What are the first words you think about when you think of a small-town historical society? Boring? Stodgy? Dry?

Do you ever think: Fun! Interesting! A great way to spend time with family or friends! Probably not your first thoughts.

The Chaska History Center contradicts most of the “boring” assumptions — it is actually a very relevant and vibrant place to visit. Volunteers are always available for questions about the town, your Chaska ancestors, or the history of your house. The exhibits are interesting and often interactive.

The Chaska Historical Society wanted to upend the pervasive image of stodginess and pondered how to draw people in to see the center and attend programs. About four years ago a couple of volunteers took on this challenge.

These volunteers enjoyed a good ghost story and had been on a few ghost tours. With all of the old buildings and homes in the Historic District in Chaska, surely there must be some ghosts. It was decided to create a “Hauntings and History” tour of Chaska; a little history, some ghost stories, and a very pleasant evening exploring downtown Chaska.

Then came the hard part: Where to start. The center had lots of history—but no ghost stories. Organizers weren’t sure anyone would be willing to admit they had a ghost in their home or business. Even if they did, would they be willing to (1) share that they believed in ghosts, (2) admit they had one in their home or business, and (3) allow their ghost or ghosts to be shared with the public?

The volunteers went door to door to many of the businesses in town and asked if the buildings were haunted. Nobody laughed at them, but most said no. One shop owner wished he had a ghost!

Finally, by word of mouth, the group began to get some leads. Volunteers conducted interviews and took copious notes. Once they collected the ghost stories, the volunteers tried figure out who it was who might be haunting the house or business. As the crew dug in deeper, they learned more from local residents who had had ghost hunters investigate their houses.

The first step in attempting to figure out the identity of the additional presence still residing in a location entailed lots of research regarding the ownership of the house or other building. Abstracts helped a lot, as well as the county property records and the Sanborn maps. 

When the ghost hunters identified the prior owners and the dates they were in the house or building, they searched obituaries for information regarding where they died and under what circumstances. Some of the prior owners or residents died suddenly at work, and some had lingered in their homes with an illness for years or weeks before passing on.

Sometimes the current owners would know what the ghost looked like, which created the additional challenge of trying to find a prior owner or occupant that matched the description. Sometimes the hunters would find what they thought was the identity of a ghost only to be told, “No, I don’t think it’s a woman; I’m pretty sure it’s a man.”

Eventually the crew put together enough stories to create the first walking tour. They established the route and length of the tour. But the big question was still there: Would anyone really come to a “Hauntings and History” event?  It was hoped that a few people would come, so the volunteers scheduled a few dates and times and tickets sold out.

The second year of the tour was also very successful. The crew added a couple new stories and a little new history to the tour. Most of those tours also sold out. The docents were having a great time — and so were the guests!

The Chaska Historical Society will be presenting its third annual “Hauntings and History” tour this coming October. Docents have added a few more new stories and some more research. They’ve even been told that some of the ghosts have become more active since the tours began.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, “Hauntings and History” tours are an enjoyable evening of listening to stories and walking in Historic Chaska. Registration is online by following the link on the center’s website homepage: www.chaskahistory.org.