Our Team
Get to know the people who help bring Minnetonka’s history to life. Our board members are dedicated volunteers who coordinate events, care for collections, and guide the work of the City of Minnetonka Historical Society.
Mariah Wise
President
Kara Bancroft
Vice President
Barb Lindgren
Secretary
Ian Baxter
Treasurer
Sarah Schwabel
Collections Director
Bill Gardner
Director
Bill Jepson
Director
Rachel Holmes
Director
About Us
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many resources available to learn about Native American history in Minnesota. Here are just a few:
Hennepin County has a detailed page on how to obtain the history of properties. You can access that page here.
Many of the objects and photos in our collection are available to view online, with more being added all the time. More information about our online collection can be found here.
You can find information about donating items to CMHS here.
The Burwell House is open for tours from June through September, as well as during annual special events. More information can be found here.
A general overview of Minnetonka’s history can be found here.
There are plenty of ways to get involved with the City of Minnetonka Historical Society. Learn more about these opportunities below:
Land Acknowledgement: Honoring Indigenous Roots
We respectfully acknowledge that the land now called Minnetonka is the ancestral home of the Dakota people. We offer gratitude for their stewardship of this land and honor their lasting impact and contributions to the life of this community. To learn more about the Indigenous roots of Minnetonka, we invite you to visit <insert site name> and deepen your understanding of this rich history.
A Brief History of Minnetonka
Minnetonka is a Midwestern city of 53,000 with a history rooted in Indigenous traditions and shaped by generations of change. From the Dakota and Ojibwe peoples to early mills, streetcars, and postwar development, its past is rich and layered. From sacred trails to suburban landmarks, each chapter adds to the story of a community that continues to grow while honoring where it came from.
Our Story, Our Mission
The City of Minnetonka Historical Society (CMHS) is a volunteer-led nonprofit passionate about keeping our community's history alive. Founded in 1970, our mission is simple: to discover, preserve, and share the stories that make Minnetonka unique.
From local landmarks to everyday memories, we’re here to celebrate the people, places, and moments that have shaped Minnetonka over time. A group of local board members and committee volunteers keeps things running behind the scenes—planning events, guiding projects, and staying engaged in the community.