The Delano Franklin Township Area Historical Society was founded in 1999 with these charter members: Jean Johnson, Frances Johnson, Marla Frach, George Fake, Leona Fake, Kathy Mass, John Steinmetz, Leonard Ludescher, June Sutton, Mildred Shrode, Jim Lundsten, and Lyle Compton.

The purpose of the Historical Society is to acquire artifacts and historical data of the history of Delano and Franklin Township. Its mission is to preserve the past, enrich the present, and secure the future.

The Society did not have a permanent home for many years, meeting in St. Peter’s church basement, and then hoping to secure the Delano Eagle building to house a museum and an art gallery. But eventually an agreement was reached with the city of Delano to use the old City Hall as their home and Heritage Center.

Walter Grotz and Gene Johnson

Old Cook Stove

The Delano Franklin Township Area Historical Society was instrumental in organizing annual Heritage Festivals.

The Historical Society also organized workshops, lectures, and demonstrations, held on the first Saturday of each month. These included special recognition of Wally Grotz - Prisoner of War, The Sutton Sesquicentennial Homestead, and the 100th Anniversary of the Rieder Meat Market.

The Heritage Center became the heart of the Spirit of Community Trail, an interactive experience designed to get people to explore Delano’s historic downtown, and learn about the buildings, businesses and people who helped make Delano the community it is today.

The Society continued to be open to the public the first Saturday of each month, from 12:00-3:00. An elevator was installed in 2025, providing handicapped access to the second floor of the building, but water damage during the construction in 2024 forced the museum to close. A decision was made to renovate and restore the entire main floor during, with a targeted grand reopening in 2027. Meanwhile, the Historical Society continues to apply for and enact exhibit-related grants, accept donations, participate in community events, give presentations, and provide satellite displays at various locations in Delano.

The year 2026 was especially busy for Historical Society members as they worked with the Sesquicentennial Committee to publish a historical keepsake calendar, received a grant to print a memorial book about Delano, hosted an All-Class Reunion during the 4th of July, held monthly History Chats at the Delano Sr. Center, provided history articles for the Delano Living magazine, wrote the historical facts script for the Royal Ambassadors “Fashion Show Through the Decades” Tea Party, put together a special display for Baseball Minnesota Day, and created a slide presentation for the city’s “Happy Birthday Delano” party.