Local History News: July 2, 2025
Field Note On June 11, MNHS staff and interns visited the Hmong Museum in St. Paul to check on the progress of a grant-funded project to develop a...
On June 11, MNHS staff and interns visited the Hmong Museum in St. Paul to check on the progress of a grant-funded project to develop a traveling exhibit targeted at children to teach them about the history of Hmong culture and migration to Minnesota. The exhibit features interactive components and hands-on activities. The project piloted the exhibit, and the Hmong Museum plans to offer it for travel later this year.
Spotlighted Project: Hull Rehabilitation of Streetcar Boat "Minnehaha"The grant funded the restoration of the 1906 steamboat streetcar "Minnehaha," listed in the National Register of Historic Places, by repairing four key sections of her hull, addressing structural issues that prevented passenger service and recertification. Work was completed during her dry dock period, allowing full assessment and repair. The Marine Surveyor inspected the hull and found it to be in excellent condition.
Public awareness grew through local media features and community presentations, highlighting the vessel’s preservation needs. The long-term goal is to return "Minnehaha" to passenger service once a new launch site is secured.
"Minnehaha" has carried thousands of passengers as a living museum, connecting people to Lake Minnetonka’s steam travel history. This project preserves her structural integrity and community role, preparing her for future operation and continued heritage value.
Recipient: Lake Minnetonka Historical Society
Amount Funded: $104,669
Project Details
JULY Grants Open House
July 3 - Online: The Grants Office will hold a virtual Grants Office Open House using Google Meet from 2 to 3:30 pm in order to provide additional grants support to our communities. We encourage people to RSVP to Gillian with a short summary of what you want to talk about and she will try to ensure that someone helpful will be available. Learn more »
Grants Office Webinar: Getting Ready for the Large Round, Manual Changes and Application Challenges
July 17 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: An updated grants manual for the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants program will be released this month (July). If you’re considering applying for grants, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the recent updates to the Legacy manual, the modifications to the application process, and potential challenges applicants may face. This webinar will cover all of that. Presented by Carolyn Veeser-Egbide, Grants Manager & John Fulton, Grants Specialist.
Join online: meet.google.com/zwx-krei-com
Join by phone: (US) +1 386-361-3086 PIN: 420 891 978#
Grants Office YouTube Playlist »
This week's blog post is from the American Swedish Institute. Have a blog? Let us know!
New Oral History Recordings Offer Insights into ASI and the Turnblad Family
The lack of surviving firsthand accounts of the Turnblad family has always created a sense of mystery. With limited original documents, most information about the family has been gathered secondhand.
To help fill in some of these gaps, ASI is pleased to share a growing collection of historic interviews now available on our collection’s website. Recorded by ASI staff and associates, these interviews provide insight into the early years of the Institute, the construction of the Turnblad Mansion, and the lives of its founding family.
These recordings offer glimpses into the Turnblads’ world, mixed with humorous stories and personal anecdotes. They serve as a valuable resource for understanding daily life in the early 1900s, Swedish American society at the turn of the century, and the history of the Mansion.
Originally recorded on audio cassettes between the 1960s and 1980s, these tapes were housed in ASI’s Wallenberg Library and Archives until they were digitized in 2023 as part of a grant-funded project. Continue Reading »
This week's post is from the Washington County Historical Society. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!
All Star Wrestling with George Schire
The presentation explored the golden era of All-Star Wrestling, and how Vern Gagne shaped the sport by prioritizing wrestling skill over gimmicks, pioneering marketing techniques, and acquiring the Minneapolis Wrestling Club, which later became the American Wrestling Alliance. Watch Video »
Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »
Minnesota Historical Society's Job Announcement, Internship, Fellowship, and Volunteer Opportunity pages.
Additional Job Postings in the Field »
Students in front & on top of Dodge Center School.
Image used with permission. From the collections of the Douglas County Historical Society.
