transportation Company. A vehicle convoy Sgt Guggenberger was in was ambushed, and he was captured and taken as a Prisoner of War on January 14, 1969. 

Spending 1,491 days in captivity, he was released during Operation Homecoming on February 12, 1973.

Beltrami County Historical Society is pleased to welcome Gary in coordination with our Veterans of Beltrami County exhibit, open through Saturday, November 19. Guests are welcome to walk through ahead or after attending Gary's program.

Brown Bag History is a free program series offered on the third Thursday of each month at noon at Beltrami County History Center, 130 Minnesota Ave. SW, Bemidji. Guests are welcome to bring their lunch and beverage to enjoy during the program. Space is limited to 15 attendees and is first-come, first-seated. Check our website and social media for information about upcoming speakers, programs, and events at the History Center. For more information, please get in touch with depot@beltramihistory.org or 218-444-3376.