History of PDHS

The Gideon Pond Heritage Society was formed in 1994 to develop programming at the Pond-Dakota Mission Park and the Gideon and Agnes Pond House. The name was changed to Pond Dakota Heritage Society and the organization incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2007 to reflect the significance of the relationship between Samuel and Gideon Pond and the Dakota community.

About the Pond Dakota Heritage Society

The Pond Dakota Heritage Society is a non-profit, member-supported organization based in Bloomington, Minnesota. The society’s purpose is the discovery, preservation, promotion, enjoyment and sharing of historical knowledge about the Dakota Native Americans, the Dakota Mission and early Minnesota settlements during the 1800s.

The members and friends of the Pond Dakota Heritage Society are particularly interested in:

• the Christian missionaries to the Dakota, including Samuel and Gideon Pond
• Native American history and culture
• revitalization of the Dakota language
• the contrasting cultural and religious viewpoints of whites and Native Americans
• the natural history of the Minnesota River Valley
• the U.S./Dakota War of 1862

There are a variety of great programs and events related to these topics. Be sure to check our calendar of events to find one that fits your needs.

Our Mission

To preserve the rich history of the Dakota and their relationship with early Minnesota settlers and Christian Missionaries, and to explore contrasting cultural and religious viewpoints.

History of PDHS

The Gideon Pond Heritage Society was formed in 1994 to develop programming at the Pond-Dakota Mission Park and the Gideon and Agnes Pond House. The name was changed to Pond Dakota Heritage Society and the organization incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2007 to reflect the significance of the relationship between Samuel and Gideon Pond and the Dakota community.