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Puppet Show: The Adventures of Katie Tomatie
July 4 Weekend - Scandia: Gammelgården Museum - Enjoy The Adventures of Katie Tomatie by Open Eye Theatre, a delightful puppet show perfect for children and the young at heart. Follow Katie and her new friend Mr. Boo Boo, an excitable skeleton, on a fun-filled day of adventure. Spend the day exploring the museum’s historic buildings, exhibits, picnic areas, and gift shop. Location: Gammelgården Museum, Scandia, MN. Learn more »
West Riverside Old Time School – Session 5
July 7 to 11 @ 9 am to 1 pm – Cambridge: Isanti County Historical Society – Experience a week of old-fashioned school days with reading, math, history, crafts, outdoor games, and a special cabin day making pancakes and butter. For students entering grades 2–8 (must have finished 1st grade). Class size is limited to 28 students. Cost: $90. Learn more »
The Unchosen Ones – Exhibit Opening and Artist Talks
July 8 @ 6 to 8 pm – Moorhead: Hjemkomst Center – Celebrate the opening of "The Unchosen Ones," a photography exhibit by Minnesota photographer R.J. Kerns. The exhibit features powerful portraits of children and animals from county fairs who did not win competitions. Enjoy 20 large color prints and 8 smaller black-and-white tintype photos, all showing at the Hjemkomst Center from July 8 to September 30, 2025. At the opening, R.J. Kerns will speak about the history of agricultural photography. Light refreshments will be served. Cost: Free. Learn more »
The Unchosen Ones – Artist Talks with RJ Kerns
July 11 @ 6 pm and July 12 @ 1 pm – Moorhead: Clay County Fair School House – Meet photographer R.J. Kerns as he shares the inspiration and stories behind his project, "The Unchosen Ones." These free talks will give you a deeper look into the lives and experiences captured in his photos. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Civil War Roundtable: The Confederate Raid on St. Albans, Vermont
July 10 @ 1:30 pm – Litchfield: Meeker County Historical Society – Learn about the daring Confederate raid on St. Albans, Vermont in 1864, when Confederate soldiers crossed from Canada, robbed banks, killed one man, and escaped back across the border. Darryl Sannes will share the story of this dramatic Civil War event and its impact on U.S.-Canada relations. Cost: Free members, $3 nonmembers. Learn more »
Hygge Happy Hour: Game Night
July 10 @ 4 to 8 pm - Minneapolis: Norway House – Play Scrabble in Norwegian, join a Norwegian conversation group, or try other fun games. Native Norwegian speakers will be there to help or challenge you. Bring your own game or join one. Buy one, get one free on beer or wine, plus a full menu of appetizers and dinner. Cost: Free, (food and drinks extra). Learn more »
History Revealed – Forepaugh’s
July 10 @ 2 to 4 pm – St. Paul: Ramsey County Historical Society at Forepaugh’s Restaurant – Enjoy a special afternoon with a guided tour of the historic Forepaugh’s mansion, storytelling about its past, and a meal prepared by Executive Chef Jeremy Wessing. Dine inside or on the patio, with wine or non-alcoholic drinks available. Cost: $100. Learn more »
MASSACRE AT FLOUR CITY!
