Beltrami County Historical Society Announces Three Community Events — and the Measurable Returns Museums Deliver for Health, Economy, and Quality of Life

The Beltrami County Historical Society (BCHS) is proud to announce three public programs that illustrate how a small investment in local history yields outsized benefits for families, the environment, the local economy, and overall quality of life. These events, like the Society’s year-round services, directly advance Beltrami County’s mission “to be the catalyst to firmly establish a community that promotes healthy families, environmental quality, expanding economic opportunity, and a quality of life second to none.”

On Friday, September 26, at 6:00 PM, BCHS hosts an Author Reading & Pre-Sale for the new edition of North Country Journal, featuring stories of remarkable Beltrami County women. The publication is supported in part by a Beltrami County Development Fund grant; because the grant was only partially funded, BCHS is covering the remaining costs through operational funds and hundreds of volunteer hours to ensure these community voices are preserved and shared.

On Saturday, September 27, 10:30 AM–3:00 PM, BCHS welcomes returning and new volunteers for Volunteer Development Day. The program includes a collections tour, emergency preparedness drills, and hands-on training in book repair, collections database editing, planning for the 2026 Oral History Project, and improvements to the research room—work that protects cultural and environmental resources for future generations and strengthens family learning today. Registration is free and required at tinyurl.com/bchsvdd.

Also on Saturday, September 27, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM, BCHS hosts Loon Country Arts: The Great Northern Craft Show. After a June storm destroyed Loon Country’s building, the Historical Society provided meeting and workshop space free of charge and showcased members’ work in the museum gift shop. By offering a venue for this craft show, BCHS helps local artists reach customers, supports small creative businesses, and invites families to enjoy affordable cultural experiences close to home.

These programs are not isolated gestures; they reflect the well-documented returns that museums deliver to the public. Nationally, museums support over 726,000 American jobs and contribute about $50 billion to the U.S. economy each year, while generating more than $12 billion in tax revenue—with each museum job linked to an additional job in the broader economy. Cultural and heritage travelers, who regularly include museums, spend roughly 60% more than other leisure travelers, magnifying local impact.

Beyond dollars, leading studies show that museums and libraries are linked to stronger community health and school effectiveness, with particularly pronounced benefits in rural counties—communities like ours. For students, randomized research on museum field trips finds significant gains in critical thinking, historical empathy, tolerance, and interest in lifelong cultural participation, outcomes that strengthen families and civic life.

“BCHS receives only a fraction of one percent of the county budget, yet delivers measurable economic activity, educational gains, and community wellbeing—exactly what the County says it values,” said Emily Thabes, Executive Director. “These events are just three immediate, local examples of how cultural investment pays off for families, small businesses, and our shared quality of life. “For details on these and other programs, call 218-444-3376.

Events Snapshot:

• North Country Journal Author Reading & Pre-Sale — Fri., Sept. 26, 6:00 PM. Free admission.

• Volunteer Development Day — Sat., Sept 27, 10:30 AM–3:00 PM. Free, registration required: tinyurl.com/bchsvdd

• Loon Country Arts: The Great Northern Craft Show — Sat., Sept 27, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM. Free admission.