The Red River Historical Society had its origins at a meeting called by Don Myrold in Crookston, Minnesota in December 1963. It was formally organized with its officers and charter board of directors elected at a meeting held at the University of North Dakota on March 15, 1964.  In 1966 its name was changed to the Red River Valley Historical Society. Its stated purpose was"to coordinate activities of local historical groups and individuals, encourage dissemination of historical knowledge and provide a means for the identifcation and preservation of documents and objects of historical interest and value with emphasis on the Red River Valley of the North without regard to political boundaries."

The Red River Valley Historical Society papers consist of board minutes, correspondence, financial records, papers related to the publishing of the Red River Valley Historian, and various subject files.  The correspondence is arranged chronologically and includes both incoming and outgoing letters. The period covered is 1964 to 1970 with 1967 and 1968 the most complete. The correspondence is basically of Dr. Martin Lutter who was president from 1965 to 1969.  The subject files contain a wide variety of material to include the Society's articles of incorporation and by-laws, programs and publicity for several of its banquets, publicity for several of its essay contests, and various membership lists and applications. 

Local and Ethnic History