Samples from the collection range from a kayak that set a world record to furniture and clothing from as far back as the 1860s; a Works Progress Administration sidewalk section; probate records; the entire print collection of the Circulating Pines newspapers; Ho Chi Minh sandals from a Vietnam veteran; a watch fob made from a piece of a little girl's skull; and a silver service given as a wedding gift in 1887.

[3] In 2008, the Anoka County Historical Society had to undergo a "de-accession" process, or letting go of objects.

[6] The Society also conduct educational programming, tours, and special events throughout the year.

Boxes contain several hands-on artifacts from their collections relating to a particular topic, providing children direct experience with the past.

Information cards about each artifact help students understand why the objects are important.