FHS History Project

Subject: Help Preserve Farmington High School’s Athletic History

Dear Coaches and Boosters,

Farmington High School Athletics is seeking your help to explore its rich and storied past. We’re beginning a project to uncover historical records, stories, and photographs that capture Farmington sports through the decades. 

When gathering information, remember that alumni, former staff members, and community members may recall events differently. Any details they provide that enhance the accuracy of our history should be included in the submission as long as they can be verified as factual. 

Here’s how you can contribute:

1. Make a copy of the Sample Sport History Spreadsheet and save it to your Google Drive.

   1. Title each tab on the spreadsheet with your sport’s name and the year of competition.

   2. Input data into the spreadsheet as thoroughly as possible.

   3. When completed, share the spreadsheet directly with Keith Badger.

      1. Open the Google Sheet.

      2. Click the Share button in the top right corner.

      3. In the “Share with people and groups” section:

         1. Enter kbadger@isd192.org. 

         2. Adjust permissions to Editor.

         3. Click Send.

2. Complete the Farmington High School Athletic History Submission Form.

   1. This form is designed to collect information on Historic Moments, All-Conference Players, All-State Players, Varsity Team Photos, and Varsity Team Rosters.

Research Opportunities

Farmington High School Yearbooks

Farmington High School has an archive of yearbooks dating back to the 1920’s. Yearbooks may be viewed during school hours or by request to Amy Sticha (asticha@farmington.k12.mn.us). 

MNHS Gale Family Library

Newspaper Archives

The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) Gale Family Library holds several local newspapers on microfilm, which may contain valuable stories about Farmington High School athletics. These include:

• Dakota Weekly Journal (1856-1857)

• Dakota County Tribune (1884-2008)

• Dakota County Tribune and Farmington Herald (1911-1912)

• The Telegraph (1868-1869)

Though most of these newspapers aren’t digitized, they can be accessed in-person or borrowed via Interlibrary Loan (ILL) through your local library.

How You Can Help:

• Visit the Gale Family Library to review microfilm newspapers.

• Borrow microfilm reels for research using ILL services at your public library.

• Share any findings about Farmington sports events, athletes, or milestones.

Farmington High School Records

MNHS holds a collection of school board minutes, student records, and other materials related to Farmington schools, including:

• Student Records (1887-1926)

• Parent-Teacher Association Minutes (1920-1930)

• The Tiger Yearbook (1965, 1968)

These records could offer valuable insight into the development of Farmington High School’s athletic programs.

How You Can Help:

• Volunteer to review these archival records.

• Look for key milestones or stories about Farmington sports and their impact on the community.

Additional Resources

Dakota County Historical Society

The Dakota County Historical Society houses a significant collection of newspaper clippings and local history files. They may have folders dedicated to Farmington High School sports. Contact them to explore their resources:

• Lawshe Memorial Museum, South St. Paul, MN

• Phone: 651-552-7548

How You Can Help:

• Visit the Dakota County Historical Society to uncover sports-related materials.

• Document key stories and share them with us.

How to Get Started

• Schedule a Visit: Visit the MNHS Gale Family Library (St. Paul) Thursdays–Saturdays, 10 am–4 pm. Book an appointment to secure a microfilm machine.

• Research Locally: Use Farmington Public Library’s microfilm resources to review local archives.

Newspapers on file at the Gale Family Library

Farmington Telegraph (Farmington, Dakota County, Minn.) 1868-1869

The Farmington Press (Farmington, Dakota County, Minn.) 1870-1883

Farmington Reporter (Farmington, Dakota County, Minn.) 1883-1883

The Farmington Journal (Farmington, Dakota County, Minn.) 1883-1884

Dakota County Tribune (Farmington, Minn.; Lakeville, Minn.) 1884-1910

Dakota County Tribune and Farmington Herald (Farmington, Dakota County, Minn.) 1910-1912

Dakota County Tribune (Farmington, Dakota County, Minn.; Apple Valley, MN) 1912-Current

Dakota County Breeze (Farmington, Dakota County, Minn.) 1898-1899

Farmington Independent (Farmington, MN) 1984-2013

Farmington Thisweek (Burnsville, Minn.) 1987-2000