Newly Formed Burnsville Historical Society Kicks Off Fall Series

A new organization has sprung up to document Burnsville's short but lively history.

The Burnsville Historical Society was officially recognized as a chapter of the Dakota County Historical Society in June. Since then, the fledgling organization has launched a website, burnsvillehistory.org, and opened up a headquarters at 190 South River Ridge Circle.

Now they need just one more thing: Members. With that in mind, the society is hosting a series of monthly meetings. The first is on Sept. 20, when former Dakota County Commission Chair Mike Turner will speak.

Turner is a good choice. A resident of 47 years, he has lived through most of Burnsville's history personally. Turner moved to the budding suburban city within days of the massive flood in 1965. He personally can attest to the city's frenzied growth, which began in the early 1960s. During the 1960 census, Burnsville had just 2,716 people. A decade later, the local population had grown seven-fold to 19,940. Through it all, Turner was an active member of the community.

Hear what he was to say on Sept. 20. The meeting will run from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information go to burnsvillehistory.org.