June 7 in Pine City, Minnesota marked the 20th anniversary of East Central Minnesota Pride, one of the oldest rural Pride events in the country. Since its start in 2005, the festival has provided a space for LGBTQ+ individuals from Pine, Isanti, Chisago, Kanabec, and Mille Lacs counties to come together. The event held at Robinson Park included music, drag performances, and community resources. This year, Minnesota Historical Society's booth saw the launch of the Greater Minnesota Two-Spirit & LGBTQIA+ History Map, an interactive, participatory project by the Minnesota Historical Society that highlights overlooked Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ sites, people, and stories across Greater Minnesota, revealing the presence and diversity of queer history in every corner of the state. Inset photo, left to right: Interns Ulysses Swanson, Luis Valderrama, and staff member Jamie Kherbaoui tabling at the Minnesota Historical Society booth. If you have questions about the project and/or ideas for local stories you'd like to see featured, contact them via email.
We’d love to see you at Pride festivals this summer! MNHS staff will be tabling at the following upcoming events:
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.
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.
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: Do Grant Projects Model Trends in History Work?
June 26 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: Join the Grants Office for a discussion on how recent grant projects reflect important trends in historical practice and community engagement. The field of history is evolving to better meet contemporary needs and priorities. We'll examine a few case studies that showcase innovative approaches to history work. This session will be valuable whether you're preparing your first grant application or looking to strengthen future proposals for effective history projects. Presented by Grants Specialist John Fulton.
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 Minnesota Digital Library News. Have a blog? Let us know!
Love letters from Civil War general to his future wife now in MDL
Many Civil War veterans came to Minnesota after the war to build their homes and start their families. The Minnesota Digital Library contains the records of one such family, that of Theodore and Georgia Barrett, who lived in Stevens County in the late 19th century.
Theodore Harvey Barrett's military career began in September 1862, when he enlisted as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 9th Minnesota Infantry. Later, he received a promotion to captain of the regiment. On December 29, 1863, Barrett transferred to the 62nd United States Colored Infantry Regiment and was promoted to Colonel. Near the end of the Civil War, Barrett and his regiment went to Texas, where he was brevetted Brigadier General. He commanded one of the last battles of the war at the Palmito Ranch in Texas from May 12-13, 1865. Continue Reading »
This week's post is from Minnesota Bricks. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!
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Minnesota Historical Society's Job Announcement, Internship, Fellowship, and Volunteer Opportunity pages.
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Wanigan used on an Early Logging River Drive.
Image used with permission. From the collections of the Clearwater County Historical Society.
FAQ: How Can I Share my Event for the Local History News E-Newsletter?
Discussion: Art + Ecology + Serendipity
June 26 @ 6:30 to 7:15 pm - Stillwater: Washington County Heritage Center & Stillwater Area Public Schools - Explore “A Story of the St. Croix,” an exhibit blending art, history, and ecology of the St. Croix River, created by a team of artists, scientists, writers, and musicians. Project manager and photomontage artist Beth Diem discusses the exhibit’s themes and inspirations, including the influence of Jeannie Baker’s children’s book “Where the Forest Meets the Sea.” The program features a short film and highlights the exhibit’s journey to the Heritage Center through partnerships with the University of MN Art + Ecology course and ArtReach St. Croix. Cost: Free. Learn more »
The Coming of the Railroad 1867-1900
June 26 @ 11 am to 12 pm - Austin: Mower County Historical Society - Local historian and author Dean Ulland presents a free talk on the arrival and impact of the railroad in Austin, MN, covering the transformative years from 1867 to 1900. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lunch and enjoy history in a relaxed setting. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Harmonizing Identities: The True Story of a Transgender Nyckelharpist in 1700s Sweden
June 26 @ 6 to 7 pm - Minneapolis: American Swedish Institute - Discover the remarkable life of Magnus Johansson, a nyckelharpa player who defied gender norms in 18th-century Sweden. Gender studies researcher and musician Renee Vaughan shares Magnus’s story, accompanied by live performances of period music featuring nyckelharpa, guitar, cello, and accordion. Cost: Free; registration required. Learn more »
