Local History Services staff met with staff from Scott County Parks to see structures related to the Doyle-Kennefick homestead located at Doyle Kennefick Regional Park in Elko New Market. Scott County Parks is planning for future uses of these buildings, which include a corn crib, a 20th-century barn, and the original log-construction homestead, which is currently enclosed inside a temporary metal building to preserve it.
We are pleased to announce the release of the updated Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants (MHCHG) Manual, version 9.0. The manual has been thoroughly reviewed and revised to ensure compliance with legislative directives and state policies for state-funded grant programs as we enter the new biennium.
You can download the updated manual here: MHCH Legacy Grants Manual.
Key Updates in Version 9.0
To help you understand these updates, we invite you to our upcoming 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 was just released this month (July). This session will review the latest manual updates, changes to the application process, and potential challenges for applicants. If you’re planning to apply for a grant, we strongly encourage you to attend. Presenters: 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#
Large Grant Deadline
Pre-applications for the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants large grant round (requests over $20,000) will be due Friday, July 18, 2025. This is a required part of the large grant application process. Contact the Grants Office with questions.
Small Grant Deadline
Applications for the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants quarterly small grant round (requests of $20,000 and less) will be due Friday, July 11, 2025. Contact the Grants Office with questions.
Grants Office YouTube Playlist »
This week's blog post is from the Blue Earth County Historical Society. Have a blog? Let us know!
Cambria 4th of July
Looking for something to do on the 4th of July? Check out Cambria’s 4th of July Celebration. They’ve been celebrating since 1855, except for a 10-year break during the US-Indian War and the Civil War.
Cambria, tucked into the northwest corner of Blue Earth County, was established by Welsh settlers, drawn by water and timber. Cambria was a Steamboat stop until the end of the 1800s when a rail line between Mankato and New Ulm went through the community. Although the town remains small, it has celebrated July 4th for 154 consecutive years.
The first July 4th celebration, 1855, was held on the north side of the river. Having no flag, the pioneers innovated, making a flag from white calico with red and blue paint. From 1856 until 1860, the John E. Davis family hosted the festivities in their grove. The Davis’ were early settlers, Mrs. Davis being the first white woman in the area. 1861 found the festivities in the town of Judson rather than Cambria. Then followed a ten-year hiatus. Continue Reading »
This week's post is from the Rock County Historical Society. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!
Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »
Minnesota Historical Society's Job Announcement, Internship, Fellowship, and Volunteer Opportunity pages.
Additional Job Postings in the Field »
Image used with permission. From the collections of the Scott County Historical Society.
FAQ: How Can I Share My Event for the Local History News E-Newsletter?
The Great Minnesota Book Club - The Lager Queen of Minnesota
July 10 @ 6:30 pm – Maplewood: Maplewood Area Historical Society – Join in to discuss The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal. Meet other book lovers and enjoy a lively conversation about this popular novel at the Maplewood Area Historical Society. Learn more »
Artist Talk with Amy Sands
July 10 @ 6 pm – Minneapolis: Norway House – Join artist Amy Sands as she shares her research on textiles from two Norwegian museums, Osterøy Museum and Tekstilindustrimuseet, and how this inspired her art series Portal and Bunad. The gallery will be open from 4 to 8 pm. Sands will be available for questions before and after the talk. Learn more »
Rural Heritage Museum Open during the Winona County Fair
July 10-13 @ 10 am to 7 pm – St. Charles: Winona County Historical Society at the Winona County Fairgrounds – Explore Winona County’s farming history and rural life at the Rural Heritage Museum during the county fair. See exhibits on the wheat industry, round barns, local turkey plants, and historic farm inventions. Tour three historic buildings: the last one-room schoolhouse built in the county, the Hill Log House, and a log barn from an early Irish settlement. Learn more »
Petersburg Cemetery Tour
July 12 @ 10 am – Lakefield: Jackson County Historical Society – Join Museum Director Nick Riordan for a guided tour of Petersburg Cemetery, located on a bluff above the Des Moines River. Hear stories about the people buried there and learn about their stories and the lives they led. Cost: Free will donation. For more information call 507-662-5505.
