Posts by MMFS

We are borrowing our title from the late Senator Wellstone and applying it to small communities in Minnesota, we think he wouldn’t mind.  What began as a thank-you to the Gammelgarden Museum for inviting us to hold classes in Scandia this winter has turned into some thoughts about the importance of rural organizations working together for…

Have you visited the Gammelgarden Museum in Scandia? It is a somewhat hidden jewel open to visitors from May 1 to October 15, as it works to “ preserve, present and promote Swedish heritage.”   Think you won’t be interested because your cultural background is not Scandinavian?  Think again.  We all have family that experienced…

Want to get a discount on your next class, help out the Marine Mills Folk School and increase your fun quotient, all at the same time?  Volunteer on a Saturday, or every Saturday, we’d love the help.  Contact info@marinemillsfolkschool.org for more information.  

Emily left big city convenience with her husband and son, to find access to the outdoors and a close community.   She and her family love the Marine community and their new life, even the commute home is welcome as it provides reflection time, ensuring that family time is focused on family time.  Plus Emily…

Those of us in the folk school world hold N.F.S. Grundtvig, a Dane who lived in the 1800’s, in high regard.  Although a bit of a cranky disrupter, he developed key tenants that are embedded in the folk school movement:  Self-directed learning from others in a non-competitive environment  Importance of community and civic engagement  Life-long…

We’re a young non-profit organization, still trying to get the word out about our traditional arts & crafts school.  We need your help.  THIS IS A GIVEAWAY! There is a free class in it for you! 1. Like us on @MarineMillsFolkSchool on Facebook and Instagram.2. Tag a friend in the comments. The more friends and tags, the more likely you’ll win.3. The…

When not on the race course, or running his own business consultancy, or picking up after two small kids, Dan teaches Leatherworking at Marine Mills Folk School and other locations. Dan found he wanted a creative outlet to balance his time in front of a computer, and one thing led to another! Have you always been…

As Midwesterners, we need to be resourceful to fight off the ‘winter blues’. Cold weather, grey skies, and shorter days can all contribute to a general feeling of low energy and lethargy. While sufferers of ‘seasonal affective disorder (SAD)’ need more professional support and therapies, chances are many of our readers recognize this general malaise in themselves and…

Our beautiful site in Wilder Forest is difficult to access on weekends, due to snow and ice. As a result, we are partnering with two wonderful organizations and will host classes in downtown Marine on St. Croix at HWY North  and downtown Scandia at The Gammelgarden Museum from now until the end of April (the snow and ice season has to…

Meet one of our founding Board members, Andy Wallace, who shares a bit about the skills he brings to our organization, and why he volunteers with the Marine Mills Folk School. Tell us a bit about yourself: I grew up in St. Croix Valley.  My wife and I lived out of state when first married, but after…