Maurice H. Stans Exhibit

Maurice Stans: The Early Years
Maurice Stans grandparents immigrated to America from Belgium. His mother's family was known for their brewery located in Shakopee, while his father's family included notable musicians. He grew up with his parents and sister in a small house next to the railroad tracks. When he graduated from high school in 1925, he left to attend college in Chicago. While living in New York, he met a fashion model who would later become his wife of 51-years. Although he never again lived in Shakopee, Stans attributed his success to the solid education he received there and repeatedly gave community support. Family photographs and childhood mementos begin Stans' story on exhibit.

Stans' African Travels
During a trip to Kenya in 1948, Stans fell in love with Africa. Stans collected numerous artifacts during all19 trips he made to the continent. While they were once used to decorate his Washington, D.C. apartment, the paintings, masks, spears, and other objects are now on display. The gallery is highlighted by a diorama featuring an African lion and zebra.