Upcoming Event: Fall Celebration - September 12, 2026 - Noon - 3 PM
Come help us celebrate the history of Minnesota's only State Public School on Owatonna's beautiful West Hills campus. The event is free and open to the public.
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Musical Entertainment by folk duo Curtis & Loretta
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Continuous Screening of 1930 State School Film
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State School Character Reenactors
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Genealogy Research Assistance
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Oral History Booth
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Refreshments
Remember the Children
Between 1886 and 1945, 10,635 children who were orphaned, abandoned, neglected, or abused came to the Minnesota State Public School in Owatonna. It was one of the largest institutions of its kind in the United States.
Today, the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum preserves their stories. Every child's journey was different. For some, the State School offered safety, education, and opportunity. For others, it was a place of loss and hardship. Their experiences are a unique part of Minnesota's history—and deserve to be remembered.
Explore the Museum, step inside historic Cottage 11, walk through the Children's Cemetery, and discover the original campus through interactive exhibits and self-guided outdoor experiences. Whether you join a guided tour or explore at your own pace, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the lives of the children who once called this place home.
Their stories are waiting to be discovered.
Looking for Children's State School Records?
The Orphanage Museum does not have the records for individual children who were wards of the State of Minnesota from 1886-1945. The records are kept at the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) in St. Paul.
Go to Owatonna State Public School Records Request on the MNHS website to find what is currently available. You can also visit the Gale Family Library at MNHS or call and leave a message at 651-259-3300.