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Rock County historian Betty Mann celebrated her 92nd birthday Sunday, May 1, with nearly 200 people at the Rock County History Center where an open house honored her recent accomplishments and lifetime contributions to the community. Mann recently stepped down from her role as president (she’s still a member) of the Rock County Historical Society after 27 years at the helm of the board.
Her colleagues and history volunteers surprised her with a plaque recognizing “her outstanding dedication in preserving Rock County History” and her “extensive leadership, generosity and achievements.” Mann said she was “overwhelmed” by the well-wishes and the thoughtful gesture of the plaque presentation.
Signs at Sunday’s open house offer partial lists of Betty Mann’s contributions to local history. Among them are her “Bits by Betty” column in the Star Herald, her research for the Ken Burns documentary series “The WAR,” her summary of Luverne’s history that’s used in local promotions and her talks on topics of area history (churches, businesses, health care, polio, organizations and others).