In September 2017, the Cultural Centre purchased the historic Baker House, an early 1900 Craftsman-style design brick house on Highway 212, on the Yellowstone Trail, in downtown Bird Island. The house is a unique adaptation of the side-gables Craftsman/Bungalow styles. It is an outstanding example of a significant architectural style, built by a man of modest means in a rural Minnesota town. Below are some images for your enjoyment and a .pdf of the National Register of Historic Places Evaluation. It is an incredible written assessment of The Baker House’s rich history. We will continue to keep you updated as we move through this process.
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
February 2021 | State Historic Preservation Review Board approved nomination of Tinnes-Baker House to the National Register of Historic Places.
April 2021 | The Tinnes-Baker House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
September 2022 | The Cultural Centre was awarded a Tinnes-Baker House Predevelopment Grant from the Minnesota Historical Society to develop working drawings/architectural plans and specifications for its renovation. Our plan is to apply for a construction grant this summer to begin the renovation work.
The Images in this video were taken by Daniel J. Hoisington of Hoisington Preservation Consultants, March 2018 for The National Register of Historic Places Evaluation
National Register of Historic Places Evaluation
Take a glimpse back in time through the evaluation of the Tinnes-Baker House. An incredible report on the construction, architecture, and history of the house; along with information about the Baker family. This is the document that ultimately lead to being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Tinnes-Baker House Condition Assessment
If you thought the Evaluation on the Tinnes-Baker House was fabulous, this condition assessment is even more detailed in the history and structure of the home.
Tinnes-Baker House Construction Drawings
For those of you who like to geek out on all the nitty gritty of construction, here’s the PDF for the restoration project!
2026 CULTURAL CENTRE GALLERY EXHIBITIONS
April – Julie Schweiss, Realism (Oil)
Hector, MN
May – Greta Franklin, Fluid Art (Acrylic)
Redwood Falls, MN
June – Pat Amberg and Sons, Sculpture (Found Objects)
Bird Island, MN
July – Grandma Ellis’ Art (Private Collection)
Olivia, MN
August – Adult Client Training Services
Olivia, MN
September – Quilters Along the Yellowstone Trail
From all over the USA & world
October – Lisa Rau Photography (Nature)
Olivia, MN
November – Ron Kailor (Pottery) & Sue Happel (Jewelry)
New Ulm, MN
Address
640 Dogwood Avenue P.O. Box 434
Bird Island, MN 55310
(320) 365-1011
birdislandculture@gmail.com
Gallery Hours
Tuesday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm
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This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board and The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.