Dassel History Center &
Ergot Museum
Dassel photographer Jeff Peller’s favorite subject to photograph is national parks. His work was recently on display at
the Dassel History Center & Ergot Museum.
Known as the cultural, arts and historical center of the
Dassel area, the Dassel History Center and Ergot Museum
offers an array of events and exhibits throughout the year.
L ocated at 901 First St. N. in Dassel, the history center
is home to the Dassel Area Historical Society (DAHS), an
organization with a mission to bring the past, present, and
future together in a way in which all generations can learn
and enjoy.
The museum
mus eum is housed
house in the Universal Laboratories
building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. In 2006, it was named one of the 25 top preservation
projects in the state of Minnesota by the Minnesota
Preservation Alliance.
Its main exhibit, “Ergot: From Blight to Blessing,”
showcases what the building was primarily used for –
processing ergot. From the early 1940s to the mid-1970s,
Universal Laboratories provided raw ergot from the grain
fi elds of the western US and Canada to pharmaceutical
companies. Critical drugs were produced from the ergot,
saving countless military and civilian lives.
The e history center offers other
Th
her permanent e xhibits,
including a Peterson Pharmacy
macy exhibit, featuring donated
historical pharmaceutical artifacts; and a Magnus Johnson
exhibit,
exhi
bit, showcasing t he political career of the late US Senator
from the Kingston area.
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In addition, the museum
um features an
a n assortment of
temporary exhibits throughout the year providing artifacts
artif acts ,
photos, and
photos
nd historical information.
information .
Another exhibit,
exhibit “Seed Corn: From Maize to Amazing,”
highlights Dassel’s rich seed corn story and how it became
known as the Seed Capital of the World.
In addition
tion to
t o the museum, the Das
Dassel Event Center is
located on site, where special events take place throughout
the year. It is also available for rent by the public.
A variety y of unique gifts
gi fts are a available
vailable for purchase at the
museum, including
uding DAHS totes, jewelry, artwork, and prints
done by local artists; and historical books by local authors.
author
The museum is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays,
and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 9
a.m. to 1 p.m., and by appointment.
There is no admission fee.
For more information about the Dassel Histor
History y Center,
visit
it the website, www.dasselhistorycenter.org. Questions
may be directed to (320) 275-3077 or [email protected]. T he
mailing address for the Dassel History Center and Ergot
Museum is PO Box D, Dassel, MN 55325.
Offi cial Guide to Dassel-Cokato 2018-19