We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Prospect House and Civil War Museum, formed to share the story of “Cap” Colehour, Civil War Veteran and entrepreneur, who settled in the West Central Minnesota community of Battle Lake after the Civil War. The purpose of sharing “Cap’s” house, observations, memorabilia, and life is to open a door to history through which those who pass achieve greater understanding and appreciation for an earlier and important time in the making of our nation.
Mission
The Prospect House Museum provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and life of an American early settler family. The Prospect House Museum also explores the stories of the Battle Lake Area as a vacation destination, past, present, and future, to inspire residents and visitors with the creativity and enterprise of the human spirit.
Vision
Rooted in the history of the Colehour family and the communities that built this region, the Prospect House creates meaningful connections — between people and the past, and between today’s community and its future.
Purpose
The Prospect House Museum is organized exclusively for nonpartisan, charitable and educational purposes to:
· Research, collect and preserve materials to showcase the cultures and history of the region,
· Preserve and portray the history of Civil War veteran, Cap Colehour, his family, and other Civil War veterans from the region.
· Contribute to the educational development and growth of the community by inspiring others to learn about history, arts, and culture.
· Restore and preserve the buildings and grounds that further the preservation of history of the community and the region.
Board Members
Neil Biederman
Mike Colehour
David Colehour, Vice President
Tom Colman, Treasurer
Sharon Kleeman, Secretary
Anne Wyneken
Brian Wyneken, President
Ex Officio Board Members:
Cathy Belmont
Karen Froseth
Jay Johnson
Our museum is supported by many volunteers in the community including tour guides and the
maintainers of our grounds and gardens.
Our archivist and records manager is Melody Nelson.
Principal tour guide, Jay Johnson, serves as our historian.