The Sibley Historic Site is closed for the winter season. See the Location link for current times or the Activity calendar for updated events.

The next Annual meeting of the Friends of the Sibley Historic Site is tentatively set for March 27th, 2010 at the Mendakota Country Club. For tickets and reservations, contact the Friends at: info@Sibley-Friends.org

The Friends of the Sibley Historic Site are proud to be an Associate Member of the World Federation of Friends of Museums.

The most recent undertaking of the Friends group is funding and publishing David Grabitske's biography of Sarah Sibley, entitled "Six Miles from St. Paul." From the book cover, "Six Miles. Not far today, but in Sarah Sibley's time six miles challenged all her training and abilities to maintain relationships with family, friends, God, and a rapidly homogenizing culture. Through it all, she demonstrated her deft skills in managing a demanding household and leading Minnesota's very first historic preservation effort. The wife of Minnesota's first governor lived in Mendota, longed for St. Paul, fully embraced life, and for ten years endured an infection that claimed her life. Both for ordinary and extraordinary accomplishments, Sarah Jane Sibley is worthy to be remembered." This 188 page paperback book is now available for purchase through the Friends of the Sibley Historic Site (view order form here), at the Dupuis house gift shop and through various historical chapters.

You can also order a limited edition poster, "A Celebration in Mendota" by David P. Geister, part of which is depicted on the front cover of the book, "Six Miles from St. Paul." See the entire painting & order form by clicking here.

The Friends of the Sibley Historic Site funded the design work or the stairway replacement project at the Sibley House and MHS included the stairway project in a bid package for construction work at the Site in 2005. At left is a picture of the finished stairway.

The Friends’ project to reupholster a sofa at the Dupuis House has turned into a treasure trove for the MHS textile expert. In the process of dismantling the sofa, she later discovered six show covers. The bottom layer, the oldest one, is horsehair fabric, most likely dating the sofa to the 1830’s.  The sofa project is just one of many ways in which our Friends organization has been able to assist the Sibley Historic Site. Our members have been very generous in their contributions. This generosity is exemplified by the growth of the endowment fund for the Site. The endowment fund started in 2001 and now stands at over $70,000. We strive to continue to build a source of independent financial support for the Sibley Historic Site and appreciate your help and contributions!