Chert Quarry Guided Tours
June 28 @ 9 am to 2 pm - Grand Meadow: Mower County Historical Society - At Grand Meadow Chert Quarry/Wahni Yukan Trail, join guided tours of this significant Indigenous archaeological site featuring ancient chert quarry pits used by Native Americans for thousands of years. Tours start at 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm from the parking area north of St. Finbar Cemetery on 730th Ave. Discover the history and cultural importance of the quarry and enjoy the natural prairie and oak savanna preserve. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Remembering The Rapidan Dam – One Year Later
June 28 @ 1 to 2 pm - Mankato: Blue Earth County Historical Society - Learn about the history and significance of the Rapidan Dam, from its early 20th-century construction to its role in local power generation and its recent challenges with flooding. BECHS staff will share insights from their book on the dam’s construction, and photo historian Rick Pepper will present his new book documenting last year’s flood. Books available for purchase. Cost: Free members/$10 nonmembers. Learn more »
Winona’s Red Light District with Mary Alice Anderson
June 28 & 29 @ 10:30 am - Winona: Winona County History Center - Step back in time on this walking tour along Second Street, exploring the history of Winona’s infamous Red Light District, which flourished for decades until the landmark Vice Raid of 1942 ended an era of lawlessness and brothels in the city. Tours last about an hour, start and end at the History Center, and include stories of the district’s colorful past. Cost: $6 members/$10 nonmembers (includes water and $1 off museum admission). Learn more »
MGS Open House
June 29 @ 10:30 am to 4 pm - Mendota Heights: Minnesota Genealogy Center - Join the open house with food, drinks, and library tours starting at 11 am. A Beginning Genealogy Class will be offered at 1 pm, taught by Library Manager Jeanne Bielke-Rodenbiker. All are welcome. Cost: Free. Learn more »
The Art of Romanian Textiles
Every Sunday in July @ 1 to 3 pm - St. Paul: Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans in Minnesota - Explore the vibrant world of Romanian textiles through a special exhibit featuring intricate embroidery and woven carpets that reflect nature and connect communities. Learn about the techniques, symbolism, and artistry passed down through generations. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Exhibit: Treasures from Norway
July 1, 2025 through June 21, 2026 - Moorhead: Hjemkomst Center/Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County - Explore the stories of Norwegian immigrants through artifacts like bunads, rose-painted trunks, and hardanger fiddles brought to the U.S. by those seeking a new life. This exhibit commemorates the Bicentennial of Norwegian Immigration and will be on display. Cost: Free. Learn more »
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. Cost: Not specified. Learn more »
St. Louis Park Walking Tour Package: Skunk Hollow & Great Swamp
July 8 @ 5 pm & July 13 @ 2:30 pm - St. Louis Park: Hennepin History Museum & St. Louis Park Historical Society - Discover the hidden history of St. Louis Park with two guided walking tours: “Skunk Hollow” on July 8 explores the Oxford Industrial district and its wetlands, while “The Great Swamp” on July 13 delves into the area’s industrial past, the sugar beet revival, and legacy of groundwater pollution. Package tickets: $15 members/$25 nonmembers. The walking tours are also available for purchase separately. Learn more »
An Afternoon with the Newest Supreme Court Justices
July 8 @ 4 to 5 pm - St. Paul: Minnesota Judicial Center - Meet Minnesota Supreme Court Justices Theodora Gaïtas and Sarah Hennesy and their clerks for a conversation about their legal backgrounds, paths to the bench, and perspectives on appellate jurisprudence. Light refreshments provided. Cost: Free for members/$25 nonmembers. 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, built in 1911 and operated by three generations of the Bally family for nearly a century. The shop, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcases traditional blacksmithing techniques and local history. Cost: Free. Learn more »
America's 250th: The Road to Independence – The Declaration of Independence at Lawshe
July 17 @ 6 to 8 pm - South St. Paul: Lawshe Memorial Museum/Dakota County Historical Society - Explore how thirteen colonies united to declare independence in this presentation by educator and historian Frank Sachs. Part of a 14-part series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the program delves into the document's creation, its impact, and its relevance today. Cost: $5 members/$10 nonmembers. Learn more »
Explore Minnesota - State of MN's Tourism website
Listings: History & Heritage Events | Historic Exhibits | Lectures & Workshops
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Highlighted Museum: Starbuck Depot Museum sideview, operated by the Starbuck Depot Society, Starbuck, MN.
