In 1977, responding to the growing popularity and need for the development of lace-making crafts in the area, local members of the International Old Lacers (the only large American lace society) organized the Minnesota Lace Society. Meeting first in members' homes, then at Calvary Lutheran Church, and now at the Textile Center of Minnesota (3000 University Avenue SE, Minneapolis), the Society has evolved to meet the diverse needs of a growing membership.

Through its history, more than 180 people have been a part of the Society. Various types of lace are made by members, including bobbin lace, needle lace, tatting, crocheted and knitted lace, sprang netting, woven lace, Tenerife, and others.

The goal of the Society is education. Classes and study groups are led by teaching members, both privately to Society members and to the public at local needlework shops and historical museums. A portion of the monthly meetings is devoted to programs of how various types of lace are made, cared for, displayed, and preserved. Since the Society's inception, members have demonstrated their lace-making crafts to the public at the Festival of Nations, Minnesota Crafts Council Fair at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, Minnesota State Fair, county fairs, and other events.