About Us:

Otter Tail County Historical Society was organized on July 31, 1927, at a gathering at Amor Park. For decades the Society was headquartered in the basement of the county courthouse. In 1972, Underwood native, John Gronner, lead a county-wide capital fund drive which resulted in a new  museum. Ten years later another drive provided funds to add an agriculture wing.

Our library has grown because of the generous donations of time and funds. A financial contribution made in honor of Samuel P. Adams continues to sustain the library and archives. Volunteer hours donated by many volunteers including Ann Smalley Jordan, for whom the archives was named on May 22, 2004, have and continue to increase our holdings.

Our educational programs started in 1979 when our first educator, Judy Stringer, put together our first education kit.

In 2002 we celebrated our 75th Anniversary with the completion of a site improvement project which almost doubled our parking lot, made a bus  drop-off and handicap accessible ramp as well as provided better drainage to the building.

We are currently trying to raise $100,000 for our Technology Fund. This fund will provide a regular source of revenue for computer upgrades and improvements.Many volunteer hours have gone into making the Society what it is today. Local artist, Charles Beck, designed and implemented the installation of many exhibits that continue to tell the history of Otter Tail County.