About Us
Members of the Heritage Arms Society (H.A.S.) are committed to sharing and promoting a passion for historical arms.
Heritage Arms Society
The idea of forming an antique/collectible arms organization was conceived in March of 1989. A group of serious arms collectors were invited to an informal meeting on April 6, 1989 at the Bloomington American Legion Hall. Some 30 prospective members participated.
Our founding meeting was held on May 18, 1989 at the Bloomington American Legion Hall. Our Heritage Arms Society name was adopted that night and 32 charter members signed up. Charter membership was held open until March 1, 1990 when we had 42 members. Meetings were scheduled for the first Thursday of every even month and to be held at the Bloomington American Legion Hall, later changed to nearby David Fongs Restaurant.
Our first Heritage Arms Society Collector’s Arms Show was held in 1990 at the Aldrich Arena in Maplewood, Minnesota. Subsequent annual shows have been held at the Blainbrook Bowl, Mystic Lake Casino, Canterbury Park Racetrack and now the Eagan Community Center facilities.
Our first “Reunion, Gun Shoot, Pig Roast and Ice Cream Social” was held in 1993 at the Marsh Lake Sportsman’s Club. Additional Pig Roasts and Old Gun Shoots have been held in subsequent years.
Our first charity book auction was held on December 3, 1992 for the Chub Bettels Scholarship Fund. The John Orr Estate book auction was held on December 1, 1994 followed periodically by other charity auctions. Heritage Arms Society continues to support area museums and other organizations that align with our educational goals using the net proceeds from our annual show and member dues.
Club members meet bimonthly to enjoy dinner, swap stories and hear either a fellow member or guest speaker present on a topic of interest to the group. Other key activities include club auctions, hosting of the Antique Arms Collectors Show and contribution to community efforts that promote the preservation of historical arms.
Our founding meeting was held on May 18, 1989 at the Bloomington American Legion Hall. Our Heritage Arms Society name was adopted that night and 32 charter members signed up. Charter membership was held open until March 1, 1990 when we had 42 members. Meetings were scheduled for the first Thursday of every even month and to be held at the Bloomington American Legion Hall, later changed to nearby David Fongs Restaurant.
Our first Heritage Arms Society Collector’s Arms Show was held in 1990 at the Aldrich Arena in Maplewood, Minnesota. Subsequent annual shows have been held at the Blainbrook Bowl, Mystic Lake Casino, Canterbury Park Racetrack and now the Eagan Community Center facilities.
Our first “Reunion, Gun Shoot, Pig Roast and Ice Cream Social” was held in 1993 at the Marsh Lake Sportsman’s Club. Additional Pig Roasts and Old Gun Shoots have been held in subsequent years.
Our first charity book auction was held on December 3, 1992 for the Chub Bettels Scholarship Fund. The John Orr Estate book auction was held on December 1, 1994 followed periodically by other charity auctions. Heritage Arms Society continues to support area museums and other organizations that align with our educational goals using the net proceeds from our annual show and member dues.
Club members meet bimonthly to enjoy dinner, swap stories and hear either a fellow member or guest speaker present on a topic of interest to the group. Other key activities include club auctions, hosting of the Antique Arms Collectors Show and contribution to community efforts that promote the preservation of historical arms.