July 12, 19, & 26 @ various times - Minneapolis: Vine Arts Center - In 1935, workers at the Flour City Ornamental Iron Company in Minneapolis went on strike for better pay and working conditions, resulting in a violent confrontation with police that left two people dead and many injured. This tragic event highlights the difficult struggles workers faced to secure their rights. Experience this powerful history through a special exhibit and a series of Saturday events. Each day features history Q&As, panel discussions with local historians, and live performances. Highlights include a Seward History Q&A, stories of the Flour City victims, a solo concert by Larry Long, talks on labor struggles in Minnesota, and a closing performance by the Twin City Labor Chorus. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Genealogy Saturday: Family Get-Togethers
July 12 @ 10 am to 12 pm – Elbow Lake and Online: Grant County Historical Society – Join this county-wide event at the museum or on Zoom to share memories about family gatherings and learn tips for planning future events. Ruth Simpson will also show photos of the Methodist Church in Herman and Lakeside Cemetery, for those who missed the June road trip. Please contact Patty at the museum if you want to join by Zoom. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Lacemaking Workshop with Minnesota Lace Society
July 12 @ 10 am to 4 pm – Owatonna: Steele County History Center – Learn the art of bobbin lace and tatting in this hands-on workshop led by the Minnesota Lace Society. Discover the history of lacemaking, practice basic techniques, and make two small projects to take home. Open to ages 10 and up. Lunch is provided. Class is limited to 24 participants. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Bally Blacksmith Shop Live Demos
July 12 @ 1 to 4 pm – Grand Marais: Cook County Historical Society – Watch live blacksmith demonstrations at the historic Bally Blacksmith Shop in downtown Grand Marais. Learn about the shop’s 98-year history and see how blacksmiths worked in the past. All ages are welcome. Cost: Free. Learn more »
They Had a Big Feast: Chippewa City and Ojibwe Food Knowledge at the Turn of the 20th Century
July 15 @ 5 to 7 pm – Grand Marais: Cook County Historical Society – Join author Staci Drouillard at Chippewa City Church to learn about Ojibwe food traditions and how people in Chippewa City prepared and shared meals around the year 1900. Discover stories and history about Ojibwe cooking and community gatherings. Cost: Free. Learn more »
History Break: Red Wing YMCA
July 16 @ 12 to 1 pm – Red Wing: Goodhue County Historical Society – Join this lunchtime talk to learn about the history of the Red Wing Family YMCA. Bryan Soper, CEO, will share stories about how the YMCA has served the community over the years. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Hubbard House After Hours – Servant Life
July 16 @ 6 to 8 pm – Mankato: Blue Earth County Historical Society – Explore what life was like for servants in a Victorian home. Enjoy stories told by costumed characters as you tour the elegant Hubbard House and learn about the different jobs that kept the house running. Cost: $7 members/$10 nonmembers. Learn more »
A Look Back at the Whitefish Chain’s Historic Mailboat
July 17 @ 7 to 8 pm – Crosslake: Crosslake Log Village – See the restored 1949 Chris-Craft Sportsman mailboat and hear its story from owners Joe Ruttger and Ron Schultz. Learn how the boat delivered mail and passengers around the Whitefish Chain, disappeared for years, and was finally found and restored. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Mendota After Hours: The Nation Makes the Man – Norman Rockwell and WWII Masculinity
July 18 @ 7 to 8:30 pm – Mendota: Dakota County Historical Society – Learn how artist Norman Rockwell’s paintings during World War II shaped ideas about what it meant to be a man in America. This evening talk at the Sibley Historic Site explores Rockwell’s famous images and how they influenced the nation’s view of masculinity during the war. Cost: $8. Learn more »
History Hunt in the Gardens
July 17 @ 10 am to 6 pm – St. Cloud: Stearns History Museum at Munsinger Clemens Botanical Society Art Fair – Join the History Hunt during the Art Fair in the Gardens to explore garden history and learn about one of St. Cloud’s treasured community spots. Spin the prize wheel and enjoy art, music, and garden beauty near the Jupiter Moon Ice Cream Shop. Thanks to local groups for great prizes. Cost: Free. Learn more »
The Story of Bay State Milling
July 18 @ 7 to 8 pm – Winona: Winona County Historical Society – Hear from Dustin Sanborn, operations manager at Bay State Milling, as he shares the history and daily work at the Winona mill, which has been operating since 1899. Learn about the different types of flour made there and why quality has always been important. Light refreshments will be served. Cost: Free-will donation. Learn more »
Southwest of Lake Harriet: From Mrs. Thornton’s Resort to the Fulton Neighborhood
July 23 @ 6:30 to 8:30 pm – Minneapolis: Linden Hills History Study Group – Take a walking tour to learn how the Fulton neighborhood changed from a rural lake resort into a city neighborhood. Hear about the opening of Robert Fulton School in 1911, the extension of the streetcar line, early Black families in the area, and how the neighborhood has continued to change. The tour starts at the corner of Thomas Avenue S. and W. Lake Harriet Parkway and will happen rain or shine, unless there is an electrical storm. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate?
