Field Note

Local History Services co-presented with the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums at the American Institute for Conservation’s annual conference in Minneapolis on Friday, May 30. The session was titled “A Field Services Guide to Disaster Response.” The presentation covered the collaboration between MNHS and MALHM to prepare and respond to disasters at Minnesota’s cultural institutions. After the presentation, Todd Mahon and Liz Koele joined staff from the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, Utah Division of Arts and Museums, and the University of Delaware in a panel conversation.

Heritage Preservation Grants

Avoid Phishing Scams
To protect our partners, the general public, and the Minnesota Historical Society itself, we offer advice on protecting yourself and your organization from phishing* scams, especially when scammers pretend to be from a foundation or grant program. This involves being vigilant and adopting certain practices to verify the legitimacy of the communication. Here are some tips to help prevent falling for such scams.  »

*Phishing is a cybercrime where scammers trick individuals into sharing sensitive information by posing as trustworthy sources in emails, texts, or social media.

June Grants Office Webinar
Postponed: The Minnesota Historical Society celebrates Juneteenth on June 19. This month’s webinar will be held on Thursday, June 26. More details in next week’s LHN.

Small Grant Deadline
Applications for the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants quarterly small grant round (requests of $10,000 and less) will be due Friday, July 11, 2025. Contact the Grants Office with questions.

Large Grant Deadline
Pre-applications for the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants large grant round (requests over $10,000) will be due Friday, July 18, 2025. This is a required part of the large grant application process. Contact the Grants Office with questions.

Grants Office YouTube Playlist »

From the Blog

This week's blog post is from the Rethos. Have a blog? Let us know!

2026 Budget Proposal Cuts Historic Preservation Fund 
The Federal programs that administer, support, and fund historic preservation and community development are threatened by cuts that are proposed or in progress in Washington, DC. Here’s what you need to know about the situation and how you can take action to support preservation funding and programs.

Drastic budget cuts are proposed to the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) for the upcoming fiscal year. Funded by offshore oil and gas leases – not by taxpayer dollars – the HPF is managed by National Park Service (NPS) in the U.S. Department of the Interior. These cuts will have real impacts to the people employed in preservation-related jobs – from program administrators to construction workers – and to the historic places that contribute to the cultural heritage and economic vitality of our local communities. Continue Reading »

More MN Blog posts

• American Swedish Institute Elects New Trustees and Confirms Board Leadership - American Swedish Institute
• Changing times - Washington County Historical Society
• Merchant ships in the South Atlantic during wartime - Jim Froemming-Hometown Focus
• New MDL exhibit features the photography of Mathias O. Bue - Minnesota Digital Library News
• Kraus-Anderson and the Milwaukee Road - Kraus-Anderson
• Decorating Memorial Day - Meeker County Museum at the G.A.R. Hall
• D-Day Remembrance: The Story of Virgil Tangborn - Beltrami County Historical Society
• Erwin "Lefty" Johnson and the D-Day Landings - Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County

From the Tube

This week's post is from the Immigration History Research Center at the U of MN. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!

More MN Tube posts

• We Live On: Stories of Radical Connection - Telling Queer History
• Terri Rinke Oral History Clip, Changes in Large Animal Practice - Minnesota Veterinary Museum 
• Kettle River Quarries – Sandstone Minnesota - Minnesota Bricks
• Ann Wolff Exhibition Tour ASI - American Swedish Institute
• The Vultee BT-13 - Engine Startup and a History Flight in a WWII Trainer - Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing
• In the Victory Kitchen with Caitlin: Eggs in Rice Nests - Stearns History Museum
• Sound of Silence with LC Simon - Washington County Historical Society
• Constitution Day 2025 - Kashubian Cultural Institute and Polish Museum

Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »

Job Opportunities

Minnesota Historical Society's Job Announcement, Internship, Fellowship, and Volunteer Opportunity pages.

