Dassel History Center &
ERGOT MUSEUM
Known as
the cultural, arts
and historical center of the
Dassel area, the Dassel History
Center and Ergot Museum of-
fers an array of events and ex-
hibits throughout the year.
Located at 901 First St. N. in
Dassel, the history center is
home to the Dassel Area His-
torical 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 is housed 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 history center offers other permanent exhibits, including
a Peterson Pharmacy exhibit, featuring donated historical
pharmaceutical artifacts; and Magnus Johnson: from
Swedish Immigrant Farmer to US Senator, showcasing the
political career of the late senator from the Kingston area.
In addition, the museum features an assortment of temporary
exhibits throughout the year providing artifacts, photos,
and historical information.
In addition to the museum, the Dassel Event Center is located
on site, where special events take place throughout
the year. It is also available for rent by the public.
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 History Center, visit
the website, www.dasselhistorycenter.org. Questions may
be directed to 320-275-3077 or [email protected]. The mailing
address for the Dassel History Center and Ergot Museum
is PO Box D, Dassel, MN 55325.
The Dassel History Center and Ergot Museum hosts permanent and temporary exhibits. It also serves
as an event center for the region. Everything from graduation parties to theatrical performances, to
fl ower shows are held there.
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