Montgomery Historical Society holds annual meeting

The Montgomery Historical Society took care of annual business, featured a MN historian who spoke on the Civil and Dakota Wars, and heard an update on the county historical society at its annual meeting on Thursday, Jan. 31.

On its agenda, member Mick McGuire summarized the history of the county historical society, how it broke apart, the creation of two historical societies, and the recent judgement that ruled in favor of the organization that holds keys to county property as the legitimate county historical society. 

McGuire reminded everyone that the Montgomery Historical Society is not affiliated with the county society because the local chapter was not welcome.

“We were once part of the county historical society (years ago), but we were asked to leave,” he said. 

He said the county board still has concerns with the legal group and the direction it is going. He said the society is guarding its membership applications seriously and reviewing prospective members. He shared a story about some people who had sent in their application to join the society and were told that it would be “reviewed”.

“When you spend tax dollars, you can’t say who is going to be a member,” McGuire said. He hoped the two county historical groups would come together. “It shouldn’t be a war between us and them. It should be what’s good overall for the county.”