MNHS

• Facilities Maintenance Technician - Mill City Museum

LOCAL

• RFP: Interpretive Planning and Research, Project Title: Dance Halls of Southwest Minnesota - Southwest Six History Alliance, Remote
• Director of Development - The American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, MN
• Historic Housekeeper - The American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, MN
• Grants Administrator - Minnesota Humanities Center, St. Paul, MN
• Planetarium Educator - Bell Museum, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN
• Distinctive Collections Engagement Librarian - St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN

REGIONAL

• Museum Archivist - Racine Heritage Museum, Racine, WI
• Museum Specialist, Natural History Collections - History Museum at the Castle, Appleton, WI
• Museum Specialist, Natural History Programming - History Museum at the Castle, Appleton, WI
• Director, Budget and Finance - Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, WI
• Executive Director - Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, Fond du Lac, WI
• Program Director - Upijata Arts Community Center, Kyle, SD
• State Librarian - Iowa Department of Administrative Services, Des Moines, IA

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

• Archivist - Cantigny, Wheaton, IL
• Production Assistant - Cantigny, Wheaton, IL
• Historical Research Specialist - Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL
• Project Coordinator - Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
• Grants Specialist - The Field Museum, Chicago, IL
• Assistant University Librarian of Distinctive Collections - University of Chicago Library,  Chicago, IL
• Visual Content Producer - Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL
• Major Gifts Officer - Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL
• Executive Assistant to the President and CEO - Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL
• Executive Director - Friends of Historic Second Church, Chicago, IL
• Archivist - The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL
• Curator of European Art - Newfields, Indianapolis, IN
• Exhibits Coordinator - Castle Museum of Saginaw County History, Saginaw, MI
• Digital Communications Manager - Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis, MO
• Resource Protection Officer - Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis, MO
• Museum Educator - Sheldon Museum of Art, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
• Executive Assistant to the Director - Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
• Assistant Curator - McMaster Museum of Art, Hamilton, ON
• Development Manager - Canada's Theatre Museum, Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres, Toronto, ON

INTERNSHIPS/VOLUNTEERS/FELLOWSHIPS

• SMSC Native American Fellowship - Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis, MN
• Intern, Veteran Internship Program - Cantigny, Wheaton, IL

Additional Job Postings in the Field »

Do History Here

Image used with permission. From the collections of the Goodhue County Historical Society.

Submit your history organization's news and events to localhistorynews@mnhs.org.

Journey Stories Poster Exhibition
Now through July 5 @ museum hours - Saint Peter: Nicollet County Historical Society - In honor of Immigrant Heritage Month, explore “Journey Stories,” a Smithsonian poster exhibition highlighting the diverse journeys that have shaped American history and Nicollet County. The display encourages reflection and dialogue on migration, travel, and cultural identity. Cost: Included with admission. Learn more » 

¡Cuba! Challenging Perceptions
Now through September 30 - Minneapolis: Elmer L. Andersen Library, third floor gallery U of MN - This exhibition explores perceptions of Cuba through the lenses of conquerors, foreign powers, and visitors, while inviting deeper understanding of the Cuban people’s resilience and identity. Curated by Special Collections and Rare Books; exhibit design by Darren Terpstra. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Bemidji Heritage Preservation Commission Recognition Event
June 11 @ 12:30 pm - Bemidji: Bemidji Heritage Preservation Commission - Celebrate Bemidji’s architectural heritage as the Commission honors four downtown buildings over 100 years old on Third Street. Commemorative decals will be presented to building owners or representatives. Meet in front of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation. Cost: Free. For more information call 218-444-3376.

