Lincoln County Pioneer Museum

05/27/2026

Good Morning, Lincoln County.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember not only the men who served, but also the countless women who answered the call of duty in times of war and peace.

From nurses and clerks to mechanics, communications specialists, and service members in every branch, women have long played a vital role in defending our nation. Uniforms like this one remind us that their service, sacrifice, and dedication are woven into the story of America and the history of Lincoln County.

As we honor those who gave their lives in service to our country, we also recognize the generations of women whose commitment helped support the armed forces both at home and abroad. Their stories deserve to be remembered.

This Memorial Day, take a moment to reflect on all who served — and all who sacrificed. 🇺🇸

05/25/2026

This week, the Lincoln County Pioneer Museum passed 60,000 Facebook views for 2026 — and we are not even through the summer season yet.

For comparison, we reached around 65,000 total views during the entire summer season last year.

From historic photos and “Then & Now” posts, to new exhibits, youth activities, veterans displays, and community stories from across Lincoln County, it has been incredible to see so many people engaging with local history.

Thank you to everyone who has liked, shared, commented, donated artifacts, visited the museum, or simply followed along online. Every interaction helps preserve and share the stories of Lincoln County for the next generation.

We still have an exciting summer ahead — including the Junior Pioneer activities, new exhibits, the Time Capsule Project, and many more stories to tell.

History is alive in Lincoln County.

05/25/2026

Here at the Pioneer Museum in Hendricks we strive to create, represent, and showcase History across Lincoln County.
Displayed are pins from the various festivals over the years!

05/24/2026

05/23/2026

First guests of the year!

05/23/2026

Today, Scouts from Troop 251 and Sea Scout Ship 1776 had the honor of helping prepare for Memorial Day by placing flags at the cemetery in Lake Benton and raising the American flag in Tyler. 🇺🇸

These moments remind us that service is not always loud or grand. Sometimes it is quiet respect, careful hands placing flags beside veterans’ graves, and standing together beneath the flag that generations fought to protect.

As Memorial Day approaches, we remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice is the reason we are able to gather freely as a community today.

Thank you to the Scouts, leaders, and families who took time to serve and remember.

05/23/2026

From the farms and streets of Hendricks, Minnesota to the skies over Europe during World War II.

Technical Sergeant Benjamin “Donald” Fjeseth enlisted in the Army Air Corps in November 1942 and became a waist gunner and toggolier aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress with the Fifteenth Air Force in Italy. During the war he flew 23 combat missions over enemy territory, earning the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Purple Heart.

In March 1945, Donald’s aircraft was shot down near Vienna, Austria. After bailing out of the crippled bomber, he fractured his ankle landing near railroad tracks and was immediately captured by German forces. While being transported into Germany as a prisoner of war, the train carrying prisoners was strafed by Allied aircraft unaware POWs were aboard.

Weeks later, his family in Hendricks received heartbreaking news that he was missing in action over Yugoslavia. Soon after came another message — Donald had survived.

Liberated by advancing American forces in Germany near the end of the war, Donald eventually returned home to Minnesota. In one letter home he simply wrote:

“I’m alright so don’t worry.”

Stories like Donald Fjeseth’s remind us that the global events of World War II were lived by ordinary young men from our own communities.