Minnesota Unraveled
Minnesota Unraveled: Pulling on the threads of Minnesota History
All Episodes
Mapping History: Lesbian Feminist Cooperative Farms in Greater Minnesota
Many histories of the LGBTQIA+ community are focused on metropolitan areas, but a recent mapping project has elevated the stories of a group of Lesbian feminist cooperative farms in rural Minnesota in the 1970s. In this episode, historian and host Dr. Chantel Rodríguez explores how living off of the land gave Lesbian Feminists a sense of freedom, safety and community. Chantel spoke with two guests: Leila Stallone, a researcher who works on the The Greater Minnesota Two-Spirit LGBTQIA+ History Map Project, and Meadow Muska, a photographer who documented life on the farm. Together, they share stories about how the decision to move into rural areas and build cooperative farms was an act of self-determination, community building and defiance.
Brick by Brick: The African Americans who built the Capitol
The Minnesota State Capitol is a gleaming marble building sitting on a hill — an ode to the Italian Renaissance, topped with an impeccably crafted dome. You’ve probably heard of the mind behind the design, Cass Gilbert, plenty of times. But how did Gilbert’s design influence how the building was made? And just who was it that built the capitol itself? In this episode, historian and host Dr. Chantel Rodríguez uncovers the unsung builders of this Minnesota monument — African American stone masons. Who were they, and how did they come to the Twin Cities? To answer those questions and more, Chantel spoke with three experts, each of whom pulls from a different well of historical knowledge: Brian Pease, the Site Manager at the State Capitol, John Sielaff, a labor historian, and Marvin Anderson, the grandson of a stone mason who worked on the site.
Rivers of History
Join me on this episode of Minnesota Unraveled as I explore the rich history of the Mississippi River in "River History." A recent stroll with my dog in Minnehaha Park sparked questions about the river's past and its transformation over time. I dive deep into the river's history with insights from three experts: a historian, a Western archaeologist, and an Indigenous archaeologist. Discover how the Mississippi evolved from a shallow, obstacle-filled waterway to a navigable channel, thanks to the efforts of the Army Corps of Engineers and the Grange Movement. Learn about the river's vibrant ecosystem, once teeming with mussels, and how human development has altered its landscape. This episode uncovers the stories hidden within the river's banks and the ongoing efforts to preserve its history.
History on Two Wheels: Bicycles and Bike Paths in Minnesota
Many places around the world are famous for their love of cycling—think Amsterdam in the Netherlands, or Portland, Oregon. But head to Como Lake in St. Paul, or the Mill Towns Trail in Northfield on a sunny spring day, and you’ll find flocks of cyclists taking advantage of the weather and the well-loved bike paths. How did biking find a place in the hearts of Minnesotans? And how did the robust biking infrastructure in the state come to be? In this episode, host and historian Dr. Chantel Rodríguez explores the evolution of the bicycle in the late 19th century, as well as the cycling craze that followed. Chantel also examines how biking transformed mobility for both women and people in rural areas of the state, as well as the safety and structure of streets themselves. To gain insight into these questions, Chantel spoke with historian and bicycle planner Peter Bird, founder of Tamales y Bicicletas José Luis Villaseñor, and former city councilwoman and longtime Northfield resident Peggy Prowe.