The First District Historical Assembly was created with the assistance of the Minnesota Historical Society in 1951 to "...aid the cause of state history by the collecting, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge of local history...", and to stimulate interest in local history throughout Southeastern Minnesota including the counties of Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, and Winona. The name of the organization was changed in 1977 or 1978 to the Southern Minnesota Historical Assembly.
The Association of Historical Agency Administrators, organized in 1969, was developed to foster closer communication and understanding among historical agencies in the state, through exchange of ideas, planning, programs, and financial and legal aid. The concept of the organization was first developed by three women directors of county historical societies: Lee Kellett (Brown), Elizabeth Greene (St. Louis), and Virginia Brainerd Kunz (Ramsey). The first meeting was held in New Ulm on July 21, 1969, with representatives from Brown, Olmsted, Pipestone, and Winona counties, and Russell W. Fridley, the director of the Minnesota Historical Society.
From the guide to the Assembly records., 1950s-1994., (Minnesota Historical Society)
