As they walked into the Sherburne History Center on Sat., Oct. 25, 2025, museum visitors were greeted by Curator Maureen (Mo) Galvin for the Kids’ Costume Party.
Children were dressed as Scooby Doo and Daphne, a unicorn, a duck, police officers, and princesses. There was even a whole family of pumpkins.
The event ran from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. and featured snacks and refreshments, crafts, games, and activities for the whole family. Best of all, there was candy given away by the center. Attendees were asked to bring a non-perishable item to donate to the Becker Food Shelf.
Programs Coordinator Emma Hoard hoped 50-70 people would come for the event. She later confirmed that 73 guests had shown up. Hoard supervised all the activities and was busy all afternoon handing out candy and prizes for kids who completed the Halloween Ghost Hunt. The Ghost Hunt carried children to every corner of the History Center looking for ghosts. Kids were instructed to find 12 mischievous ghosts who had gotten loose and were lurking throughout the center.
Hoard explained that she always receives comments from people who tell her they enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of many of the events hosted at the History Center. The center hosts 1-2 events per month and at least one event for every holiday. Collin Dessellier, who was visiting with his family, agreed with Hoard’s assessment noting that events at the history center are often quieter, slower, and more family friendly than other community events. His wife, Erica, saw the Halloween party posted on Facebook, so they decided to dress their kids up as pumpkins and come to the History Center to enjoy the afternoon together.
Allyssa Driscoll saw the event on Facebook as well. She lives in the neighborhood surrounding the center and said that she attends events regularly.
“It’s always good and fun and exciting,” Driscollsaid.
Hoard was happy to see that the event was well attended. Attendees donated 33 items to the Becker Food Shelf. Her goal for every event is to try to show families who attend, the value of the center and all that it offers. Her hope is they become supporting members and tell others.
Hoard admitted that recently, the History Center has been facing challenges—a drop in their membership base and the retirement of Mike Brubaker, their former Executive Director. Brubaker retired in August, so they look forward to hiring his replacement soon, someone who is able to lead staff well and comes with fundraising experience. Current staff are hoping that the new hire will allow them to be able to begin to show and exhibit more of the many items they have in storage at the center and show Sherburne County residents more of their shared history.