The Curiosity Collection: Children’s Exhibit Opening
June 14 @ 10 am to 3 pm - South St. Paul: Lawshe Memorial Museum, Dakota County Historical Society - Celebrate the grand opening of The Curiosity Collection, a new hands-on exhibit for children exploring Dakota County’s pre-historic past, early collections, rural electrification, and the stockyards. Activities include a fossil dig pit and interactive displays. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Learn more »

Unfolding History: Significant Flags of Minnesota
June 14 @ 10 am - Bemidji: Beltrami County History Center - Celebrate Flag Day with a special presentation by Vincent Noble on Minnesota’s most iconic and forgotten flags, plus family-friendly activities like a Design Your Own Flag station and historic flag coloring tables. Cost: Free. Learn more »

New Research on William Crossley & Nance Legins-Costley
June 17 @ 7 to 8:30 pm - Rochester & Online: History Center of Olmsted County - Researcher and author Karen Sieber presents a Juneteenth lecture exploring the story of William Crossley and his mother, Nance Legins-Costley—the first former enslaved people freed by Abraham Lincoln—and their connection to Rochester and the first Juneteenth. Cost: Free members/$5 nonmembers. Learn more »

Abolitionists of Southeast Minnesota
June 18 @ 12 to 1 pm - Red Wing: Goodhue County History Center - Discover the stories of abolitionists who settled in southeast Minnesota in the 1850s, some of whom were involved in the Underground Railroad before arriving. Local naturalist Sara Holger shares oral histories and research on these early settlers and their impact on the region’s fight against slavery. Cost: Free. Learn more »

5th Annual Iron Range Juneteenth Community Celebration
June 19 @ 11 am to 3 pm - Chisholm: Minnesota Discovery Center & VEMA Center - Celebrate Juneteenth with a day of freedom, reflection, and joy! Enjoy live music, dance, DJ, games, prizes, and a free meal. Admission is free and includes access to all Minnesota Discovery Center attractions. Shuttle service available for elders and those needing assistance. Cost: Free. Learn more »

The Story of Winona Farmers’ Market
June 19 @ 7 pm - Winona: Winona County Historical Society - Hear from Sandy Dietz and Sarah Schaub about the history and community impact of the Winona Farmers’ Market, featuring stories from local farmers and insights into how the market supports the region’s economy and food system. Cost: Free-will donation. Learn more »

Opening Reception: Recent & Past Works from Brock Larson that Capture Northern Life
June 20 @ 5 to 7 pm - Grand Marais: Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, Historic Cook County - Celebrate Duluth artist Brock Larson’s exhibit featuring realistic paintings and drawings that capture the light, mood, and nature of northern life. The gallery exhibit will run from June 21 to July 13. Refreshments provided. Learn more »

Scandinavian Festival
June 20 & 21 - Moorhead: Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County - Celebrate Nordic heritage at the annual Scandinavian Festival, featuring Norway as the showcased nation in honor of the Bicentennial of Norwegian immigration to the U.S. Learn more »

Tour the Lepak/Larson House Museum
June 21 @ 10 am to 12 pm - Shoreview: Shoreview Historical Society - Enjoy a guided tour of the 1930s–40s Lepak/Larson House Museum and learn about early 1900s life in Shoreview from Board members. Cost: Not specified. Learn more »

A Dive Into Unitary Executive Theory: Presidential Powers and Limitations
June 24 @ 3 to 4 pm - St. Paul: Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society - Explore the origins and development of the unitary executive theory in this CLE panel featuring legal scholars Christine Chabot, Heidi Kitrosser, and Nick Bednar. Discussion includes founding-era history, executive accountability, and recent Supreme Court interest. Location: Minnesota Judicial Center - Room 230. Cost: Free members/$25 nonmembers. Learn more »

Stories from Jewish Elders
June 29 @ 1 to 3 pm - St. Louis Park: Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest - Retired Judge Allen Oleisky and attorney Dick Hunegs share memories of practicing law as young Jewish lawyers in the 1950s and 60s. Location: Beth El Synagogue. RSVP via email. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Genealogy Club Meeting
July 7 @ 1:30 pm - Marshall: Lyon County Museum - Join fellow family history enthusiasts at the next Genealogy Club meeting! This friendly gathering is open to anyone interested in genealogy or sharing their family history research. Light refreshments will be served.  Cost: Free. For more information, contact the Lyon County Museum at 507-537-6580.