July 23 @ 7 to 8 pm – Little Falls: Morrison County Genealogical Society – This free workshop, presented by the University of Minnesota Extension, will help families figure out how to fairly decide who gets family heirlooms and special items. Come early at 6:30 pm to socialize before the presentation begins. Cost: Free. Learn more »
People of the Past & Their Places Walking Tour
July 26 & 27 @ 10:30 to 11:30 am – Winona: Winona County History Center – Take a one-hour walking tour of downtown Winona to learn about the people and buildings that shaped the city, like William Harris Laird, Grace Watkins King, and Hannibal Choate. Tours start and end at the History Center and are led by Mary Alice Anderson. Cost: $6 members/$10 nonmembers. Learn more »
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Listings: History & Heritage Events | Historic Exhibits | Lectures & Workshops
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Highlighted Museum: Minnesota State Fair History and Heritage Center, operated by the Minnesota State Fair, Falcon Heights, MN.
Fixity + Bagit
July 21 @ 5 pm (CT) – Online: Backlog Archivists – Learn how archivists use fixity to make sure digital files haven’t changed over time, similar to how acid-free folders protect paper items. Fixity checking uses checksums (digital fingerprints) to spot any changes in files. The Bagit system helps by packaging files together with important information, making it easier to check and keep track of file integrity and context. This webinar will explain how to use these tools to protect your digital collections. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Contained Curiosities: Managing of Solids and Liquids in Collections
July 29 @ 12 to 1 pm (CT) – Online: Connecting to Collections Care – Learn how to safely manage, identify, and dispose of containers with solid or liquid contents in museum and library collections. This free webinar, led by Thomas J. Braun from the Minnesota Historical Society, will cover decision-making for preservation, safety procedures, and ways to handle unknown materials. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Reserves – What, Why, When, and How (Much?)
July 30 @ 12 to 1 pm – Online: Propel Nonprofits – Learn why having a cash reserve fund is important for nonprofits, how much you should set aside, and how to manage and communicate about reserves. This session covers when to use reserves, how to set a reserve policy, and practical tools for planning. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Sabbaticals for Nonprofit Leaders: How to Lean Into Authentic Self Care
July 30 @ 1 to 3 pm – Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – Join this workshop to learn how to develop an authentic culture of self-care through sabbaticals that will deliver benefits to the organization and to the leader. Fee: $50 members/$70 nonmembers. Learn more »
Strengthening Ties between Local History Organizations and News Media
July 30 @ 2 to 3:15 pm CT – Online: American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) – Join this live webinar to learn how local history organizations can build relationships with journalists and news outlets to achieve shared goals. Samantha Ragland from the American Press Institute will share tips for connecting with local journalists, ideas for sharing your stories, and insight into the role of the press in community life. The session includes a short presentation followed by a Q&A and discussion. Cost: $25 members, $45 nonmembers. Learn more »
October 29 - November 1, 2025 |
September 10 - 12, 2025 |
September 17 - 20, 2025 |
Additional Educational Opportunities »
2025 AASLH Annual Conference Fellowships and Scholarships
Deadline - June 27: American Association for State and Local History - Three programs to support individuals interested in attending the AASLH Annual Conference: The Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko Memorial Scholarship, Douglas Evelyn Diversity Fellowships, and Small Museums Scholarships. Applications for all scholarships and fellowships are now open. Learn more »
Levitt Music Series Grants
Deadline - June 30: Levitt Foundation – The Levitt Foundation offers three-year matching grants of up to $40,000 per year (totaling $120,000) to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits. These grants support free outdoor concert series with 7-10 shows annually, activating underused public spaces and building community through live music. Applicants must match the grant dollar for dollar with cash or in-kind donations. The program includes training, resources, and access to a national network of concert venues. Learn more »
Winning Grant Proposal Competition – 2025 Entry Page
Deadline - June 30: GrantStation – Enter your best grant proposal for a chance to win in the 2025 Winning Grant Proposal Competition. Open to anyone who has written and submitted a grant proposal. Learn more »
"The American Revolution" Library Microgrant Opportunity
Deadline - July 7: PBS – Public, academic, and specialty libraries can apply for a $750 microgrant to support community programs tied to "The American Revolution, a six-part documentary series about the birth of the United States. Libraries can use the funds for events like film screenings, discussions, exhibits, book clubs, speaker talks, or youth projects that focus on themes of liberty, freedom, independence, and democracy. The grant includes access to screening reels, discussion guides, promotional tools, and support from local PBS stations. Learn more »
Assistive Technology Grants
Rolling Deadline - Rural Technology Fund - This Fund provides grants for Rural Technology Education projects and Assistive Technology projects. They review and award grants every 30-60 days, with no specific deadlines. Rural Technology Fund provides funding for Assistive Technology equipment to increase accessibility for students with disabilities in public schools and libraries. These donations include equipment and software that promote student inclusion and participation. Projects funded include laptops or tablets to utilize speech-to-text, text-to-speech, word processing, magnification, audiobooks, and other accessibility features. Learn more »
National Trust for Historic Preservation - Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund
This fund helps to build the capacity of existing preservation organizations and encourages collaboration among these organizations by providing grants for mentoring and other peer-to-peer and direct organizational development and learning opportunities. Grants from the Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund support travel costs and mentor honoraria with a maximum reimbursement of $2,500. Learn more »
Wikimedia Foundation Grants
Grant programs for groups of individuals, Wikimedia affiliates, and non-profit organizations.
