Beltrami County Historical Society is pleased to announce its special exhibit, “I Thee Wed: Histories of Marriage in Beltrami County,” which will open Wednesday, March 15, at Beltrami County History Center at 130 Minnesota Ave. SW, Bemidji.
Marlyce Koppange & Douglas Kirtland wedding, July 3rd, 1960
“Although marriage is present in virtually all cultures, the ceremonies, rules, and roles of and in marriage differ from community to community,” shares Emily Thabes, Executive Director of the Historical Society. “Our exhibit will share some of the regional cultural aspects of marriage that we honor and celebrate, as well as photographs of many couples married in Beltrami County across the years. Additionally, we intend to highlight a few specific stories that may give visitors a new perspective on the meaning and purpose of marriage across the decades.”
Bride and attendants: Marlys Miller, Jerry Johnson, Phylis Johnson, Flowergirl Benson
The Historical Society is looking for additional stories for this exhibit, including couples who have been married for more than 50 years and persons whose marriages were not always legally recognized in Minnesota. The Historical Society also welcomes loans of handmade and vintage dresses and accessories for our exhibit display and programs. If you are interested in participating, please get in touch with the Beltrami County Historical Society at depot@beltramihistory.org or 218-444-3376.
We look forward to welcoming you at our exhibition opening on March 15. For more information about the Historical Society’s exhibits, events, membership, and volunteer opportunities, please visit https://www.beltramihistory.org or follow us on Facebook @beltramihistory.