CURRENT EVENTS

Join us Sunday, May 18th, 2025 from 1pm to 3pm

The Valley Grove Preservation Society board is pleased to announce that almost 70% of the funds needed for the 1894 wooden church steeple restoration has been raised in 2024. Donations small and large and from all over the country have made that possible. As an added incentive for larger donations, landscape artist Tom Maakestad, son of the founders of the preservation society who grew up near Valley Grove, donated an original painting of Valley Grove as a “lottery” prize.

Congratulations to Steve and Barb Strack, neighbors to Valley Grove, who were the winners of the lottery draw.  They were happy to support the steeple restoration fund, and they were very pleased to win the painting. The VGPS board is grateful to Maakestad for his painting and to the Stracks for their generous donation.

Winners of the Lottery Draw for the Steeple Renovation Fund

Another $40,000 is needed to pay for the steeple restoration in full. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to Valley Grove Preservation Society, PO Box 75, Nerstrand MN 55053, or online.

VISION
The Valley Grove Preservation Society seeks to maintain two historic churches listed on the National Register of Historic Places, both in the Valley Grove Cemetery grounds, as well as taking responsibility for managing the surrounding 50-acre oak savanna restoration.

MISSION

To restore, refurbish, and maintain both the 1862 stone church and the 1894 wood church by means of skilled labor and artisans guided by high standards of care.

To understand, respect, and communicate the historic legacies associated with Valley Grove and handed down from early Norwegian settlers.

To manage the surrounding 50 acres of land using the best understanding of how to create a landscape that approximates that experienced by the early Norwegian settlers.

To make the Valley Grove site, and surrounding oak savanna available for both public and private uses compatible with the mission.

To raise and steward funds to further the mission of the Society.

History of Valley Grove Preservation Society Booklet
VGPS commissioned Jeffrey Sauve to write a short history of our Society – 1973 to present. It is available at the Rice County Historical Society, Northfield Historical Society, and at VGPS events. We would be happy to mail you a copy at $15.00 per copy.
Cover

MAILING/LOCATION 

PO Box 75    Nerstrand, MN 55053

The Valley Grove GPS address is 9999 155th Street E, Nerstrand, MN 55053 Get Directions

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

May 3, 2025: Celebration of James Walker’s life.

May 18, 2025:  Syttende Mai Celebration.  1pm -3pm

May 31, 2025:  Jere W. Chapman.  Celebration of life

June 21,2025: Moser Kelly Wedding

July 6, 2025:  UCC Service

September 12, 2025:  Androli Hopper Wedding

September 14, 2025: Country Social

December 23, 2025:  Christmas Eve Service

 

 

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