2026 Heritage Preservation Award recipient Paul Anderson with members of his family, Mayor Ron Case, and Heritage Preservation Commission and Eden Prairie Historical Society members

The City presented Heritage Preservation Awards to Helen Holden Anderson and The Honorable Paul H. Anderson at the May 19 City Council meeting.

The first award was presented posthumously to Helen Holden Anderson, whose enduring legacy continues to shape the preservation of Eden Prairie’s history. Anderson, who died in 2009, was a respected historian, teacher, scholar and active participant in numerous civic organizations.

In 1969, Anderson founded the Eden Prairie Historical Society and served as its president for two decades. Under her leadership, the organization became the steward of the City’s historic documents, photographs and artifacts. She also helped secure an agreement ensuring the City would provide museum space to house donated historical items. Anderson authored "Eden Prairie: The First 100 Years," published in 1979. The book became the first comprehensive educational resource on the City’s history and remains one of the community’s most valued historical references.

Through her work, Anderson inspired generations of residents to appreciate and preserve Eden Prairie’s historic resources. Her efforts established a foundation that continues today through the ongoing work of the Eden Prairie Historical Society. The award was accepted on her behalf by her son, former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Paul Anderson.

Justice Anderson was also recognized for his decades of dedication to preserving and sharing Eden Prairie’s history through his ongoing involvement with the Historical Society.

Justice Anderson grew up on his family’s dairy farm, known as “Hilltop,” which was established by his grandfather. A descendant of one of Eden Prairie’s earliest settler families, for whom Anderson Lakes was named, he has long maintained a deep connection to the community. He later became the highest-ranking elected official in modern Eden Prairie history through his election to the Minnesota Supreme Court.

As a young attorney, Justice Anderson played a key role in supporting the formation of the Eden Prairie Historical Society alongside his mother. He assisted with establishing the organization as a Minnesota nonprofit corporation, helped draft its original bylaws, and participated in discussions with the City regarding the preservation and storage of historical materials. In 1975, the Eden Prairie City Council officially designated the Eden Prairie Historical Society as the City’s depository for historical information. After several temporary locations, the City later provided permanent museum space in the Eden Prairie City Center, where the Historical Museum remains today.

Although he no longer resides in Eden Prairie, Justice Anderson continues to support the Historical Society by sharing stories, historical knowledge and personal experiences that help preserve the City’s cultural heritage and deepen understanding of life in Eden Prairie’s early years.

Nominations for the Heritage Preservation Award can be made by individuals on behalf of themselves or others. Usually one award is given each year. For the next award process, nomination materials will be available in early 2027.