Former Congressman Collin Peterson made a significant donation to the Becker County Museum for archival and historical purposes. 

The Detroit Lakes resident, who represented Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District in Washington D.C., gifted the museum with items including official office papers, correspondences, furniture, memorabilia, awards, photographs, plaques, books and other unique items.

“It was a great honor to serve the people of Minnesota’s Seventh District, and to lead the House Agriculture Committee to help advance the causes of rural America,” Peterson said. “Becker County has been my home for most of my life, and I’m grateful for the museum’s efforts to help preserve this history for generations to come.”

Peterson, who served Minnesota’s Seventh District for 30 years, was also the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee for many years and his work had a great impact on agriculture not just in the Red River Valley, but throughout the Midwest and across the country.

Once archived, Peterson’s papers and correspondence will be available for research and educational purposes. The museum is located in Detroit Lakes. 

Peterson’s desk and chair from his Washington D.C. office, along with a few pieces of memorabilia will be on display in the existing Becker County Museum. A larger exhibit is slated to open, along with a new facility for the Becker County Museum, in the spring of 2022. 

For more information on the donation, how to sponsor this exhibit, or contribute to the Becker County Museum’s proposed building project, please contact Becky Mitchell at (218) 847-2938.