A one-hour, tongue-in-cheek guided look at corsets, bloomers, long johns and the hidden histories sewn into them. Intimate groups, vintage pieces from Vagabond Village, and close-up details make this an unexpected highlight for visitors in Mankato.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
You should be able to stand and move in a small indoor space for roughly an hour; minimal physical exertion required.
Wildlife
History
The program highlights intimate garments that reflect shifts in technology and social norms from the 19th and 20th centuries, using locally sourced pieces to tell community stories.
Conservation
Artifacts are fragile; staff prioritize gentle handling and conservation, and visitors are asked to avoid touching objects unless explicitly permitted to protect fabric and trim.
Blue Earth County Historical Society
Blue Earth County Historical Society is based in Mankato, Minnesota and offers public programming focused on the Historic R.D. Hubbard House. The Society presents guided tours and specialty experiences that interpret the architecture, material culture, and family history tied to the Hubbard property.
The R.D. Hubbard House Guided Tour runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day and showcases the house's French Second Empire architecture, innovations such as indoor plumbing, the history of the Hubbard family, the adjoining Victorian gardens, and the carriage house antique collections. These guided tours provide visitors with curated access to period rooms and artifacts that connect local history with the built environment.
The Hubbard House Flashlight Tours are a specialty offering that explores Victorian mourning customs and superstitions in an atmospheric, limited-capacity setting. Flashlight tours include access to restricted areas such as the attic and basement and are intentionally limited to just 10 participants to preserve an intimate visitor experience.
All programming is offered by the Blue Earth County Historical Society and takes place at the Hubbard House in Mankato, Minnesota. Visitors can expect historically grounded interpretation of the Hubbard House site, with opportunities to learn about domestic technology, Victorian-era customs, and the material legacy of the Hubbard family.
Location
Mankato, MN
Located in Blue Earth County
Guided Tours
Memorial Day–Labor Day
Seasonal daytime tours
Flashlight Tours
10 participants
Limited-capacity evening tour
Architectural Style
French Second Empire
Notable historic architecture
Book a guided tour between Memorial Day and Labor Day or secure a spot on a limited flashlight tour (10 participants maximum).
Arrive Early for Check‑In
Check in just outside the Carriage House no more than 10 minutes before your start time to avoid delaying the small group session.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be standing for about an hour on the first floor; flat, supportive shoes make close-up viewing much easier.
Ask Before Photographing
Photography rules aren’t listed—confirm with staff at check-in if close-up images of artifacts are allowed.
Note Accessibility Limits
Only the first floor is handicap accessible; contact staff in advance to discuss accommodations.
Closed-toe Comfortable Shoes
Supportive footwear helps during the standing portions and close viewing of artifacts.
Light Jacket or Layer
Carriage House rooms can be cool; a layer keeps you comfortable without bulk.
Notebook & Pen
Bring a notebook if you want to record construction details, maker marks, or preservation notes.
Small Camera or Phone with Macro Mode
If staff permits photography, a macro mode captures stitch work and fabric texture.