​The Committee began immediately to work for funds to build a museum. Auction sales, rummage sale, appeals to all service organizations, private individuals and past residents of Tracy were all contacted. We sold pop and hot dogs at farm auctions. Even bought a used produce truck and turned it into a mobile kitchen so we could handle more food and drink. We were on the road every weekend, serving in snow and rain. We had set a goal of $30,000 dollars, but fell far short of that as the third year approached. Finally one member of the Committee asked us to come and inspect his barn. Arnold and Everal McDaniel had a barn to donate! It was over 80 years old, but still straight and true. Very dirty, of course, but had not had livestock in it for about 15 years. We agreed it had possibilities, moved it in and made preparation to clean and remodel. 

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Disaster struck May 29, 1981 when a straight line wind moved thru southwestern Minnesota, destroying trees, barns and property all the way to Rochester. 

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Our barn was a victim! The decision was made to clean up the wreckage, use the insurance and build a new barn as the centerpiece of the museum. 

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We then gathered all the artifacts and collectibles which has been stored in garages and sheds and put together a good show for the public. All of this work took time and effort but on June 1, 1985, we had a grand opening and began as a seasonal museum. 

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We were open seven days a week from 1-5pm and even more hours on holidays. We had about 25 families really involved in all facets of the project. As the years went by, we added various buildings and stocked each with the antiques and artifacts which tell the story of the progress of Tracy and the outlying townships. 

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We invite you to take the time to read the story boards, enjoy the interiors and hear the stories of the pioneers who played a big part in settling southwest Minnesota.