Find a Program or Event

Whether you’re interested in attending a thought-provoking presentation or a living history event, you’ll find several ways to learn more about local history by attending an event or a PDHS program.

See our events calendar for the latest events and programs.

Find Programs and Events

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01 Jul
Use a simple rope-making tool to fabricate a section of rope to take home, then finish off the ends with a whip knot. Learn all about rope – a very important item on the frontier! All materials are provided for this free program.
08 Jul
Learn to play Cat’s Cradle and make several string figures that were as popular in the 19th century as they are today at this free event. Bring your fingers – we’ll supply the string and know-how.
15 Jul
Compete with family and friends to scrub, rinse, wring, and hang out your laundry faster than your opponents during this free program. Discover why families were so pleased when washing machines were invented.
22 Jul
Make your own vintage Jumping Jack to take home. A favorite toy for frontier children, Jumping Jacks are flat figures whose joints are connected to a pull string. Pull the string, and the Jumping Jack will dance.
29 Jul
Sketch a drawing on a blank postcard and then compose a note to a friend on the back at this free program. Postcard stamps will be provided. Learn about the history of pencils, what they were first made of, and why they are yellow.
05 Aug
Create your own mini log cabin using dowel “logs” and a cardboard box! Learn about frontier construction and hear stories about the Pond brothers’ first log cabin at Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun).
Events on 07/01/2023
Events on 07/08/2023
Events on 07/15/2023
15 Jul
Events on 07/22/2023
22 Jul
Events on 07/29/2023
Events on 08/05/2023

Attend a Sunday Afternoon Program

Join the members and friends of the Pond Dakota Heritage Society for thought-provoking presentations. Learn more. Topics include:

  • Native American history and culture
  • Revitalization of the Dakota language
  • Christian missionaries to the Dakota, including Samuel and Gideon Pond
  • 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

Visit Programs page.

Immerse Yourself in a Living History Event

Bloomington Parks and Recreation sponsors events and activities for all ages throughout the year at the Pond-Dakota Mission Park. Learn more about the park.

The centerpiece of the park is the historic Gideon and Agnes Pond house, built in 1856. Learn more about the house. The house is open on Sunday afternoons from 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Guided tours of the house are available. Check the calendar for tour times.

Visit Events and Activities page.

Find a Program or Event

Whether you’re interested in attending a thought-provoking presentation or a living history event, you’ll find several ways to learn more about local history by attending an event or a PDHS program.

See our events calendar for the latest events and programs.

Find Programs and Events

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
25
26
27
28
29
30
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
10
11
12
13
14
16
17
18
19
20
21
23
24
25
26
27
28
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
01 Jul
Use a simple rope-making tool to fabricate a section of rope to take home, then finish off the ends with a whip knot. Learn all about rope – a very important item on the frontier! All materials are provided for this free program.
08 Jul
Learn to play Cat’s Cradle and make several string figures that were as popular in the 19th century as they are today at this free event. Bring your fingers – we’ll supply the string and know-how.
15 Jul
Compete with family and friends to scrub, rinse, wring, and hang out your laundry faster than your opponents during this free program. Discover why families were so pleased when washing machines were invented.
22 Jul
Make your own vintage Jumping Jack to take home. A favorite toy for frontier children, Jumping Jacks are flat figures whose joints are connected to a pull string. Pull the string, and the Jumping Jack will dance.
29 Jul
Sketch a drawing on a blank postcard and then compose a note to a friend on the back at this free program. Postcard stamps will be provided. Learn about the history of pencils, what they were first made of, and why they are yellow.
05 Aug
Create your own mini log cabin using dowel “logs” and a cardboard box! Learn about frontier construction and hear stories about the Pond brothers’ first log cabin at Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun).
Events on 07/01/2023
Events on 07/08/2023
Events on 07/15/2023
15 Jul
Events on 07/22/2023
22 Jul
Events on 07/29/2023
Events on 08/05/2023

Attend a Sunday Afternoon Program

Join the members and friends of the Pond Dakota Heritage Society for thought-provoking presentations. Learn more. Topics include:

  • Native American history and culture
  • Revitalization of the Dakota language
  • Christian missionaries to the Dakota, including Samuel and Gideon Pond
  • 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

Visit Programs page.

Immerse Yourself in a Living History Event

Bloomington Parks and Recreation sponsors events and activities for all ages throughout the year at the Pond-Dakota Mission Park. Learn more about the park.

The centerpiece of the park is the historic Gideon and Agnes Pond house, built in 1856. Learn more about the house. The house is open on Sunday afternoons from 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Guided tours of the house are available. Check the calendar for tour times.

Visit Events and Activities page.

© 2023 Pond Dakota Heritage Society
© 2023 Pond Dakota Heritage Society