Explore Minnesota - State of MN's Tourism website
Listings: History & Heritage Events | Historic Exhibits | Lectures & Workshops
Register for an Account »

Continuing Education

Highlighted Museum: Spam Museum, operated by Hormel Foods, Austin, MN.
Photograph by Darb02, distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 license.

Civic Season
Civic Season is a nationwide initiative that takes place each summer, bringing together museums, historic sites, libraries, and community organizations to help Americans explore the nation’s past and shape its future. Civic Season runs from Juneteenth (June 19) through July 4, uniting our oldest federal holiday with our newest and connecting the stories of American history with present-day civic action. Learn more »

Systems, Stories, and Stewardship: A Practical Guide to Modern Fundraising 
June 16 @ 9 to 10 am (CT) - Online: Ohio Museums Association - Colleen Cook from Vinyl Marketing will review two recent case studies to show what’s working, then offer a clear framework rooted in cycles, segmentation, and stewardship. Cost: $15 members/$20 nonmembers. Learn more »

Braver Together: Strengthening Civil and Human Rights
June 17 @ 12:30 to 2 pm (CT) - A virtual participatory workshop for cultural workers to ignite bravery for positive change that will draw from experiences from across the country and around the world to share tools and frameworks for igniting bravery together. Led by three cultural professionals, Braden Paynter (Long Trail Consulting), Stacey Garcia, and Linda Norris (Creative Futures, LLC), with a broad range of national and international experiences, most recently at the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience. Cost: Free will donation. Learn more »

Introduction to Proposal Writing
June 20 @ 2 to 3:30 pm (CT) - Online: Candid Learning - New to proposal writing or need a refresher? This popular class covers the essential elements of a standard project proposal, do’s and don’ts, and tips for following up with funders. Gain practical skills and access sample winning proposals from the Sample Documents gallery. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Walking Tours at Museums and Historic Sites: A Conversation with Dr. Michael Dove
June 24 @ 2 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History - Dr. Michael Dove of Western University, Ontario, will discuss walking tours at museums, historic sites, and public spaces. A former museum interpreter, Michael regularly incorporates walking tour assignments and experiences into his courses and collaborates with local community partners to create tours, including the award-winning Labatt Memorial Park walking tour for Tourism London, Ontario. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Covering Your Assets: How Climate Change is Reshaping Museum Insurance
June 26 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: American Alliance of Museums - Join CFM director Elizabeth Merritt and High Desert Museum’s Dana Whitelaw to explore how climate change is driving insurance premium increases, coverage reductions, and market shifts impacting museums. Discuss strategies like catastrophe bonds and self-insurance, followed by breakout group discussions on implications and solutions. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Sanborn Maps: Origins, Uses, and Interpretation
July 7 @ 5 pm (CT) - Online: Backlog - Discover the history and ongoing value of Sanborn maps, originally created for fire insurance but now essential for historical and archival research. Learn how to find, read, and interpret these maps, with practical examples for research and preservation. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Managing Cash Flow
July 8 @ 9 to 11 am (CT) - Online: Propel Nonprofits - This workshop helps nonprofit leaders anticipate and prepare for cash flow fluctuations, identify strategies to avoid and manage challenges, and ensure financial stability. Cost: $70. Learn more »

TIPS & TOOLS

• Rural Museum Delivers 45 Percent ROI - The Rural Broadband Association

UPCOMING STATE and REGIONAL CONFERENCES

Additional Educational Opportunities »

Funding & Awards

The Winning Grant Proposal Competition
Deadline - June 30: GrantStation - This competition is open to organizations that received a grant between $25,000 and $1,100,000 funded in 2024-2025. Submit your successful grant proposal for a chance to win a $500 cash prize, a GrantStation subscription, and additional resources. This opportunity showcases effective grant writing and supports your organization's continued funding success. Learn more »

Levitt Music Series Grants
Deadline - June 30: Levitt Foundation - U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for a three-year matching grant of up to $40,000 per year (up to $120,000 total) from the Levitt Foundation to present 7-10 free outdoor concerts annually in their community. The grant supports the transformation of public spaces into gathering places through live music and includes planning resources, toolkits, and peer support. Learn more » 