Rapid Grants fund Wikimedia community members to organize projects throughout the year up to $2,000. Projects can include experiments or standard needs that don't need a broad review to get started.
Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »
Vintage Museum Photo: Paynesville Historical Society Museum, Paynesville, MN. (1981). View additional photos on Instagram »
This section features slides taken of Minnesota history museums from the 1970s through the 1990s by David Nystuen, the MNHS Field Services Coordinator, and other Field Services representatives during that time period.
Help Map Community Archives: Share Your Archive or Spread the Word
The FOCAS project, a group of archivists, scholars, and students from nine schools in the U.S. and Canada, is creating a map to showcase community archives across North America. This map will highlight archives led by and for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and other historically marginalized groups. They invite community archives to share their information by filling out a short form by July 15, 2025, so their archive can be included when the map launches on August 15, 2025. The information collected will be used for research and education, and only what archives agree to share publicly will appear on the map. People are also encouraged to share this invitation with others who may be interested in joining. For questions, the FOCAS team can be contacted by email.
MN Digital Newspaper Hub - June 2025 content update
A content update to the Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub today added 10,466 new issues and 180,933 new newspaper pages.
New publicly available titles & date spans:
New issues for the years 1977-2023 were also added to several existing current newspaper titles, available to view only in the MNHS Library.
Rochester Art Center helps History Center celebrate major milestone
KAALTV - The History Center of Olmsted County and the Rochester Art Center are coming together for a creative collaboration. As the history center prepares to celebrate 100 years of preserving Minnesota history next year, it’s teaming up with the art center to breathe new life into precious artifacts. Read more »
Do you have a favorite Minnesota building? Your story is sought
CBS News - Ann Mayhew with the American Institute of Architects Minnesota shares some details about the new North Star Story Map project. Watch video »
NRHS Awards $150,000 in Grants
Railfan & Railroad Magazine - The National Railroad Historical Society announced in June that it had awarded $150,000 in grants to 31 organizations across the country as part of its annual Heritage Grants program. ...Friends of Historic Finlayson, Finlayson, Minnesota: $5,000 applied to the total restoration of Finlayson’s 1909 Northern Pacific combination depot... Continue reading »
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Featured BookMy City Was a Sparkling Jewel: Voices of Newcomer Youth from Afghanistan, edited by Tea Rozman, Zahra Lotfi, Jeannine Erickson Green Card Voices. Exhibit Opening |
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Minnesota UnraveledBrick by Brick: The African Americans who built the Capitol Episode 113 |
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Minnesota History Organizations Directory• County, Chapters, and Local |
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Field Note On June 11, MNHS staff and interns visited the Hmong Museum in St. Paul to check on the progress of a grant-funded project to develop a...
Field Note June 7 in Pine City, Minnesota marked the 20th anniversary of East Central Minnesota Pride, one of the oldest rural Pride events in the...
Field Note The 2025 Minnesota Main Street Conference in Duluth’s Lincoln Park brought people together to discuss Main Street programs and community...