Friends of the Sibley Historic Site
It is the mission of the Friends of the Sibley Historic Site to enthusiastically provide financial and volunteer support for the interpretation, development and preservation of the Sibley Historic Site and its artifacts and to foster awareness and appreciation of the site as a seminal cultural place in Minnesota history through public involvement, education and research.
What We Do
The Friends of Sibley Historic Site was organized in 1991 as a nonprofit membership organization to advance and promote the Site and assist the State in preserving its assets. As a member of the Friends group, you can experience first hand how the Friends group works to maximize dues and donations into growing investments in the Site, including:
Sibley Site Native Landscaping
In 2023, all new-plants native to Dakota County were planted around the site to more accurately reflect the flora of the 1800s. The Friends used a donation from the Minnesota DAR to buy the new plants.
School Tours
In 2025 the Friends allocated $2,000 to help fund school tours. We are committed to helping to educate youth about Minnesota history in a fun, hands-on environment. Please consider supporting a school tour.
Publications
Publishing the award-winning biography of Sarah Sibley, Six Miles from St. Paul by David Grabitske, Dakota Child, Governor’s Daughter by Bruce A. Kohn, and Historical Mendota Before 1863 by Ann Essling. These three books continue to be the top sellers at the Sibley Historic Site gift shop in 2025.
Publications
The Friends of the Sibley Historic Site have published three books for sale. You can order any of these books from the Dakota County Historical Society website, or pick them up at the Dupuis house gift store on the Sibley History Site.
Historic Mendota Before 1863—A walk through time where the waters meet
Ann Essling
Take a walk through time where the waters meet! This book offers refreshing insight into a significant time of historical development in Minnesota, and specifically in the Mendota community – which some consider the birthplace of the state.
You can order a copy of the book HERE through the Dakota County Historical Society, or at the Dupuis house gift store.
Dakota Child, Governer's Daughter: The Life of Helen Hastings Sibley
Bruce A. Kohn
This intriguing story covers the life of Sibley’s daughter by his Dakota wife. Helen was a daughter that Henry cared about and supported, but never acknowledged officially.
Helen Hasting Sibley began her life among her mother’s Dakota people, then came of age in her father’s society. Through the transitions in her life, Helen Sibley reflected profound changes in the life of her father, Henry Hastings Sibley – the fur trader who became the first territorial congressman from and first state governor of Minnesota – and in the lives of the Dakota who once lived across southern Minnesota.
You can order a copy HERE through the Dakota County Historical Society, or at the Dupuis house gift store.
Six Miles from St. Paul
David Grabitske
This biography of Sarah Sibley was a 2009 Award of Merit Winner! As the wife of Minnesota’s first governor, Sarah Sibley struggled to maintain relationships with family and friends across great distances. She demonstrated deft skills in managing a demanding household and leading Minnesota’s very first historic preservation effort. You can order a copy of this book HERE through the Dakota County Historical Society, or at the Dupuis house gift store.
The Friends also have a limited edition poster, “A Celebration in Mendota” by David P. Geister, for sale at the Dupuis house gift store. Stop in or send us an email for details on availability.
Get Involved
You can make a difference by getting involved in continuing the preservation of the Sibley Historic Site. Schedule a tour, visit our gift shop, and/or make a donation.
We welcome new members and look forward to adding you to the Friends of the Sibley Historic Site. Please join us!