At War & At Home: The WWII Experience
July 12 @ 10 am to 4 pm and July 13 @ 11 am to 4 pm – St. Cloud: Stearns History Museum – Step back to the 1940s and experience World War II history with authentic military vehicles, reenactors, weapons demonstrations, children’s activities, and WWII trivia. This year’s event highlights the role of women in WWII and the contributions of war correspondents and journalists. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Privy Dig at Valley School
July 13 @ 9 am to 5 pm – Denmark Township: Denmark Township Historical Society – Join a hands-on privy dig at Valley School to search for antique bottles and artifacts hidden in old outhouse vaults. Learn about local history and how people lived in the past while helping uncover real treasures. Learn more »
Log Cabin Workshop
July 13 @ 10 am to 1 pm – St. Peter: Nicollet County Historical Society at the Treaty Site History Center – Mark Johnson of Artisan Restoration in Kasota will teach how cabins were built and maintained in the past during this hands-on workshop. If you’re interested in participating, please wear appropriate clothing. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Millions of Minnesota Artists Writing Series – Maud Hart Lovelace
July 15 @ 6 to 7:30 pm – Mankato: Blue Earth County Historical Society – Join the second session of this writing series to learn about Maud Hart Lovelace, author of the Betsy-Tacy books. Local writer J. Anderson will lead a workshop exploring Lovelace’s life and work, and guide group writing and sharing. Bring a notebook and pen—no experience needed. Cost: $10 members/$15 nonmembers. 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 at Chippewa City Church – Join author Staci Drouillard for a presentation on Ojibwe food traditions and community life at Chippewa City, based on her book Walking the Old Road. Hear stories about how Ojibwe culture shaped local foods, and sample a variety of pies (bring one to share if you’d like). This event is part of the Historical Society’s Centennial Celebration. Location: Chippewa City Church. Learn more »
Mendota After Hours: The Nation Makes the Man
July 18 @ 6 to 8 pm – Mendota: Dakota County Historical Society at Sibley Historic Site – Explore how ideas of American masculinity changed from the late 1800s through World War II, with a focus on Norman Rockwell’s art and its impact on culture. Mary Agnes Ratelle, Interim Executive Director of the Edina Historical Society, will lead the discussion. Cost: $15 members/$20 nonmembers. Learn more »
BECHS History Book Club – Summer Series Session 1
July 19 @ 1 pm – Mankato: Blue Earth County Historical Society – Join the first session of the BECHS History Book Club featuring The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson. Pick up your book, learn about the book club format, and get historical background on the story’s setting. This series includes monthly sessions through September with special presentations and group discussions. Cost: $50 for the full series (includes book, events, refreshments, and a gift); individual sessions $10 each. Pre-registration required to reserve your book. Other dates: August 16 - Special guest presenter; September 20 – Group book discussion. Learn more »
Southwest of Lake Harriet: From Mrs. Thornton’s Resort to the Fulton Neighborhood
July 23 & 24 @ 6:30 to 8:30 pm – Minneapolis: Linden Hills History Study Group – Take a free summer walking tour with Peter Sussman to learn how the area southwest of Lake Harriet changed from a rural lake resort, including Mrs. Thornton’s boarding house, to today’s Fulton neighborhood. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Upper Midwest Genealogy Institute 2025
August 4–8 @ 9 am to 5 pm – Mendota Heights: Minnesota Genealogical Society – Join a week-long genealogy institute with expert instruction, course materials, a Friday evening pizza party, and a special lecture. Box lunches are available for $15 each or you can bring your own. Open to all skill levels. Cost: $210 for MGS members, $245 for non-members (includes an introductory membership offer). Learn more »
Explore Minnesota - State of MN's Tourism website
Listings: History & Heritage Events | Historic Exhibits | Lectures & Workshops
Register for an Account »
Highlighted Museum: Stone House Museum, owned by the City of Marine on St. Croix and operated by the Stewards of Marine Mills History, Marine on St Croix, MN.
Photograph by McGhiever, distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 license.
