Library Resources
Our non-circulating library is fully staffed to help answer your questions. We have census records, naturalization records, plat maps, newspapers, photographs, local history books and family histories all pertaining to Carver County. We even have much of our newspaper collection indexed. Please see library sources page for more information. There is no admission fee to use our library.
Library resources:
If you cannot visit us in person but would like our assistance with research, you can contact us by phone, mail or e-mail. Please see the research assistance page for more information.
CCHS members conducting research receive annually any combination of five of the following options, free of charge:
- digital or printed newspaper articles or documents
OR
- digital photos without watermark
- Digital photos are 300 dpi resolution
- Requests for prints or higher resolution images are subject to fees
Please see our membership page for information and to sign up!
Genealogy Gathering
Join us for our monthly Genealogy Gathering. This is an informal opportunity for genealogy enthusiasts (and those just starting out) to meet once a month and share ideas, victories, problems, and resources. Meetings are held on the third Saturday of the month from 10:30-2:45.
Application for Pioneer, County, or Century Certificates
The Carver County Historical Society issues certificates to persons who are directly descended from Carver County Pioneers. Applicants must prove direct descent and prove that the ancestor settled in Carver County.
- Pioneer Certificate-1854 of Before
- County Certificate-1855 through 1865
- Century Certificate-100 years or more prior to the date of application
The certificate, pictured above, is suitable for framing and display. Applicants may apply for certificates to be issued to themselves or to other persons. The person to whom the certificate is issued need not currently live in Carver County. The purpose of this program is to recognize families with Carver County roots, encourage people to undertake genealogical research, and to provide resources for researchers in our library.
For more information or to apply contact Brenda Reister at:
555 W 1st Street
Waconia, MN 55387
(952) 442-4234
breister@carvercountymn.gov
