Saint Paul Police Historical Society

In July of 2006, a small group of current and retired police officers and a highly motivated oral historian gathered to discuss the Saint Paul Police Oral History Project to preserve the history of this unique metropolitan agency. These volunteers quickly recognized that the oral histories needed a secure place if they were to be preserved for the next generations. The ideas began to flow to other needs in preserving the history of the department. One could say that “yesterday actually happened but it only becomes history when it is documented.” Over the years historians have collected many artifacts and documents in an attempt to keep the memories alive.

This original group determined that there was work to be done. It added other employees and community members, and began meeting monthly. This original group formed as a task force but shortly thereafter was authorized by the chief of police to become the Saint Paul Police Historical Society (SPPHS). Meetings have been full of wonderful storytelling. Through the stories, members embraced their commitment to PRESERVING AND PROMOTING THE HISTORY OF POLICING IN THE CITY OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA. Anyone interested in Saint Paul police history and is willing to work towards preserving and promoting its history is invited to join. Membership dues are only $10 a year.

SPPHS AT WORK:

At the Griffin Headquarters Building (367 Grove Street), the SPPHS manages a museum on the second floor, creates the lobby displays and maintains the lobby audio kiosk containing the memories of consummate storyteller, retired Deputy Chief Jim Griffin.

In 2007 the SPPHS created a transportation museum at the Western District office (389 N. Hamline Avenue). On display is a 1897 bicycle exhibit, a 1964 three-wheel motorcycle used for parking enforcement, and the original horse-drawn Black Maria/Workhouse-Van.

SPPHS members, wearing period Saint Paul Police uniforms, volunteer at community events and/or reenactments.

Anytime great-grandchildren, family or friends have inquiries, a trained historian will conduct research into our files to assemble any information available. Our researchers also support student projects.

You can help! We have a totally unfunded affiliation with the Saint Paul Police Department (SPPD). We are requesting donations of historic policing uniforms, gear, firearms, badges or anything from Saint Paul’s police history. Financial donations are encouraged to help with the creation of displays and the archiving of current happenings and past history. Items accessioned into the SPPHS collection will receive the highest standards of care, will be thoroughly researched, and will enable the general public and generations to come to better understand the history of policing in the city of Saint Paul, Minnesota. In that the SPPHS is a registered Minnesota non-profit corporation, contributions, grants, and gifts are tax-deductible to the extent authorized by law. Your donations by cash, check or credit card are most graciously accepted.

Currently funds are being raised to complete the lobby displays at the headquarters and buy supplies to organize and achieve artifacts.

Visit our web page at: www.spphs.org