I remember the time I was talking with my mother, as together we looked at old photos, newspaper clippings from our relatives. My mother was involved in the Eden Prairie Minnesota Historical Society for many years. She kept herself busy being on the board for many years. She enjoyed the monthly meetings with the “old timers” as they talked about the memories from farm life in Eden Prairie. I learned that my family The Mitchell’s had come from Ireland and arrived to Eden Prairie by steamer in 1853. (I have more on this family under the page The Mitchells). My mother did a very nice job of writing down her research and keeping heirlooms from this family.

It doesn’t seem that long ago where I couldn’t find a proper family tree layout that captured my family. Growing up in 1960, I wanted to include the memories and stories I remembered. I hear that genealogy is only as good as the last 2 generations and if not documented is forgotten. 

I recently visited the City of Eden Prairie Museum. I was captivated by what was in my family folder. Many photos I hadn’t seen before, more newspaper clippings, more written documentation that a aunt from 3 generations ago, wrote down relatives she remembered. Researching history online at the time, I pieced together a vivid picture of life durning that era, providing a fascinating insight into the experiences of my ancestors. I was able to put together what life was like in those times.