The Northfield Historical Society is in need of "Adult Posse" members.
Since 1992, adult volunteers have been the Northfield Historical Society interpreters and presenters of the events that transpired on September 7, 1876 or as it is known in Northfield and elsewhere: The Defeat of the James-Younger Gang. On summer weekends when guests, tourists, and “townees” enter the Northfield Historical Society museum they are greeted by a local historian wearing period clothing who takes them on a half hour adventure of the day that made a hero of Joseph Lee Heywood and the local citizens. This commitment to the interpretation and preservation of Northfield history has earned the “Adult Posse” tour guides the distinction of being The Voice of the Northfield Raid.

The Northfield Historical Society’s long-standing Education Chair, Adult Posse Member and Posse Training Facilitator, Earl Weinmann has seen an unfortunate trend in recent years. “It seems of late that we have had too many Posse Members riding into the sunset, so to speak. Some have left town, some have retired, and some simply have had to tend to other obligations that prevented them from continuing in this important role.” Last year three adults participated in the springtime training event, but more adult tour guides are needed to augment our Junior Posse program, “Learning and telling the true story of the Northfield Raid is a fantastic experience,” Weinmann said, “especially when you get visitors from around the world that are hearing for the first time, the true, unvarnished account of what actually happened and how it differs from the commonly believed and mostly misrepresented Hollywood version.”

The Adult Posse plays a vital role not simply as volunteer guides for the museum but in building bonds with Northfield visitors. Yes, they provide expert information on all facets of the Northfield Raid, but importantly, they serve as ambassadors to the entire historic downtown district. Every tour includes a description of the Division Street buildings and how these structures contributed in a strategic shootout that would be the talk of the town, and the world over, for the next 130 years. More importantly, these tour guides truly enjoy the learning and the sharing aspect of the program. Just ask any Adult Posse member and they’ll tell you they feel that they get more out of the overall experience than the visitors do.

The Adult Posse is currently made up of approximately 10 members who give tours for a 3-hour shift on Saturdays and Sundays. But that is not the limit to their association. Weinmann explained: “We have 1 or 2 annual get-togethers each year to get to know one another better, to swap tour stories, or maybe just to sit by a fire and rekindle the way life used to be on the growing frontier.”

Training for new Adult Posse members is taking place soon. “It’s very informal, and can be very lively,” Weinmann said. “We don’t just sit around and discuss the dusty history of the James-Younger gang, we have fun dispelling the ridiculous myths, we search for and uncover the real truth, and we explore possible new theories.” Without even realizing it, once the program is done, Adult Posse Members are more knowledgeable on the subject of the Northfield Raid than many published authors. And as a result, they have the ability and opportunity to pass that knowledge along to future generations.

If anyone is interested in more details about the Adult Posse experience please contact Earl Weinmann at (507) 645-9488 or call the Historical Society at (507) 645-9268. Training is expected to begin on April 4th. Oh, by the way all new Adult Posse members will receive a free one-year Northfield Historical Society membership worth $50.00.

Thank you and see you soon,
Mark Fagerwick