Creating an Organizational Plan to Succeed With Major Donors
July 10 @ 1 pm (CT) – Online: GrantStation – Learn how to create a plan that helps your organization build strong relationships with major donors. This webinar will give you practical tools and techniques to increase your fundraising success. Cost: $69. Learn more »
Federal Advocacy Update—What You Can Do Now
July 16 @ 1 pm (CT) – Online: National Trust for Historic Preservation – Join this webinar for an update on federal policies affecting historic preservation. Learn about recent legislation, funding priorities, and how you can take action to support preservation efforts. The Government Relations team will also answer questions. Cost: Free. Learn more »
The State of Nonprofit Technology
July 18 @ 1 pm (CT) – Online: Chronicle of Philanthropy – Learn how nonprofits are using technology today. Experts will share new research about what tools nonprofits use, their tech priorities, and the challenges they face. Find out how your organization compares and get tips on using technology to help your mission. Cost: Free. Learn more »
AASLH History Hour: Museum Gift Shops
July 22 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) – Online: American Association for State and Local History – Join a free, informal online conversation with AASLH members and friends about museum gift shops—what makes them great, what could be better, and tips for success. Everyone is welcome, but you must register to join. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Fundamentals of Nonprofit Board Governance
July 22 @ 9 am to 12 pm (CT) – Online: Propel Nonprofits – Learn the basics of being a nonprofit board member, including board responsibilities, authority, and relationships. This workshop is great for people new to serving on a board or thinking about joining one. Participants get a workbook with helpful information. Cost: $70. Learn more »
Year-round Advocacy: Being an Effective Advocate
July 24 @ 1 to 2 pm (CT) – Online: American Alliance of Museums – Learn how to be a strong advocate all year long, not just when issues come up. Brandy Dillingham from AAM and Alexandra Coon from the Massillon Museum will share tips on building relationships with lawmakers and becoming a more effective advocate. Cost: Free. Learn more »
|
October 29 - November 1, 2025 |
September 10 - 12, 2025 |
September 17 - 20, 2025 |
Additional Educational Opportunities »
Bank of America Art Conservation Project (ACP) Grants
Deadline - September 12: ACP is a unique program that provides grants to nonprofit museums across the world to conserve historically or culturally significant works of art that are in danger of deterioration. Nonprofit cultural institutions of all sizes with artwork requiring conservation are welcome and encouraged to apply. Learn more »
J.M. Smucker Company Community
Ongoing - One of their primary areas of focus is Culture and the Arts – Support is focused on the visual and performing arts, libraries, museums, and cultural centers. Learn more » (select CHARITABLE REQUEST on their contact form)
Emergency/Intervention Funding
National Trust for Historic Preservation - Intervention funding from the National Trust is awarded in emergency situations when immediate and unanticipated work is needed to save a historic structure, such as when a fire or other natural disaster strikes. Funding is restricted to nonprofit organizations and public agencies. Emergency grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, but unlike the majority of our grant funding, a cash match is not required for intervention projects. Learn more »
Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »
Vintage Museum Photo: Blacksmith building and church steeple on the grounds of the Polk County Historical Society, Crookston, MN. (1986). 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.
New Seedswomen exhibit will be traveling Minnesota
The Minnesota Digital Library, in partnership with the Andersen Horticultural Library, has created a traveling exhibit about three Minnesota seed sellers that is available for loan to cultural heritage organizations. Learn more »
Invite Congress to Visit Your Museum
August – Your city: American Alliance of Museums – During August, members of Congress are in their home districts. Museums are encouraged to invite them for a tour, to see an exhibit, or to attend a special event. Sign up for free to get tips, virtual office hours, and resources to help plan your visit. This is a great way to show Congress the important work museums do in the community. Learn more »
After 6 years, Two Harbors lighthouse beacon will again sweep across Lake Superior
Detroit Lakes Tribune - ...With help from the U.S. Coast Guard, four volunteer lighthouse keepers with the Lake County Historical Society — which owns the lighthouse — installed a temporary beacon so the facility could continue to operate as a private aid to navigation on the lake... Continue reading »
|
|
|
|
Featured BookSo Long and Best of Luck by Carol Klitzke. Carlton County Historical Society |
Featured Article
|
Featured Article
|
Minnesota UnraveledMapping History: Lesbian Feminist Cooperative Farms in Greater Minnesota Episode 114 |
Minnesota History Organizations Directory• County, Chapters, and Local |
Minnesota Main Streets |
Preservation Specialists Directory |
Subscribe to Local History News
Use Local History News as part of your online tools to stay connected to your colleagues while working from home. Know someone who could benefit from this newsletter?
Have them sign up »
