Childhood Memories on Display in 'Show and Tell' Exhibit

is taking a trip down memory lane with a heavy dose of childhood tales, thanks to a brand new exhibit opening this weekend.

Historical Society Executive Director Marci Matson describes it as "a bit of a show and tell exhibit," with odds and ends from the formative years of more than 40 locals.

"We have history, we have herstory—with a feminist perspective—and this I would call yourstory," Matson said. "This is a chance for people in Edina to tell their stories."

Titled "," the year-long display features childhood treasures donated by generations of Edina and Morningside residents. Several children from various eras of Edina history are spotlighted: , Morningside pioneer Ella Grimes, Country Club resident Ron Shirk, farmer Frank Cardarelle and hockey standout Casey Hankinson.

The idea for this year's exhibit stemmed from the regular conversations Matson has with visitors to the museum, as she said just about everyone tends to harken back to stories from his or her childhood.

"I'll suddenly have this 90-year-old guy telling me about when he went skinny dipping in Minnehaha Creek on his way to school," Matson said. "Childhood memories tend to involve the more fun things in their life."

Everything from birthday parties at Queen Anne Kiddieland to the petting zoo at is covered in the exhibit, offering a glimpse at sides of the community that may seem completely foreign today.

Saturday's festivities—which kick off at 1 p.m.—will include a program featuring Carlson, light refreshments and fresh popcorn from the Lions Club of Edina. Admission is free.

Pictures of Carlson drawing and painting when she was a little girl—as well as some of her paper dolls—are part of the display, which Matson said are fascinating to look at today.

"You look at them and they are very much in the current style of her picture books," she said. "It's interesting to see how people grew up."

Matson is thrilled with the amount of positive feedback and the general buzz the concept has received thus far, with a lot of people excited to see the final product of months of work.

"Kid history is Edina's history," she said.

Anyone who can't make it to Saturday's open house can check out the exhibit during regular museum hours for the next 12 months. The Edina History Museum is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays and from 10 a.m to noon on Saturdays. Group reservations are also available upon request, with the museum recommending a $5 per person donation.

For more information on the event or to loan or donate your childhood treasure, call the museum at (612) 928-4577 or send an email to staff.