Gunflint Trail Historical Society – Boundary Waters Blog

The Gunflint Trail Historical Society held its 2nd Annual Meeting on June 25th, 2007. It’s hard to believe it has been two years since the formation of the GTHS. It seems like yesterday when I was sitting at a Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway meeting asking about interest in Chik-Wauk Lodge and the possibility of making it into a museum.

<%image(20070629-gthsmtgsm.jpg|300|225|Gunflint Trail Historical Society Meeting)%>

From that meeting the Gunflint Trail Historical Society was born and Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center became a reality. Chik-Wauk is quickly evolving into what will be an amazing museum at the end of the Gunflint Trail. There are many thanks to be said to the dedicated board of trustees and generous people who have volunteered both time and money to make the project a reality. The progress being made is phenomenal and there is no doubt in my mind it will be open by the goal date of 2010.

When the opening date for Chik-Wauk was chosen it felt like 2010 would never come, but now it is right around the corner. Things have taken shape and are coming together perfectly at this historic place and bits and pieces of history are being collected to showcase there.

<%image(20070629-sueksm.jpg|240|229|Sue Kerfoot Board Of Trustees)%>

We’re looking for more information to share with visitors to the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center and you may be able to help. Perhaps you visited a resort on the Gunflint Trail long ago and still have a piece of their stationary, a special photo, postcard, or placemat from that resort you may be willing to share. Maybe you know someone who used to live on the Gunflint Trail and have a handcrafted item or piece of fishing or hunting equipment from that person you would be willing to donate. We’re looking for volunteers to help with writing and research on a number of topics so if you have time and want to help out then please join us. Also, for those of you who have been a resident of the Gunflint Trail we need you to complete a personal history form that can be found on the website. This will be an important part of the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center so please participate.

<%image(20070629-chikmugsm.jpg|589|402|Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center)%>

There are a number of ways you can be a part of this exciting endeavor and the first way is to become a member of the Gunflint Trail Historical Society. If you are already a member then consider giving the gift of membership to a friend or loved one on their birthday or anniversary. Contributions and donations of any size are needed and appreciated to help us reach the goal of raising 1 million dollars. We’re well on our way with over $600,000. in money donated or pledged to the society and every little bit helps.

We invite you to join us at a Gunflint Trail Historical Meeting at the Gunflint Lodge Conference Center on July 30, 2007 at 1:30 PM, at Chik-Wauk for the Annual Picnic on August 27, 2007, on September 24, 2007 at 1:30 PM and October 29, 2007 at 1:30 PM at the Gunflint Lodge Conference Center. We hope all of you will be a part of this great project and we thank you for your support.