Rural Technology Education Grants
The Rural Technology Fund - Offers grants to support technology education and assistive technology projects in rural public schools and libraries across the United States. Grants range from $500 to $2,500, with larger amounts considered for projects that reach more students. Applications are accepted year-round with reviews every 30-60 days. Learn more » 

Research Grants at Presidential Libraries                
Several private foundations associated with Presidential Libraries provide grants-in-aid to assist researchers studying Presidential Library holdings. Learn more »

Brooks and Joan Fortune Foundation Grants   
Ongoing: The Brooks and Joan Fortune Foundation provides grants to support education, art, and outreach projects for organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Applications are accepted online from April 1 to December 31 and are reviewed upon receipt. Funding decisions are made throughout the year and communicated by email. Learn more »

Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »

News

Vintage Museum Photo: Blue Earth County Historical Society Museum, Hubbard House, Mankato, MN (1982). View additional photos on Instagram »
This new 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.

Balendy is new executive director at Legacy of the Lakes Museum
Alexandria Echo Press — From the time he was little, Andy Balendy was captivated by aquatic life. By the time he was 6 years old, he knew he wanted to be a marine biologist. And the Scranton, Penn., native did just that, attending Penn State as a biology major and marine science minor. Now he's the newest face at the Legacy of the Lakes Museum, having recently become its executive director. Continue reading »

Why tourism leaders say Canadian tourism to Minnesota is down this year
CBS News — The Explore Minnesota tourism office says Canadian arrivals from January to April were down 3.5% compared to last year. Watch video »

10th Anniversary of Bemidji’s Shaynowishkung Statue Recognized
Lakeland PBS — The Beltrami County Historical Society in Bemidji commemorated the 10th anniversary of the current statue honoring Shaynowishkung at Library Park on Saturday. Shaynowishkung, whose name means “He Who Rattles” in Ojibwemowin, was described as an orator and spokesperson who helped address difficult issues facing people in northwest Minnesota. In June of 2015, a statue was dedicated to Shaynowishkung (labeled later in his life as Chief Bemidji) as a testament to ongoing community healing. Continue reading »

Red Wing Pride celebration held downtown
Republican Eagle — ...Many local and state organizations set up booths offering resources to LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and allies, including advocacy organization Outfront Minnesota, the Goodhue County Historical Society, and two local churches... Continue reading »

Secrets of a fortress: Inside Litchfield’s GAR Hall
West Central Tribune — Visitors to the Grand Army of the Republic Hall in this central Minnesota city are able to step back 140 years thanks to the decision of the Civil War veterans who built it. The deed for the property, turned over to what was then the village of Litchfield, spelled out that the building was to be preserved and used in a manner that maintained its original purpose — to honor Civil War veterans and preserve their history. Continue reading »

New Minnesota Military & Veteran Museum construction reaches midpoint
Morrison County Record — As the construction of the 40,000-sqaure-foot museum next to Camp Ripley in Little Falls is well underway, Randal Dietrich, executive director of the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum estimates the construction is now about halfway done. Continue reading »

Featured Book Rewind: Lessons From Fifty Years of Activism, by Theartrice (“T”) Williams, with David Lawrence Grant. Minnesota Historical Society Press. Author Event Date: June 15 @ 1 to 2 pm Location: Sumner Library, Minneapolis, MN	Featured Article Minnesota History PARADES - a Potpourri Volume 41, Issue 2, 1968	Featured Article MNopedia Quatrefoil Library Featured MNopedia Article	Minnesota Unraveled SoulForce: Black, Brown, and Red Power in the Twin Cities Episode 110

Minnesota History Organizations Directory  • County, Chapters, and Local • Statewide/Topical Historical • Regional History Coalitions • Professional Organizations	Minnesota Main Streets Reinvigorate your community's commercial district.	Preservation Specialists Directory Look up products or services.

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