Historical society director wants to connect with region

The first time the new director of the Carlton County Historical Society saw the massive old library desk that has been returned to its roots there, it sparked her imagination. The stories that desk could tell, Beth Lyle thought to herself.

Lyle, who started at CCHS in mid-January, enjoys telling and hearing stories, and has a personal passion for history.

“I love the family stories we tell in our own family on my mom and my dad’s side, those stories you can hear hundreds of times and still want to hear them and carry them forward,” Lyle said.

The new director said she is bubbling over with ideas right now. The next step is to sit down, flesh them out and prioritize. Making people feel welcome is a top goal, however, no matter what the event or endeavor.

Lyle said she is looking forward to combining that passion for history with her background in marketing, advertising, communication and working at a non-profit.

The Pine Knot News sat down with Lyle Tuesday to learn more about Carlton County’s newest history advocate.

Q:Is there any one thing that you are most excited about with your new job?

A:Connecting with the community. I think this organization has done a fabulous job of collecting the stories and the history of the county but disseminating the stories is also a big part of our mission statement. I am very excited to collaborate with the schools and other organizations and really be more active and out in the community.

Q:Why are historical societies important?

A:I think we all need to have a sense of where we have been in order to define where we're going. And I think the further the generations move, the more important it is to carry forward our stories. And Carlton County is is just filled with so much rich, lush history: amazing strengths, amazing things that have happened, tragedies like the fires of 1918.

Q:Can you give us a sneak peek, are there any ideas you’re hoping to explore in future exhibits?

A:Ooh, this happens to be the 100-year anniversary of this building. (Editor’s note: CCHS has makes its home in the Shaw Memorial Building, Cloquet’s former library, at 406 Cloquet Ave. ) We are going to be collaborating with the Cloquet Library and putting together some celebrations for the building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see George Shaw right there, above the desk. His two daughters donated the money for this building to be built two years after the fire.

Q:What are the major challenges for CCHS, in your opinion?

A:I think being in an historical building, we really need to make sure that we're meeting the standards that are required to maintain the building. There are grants out there for buildings like ours. So that's a priority and a challenge I hope to meet.

Q:What can community members do to help?

I'd love to see a lot more volunteers, and a lot more members. There are people who come through these doors who haven't been here for a long time. You can just see them brighten up … so I just really hope to connect with people like that. If someone has time, talent, or something that they want to do, we welcome volunteers of all ages. Of course, we always welcome membership, which is very affordable.

Q:If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would it be and why?

A:Lin-Manuel Miranda: How did he grow into the person he is today? This amazing person — actor, composer, rapper, writer. Creating and starring in Broadway musicals like “Hamilton.” And a true devotion to giving back. His inspiration and energy! I'd take a helping of that."

World War II survivor: I don't have a specific person in mind, but I would be honored to have dinner with a United States WWII veteran who would share with me some history of what this experience was like, how it changed him and the world.

And finally, Michael J Fox: He’s a brilliant actor and comedian, who was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease at age 29. He announced his condition; and committed himself to the campaign for increased Parkinson's research. I love every television sit-com he appeared in — before and after his diagnosis — “Back to the Future” and each of his books. I admire his commitment to family. My family's very personal connection is that we lost our dad to Parkinson's in 2018.