Exploring Public Funding
July 9 @ 1 pm (CT) – Online: GrantStation – This webinar will guide participants through the process of identifying, evaluating, and applying for public funding opportunities at the federal, state, and local levels. Learn how to determine if public funding is right for your organization and how to navigate the application process. Cost: $69. Learn more »
Expanding Queer Narratives in Museums
July 10 @ 2 to 3:15 pm (CT) – Online: American Association for State and Local History – This live webinar explores how museums and historic sites can broaden LGBTQ+ interpretation, featuring case studies from the Gibson House and Historic New England. Presenters will discuss exhibit planning, research methods, programming, communications, and overcoming pushback, offering scalable strategies for institutions of all sizes. Cost: $25 members/$45 nonmembers. Learn more »
Strategies to Onboard, Support & Retain Your New Executive Director
July 15 @ 9 am to 12 pm (CT) – Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – This virtual workshop with Becky Schueller covers intentional planning and Board/ED collaboration for successful executive director onboarding. Learn about early-stage onboarding goals, benchmarks, key contract elements, and strategies to support and retain new leaders, including those from BIPOC or non-traditional backgrounds. Cost: $95 for MCN members/$135 for nonmembers. Learn more »
Free Admissions, Real Returns
July 15 @ 10 to 11 am (CT) – Online: Southeastern Museums Conference – Learn how two museums use free admission to expand outreach, improve accessibility, and better serve underserved communities while growing revenue. Christa McCay of Marietta History Center shares about their free monthly Pop-In for Family Fun events. Heather Wilson of Cameron Museum of Art highlights partnerships with Museums on Us and Museums for All programs. Discover how free admission has boosted attendance, membership, and donor support. Cost: Free for members/$15 nonmembers. Learn more »
Lost, Found, and Everything in Between: Surviving Inventory Surprises
July 24 @ 11 am to 12 pm (CT) – Online: Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) – Join this webinar to learn how to handle unexpected challenges during collections inventories, including dealing with old loans, undocumented objects, and mold outbreaks. Preservation Specialist Katie Lowe will provide practical strategies for immediate response and prevention to help protect your collections. Cost: $25. Learn more »
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October 29 - November 1, 2025 |
September 10 - 12, 2025 |
September 17 - 20, 2025 |
Additional Educational Opportunities »
Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities
Deadline - July 10: Arts Midwest - Now accepting applications for a $3,000 award for mid-career 2D and 3D visual artists with disabilities who live in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or the Native Nations in these areas. Awardees will be notified in August. Learn more »
National Council on Public History Awards
Over $8,000 in award money is available to recognize excellence in the multitude of ways public historians apply their skills to the world around us. Nomination deadlines vary. View all award descriptions and guidelines »
Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program
The USDA offers a Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program for essential community facilities in rural areas, which includes museums and libraries. 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 »
Event Sponsorship
Applications reviewed the first workday each month: PFund Foundation - Event sponsorships for events, gatherings, conferences, and convenings serving a primarily LGBTQ+ audience. Sponsorship amounts typically range from $500 to $1,000 and organizations are limited to receiving one sponsorship per year. Learn more »
Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »
Vintage Museum Photo: Yellow Medicine County Museum, Granite Falls, 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.
Minnesota’s 59 National History Day competitors, representing grades six through twelve from across the state, joined nearly 3,000 students nationwide at the University of Maryland, College Park, to present research projects on “Rights and Responsibilities in History.” Their efforts earned four medals, five finalist spots, seven honorable mentions, and several special recognitions, including a state prize, in a competition where the top three finishers in each category receive monetary awards. Learn more »
“They really want to use this twinning”: Kilkenny, Minnesota working to deepen Irish connection
IrelandLive - “As you drive into Kilkenny, Minnesota, it doesn’t look too distant to the Kilkenny countryside in Ireland, so you can understand how people settled in places that were familiar to them,” says James O’Reilly, as he reflects on his recent trip to the Midwestern state. James, a Kilkenny, Ireland native and his wife Monica, who hails from Minneapolis, travelled to Kilkenny, MN over Easter to deliver a copy of this year’s Old Kilkenny Review to the library of our Minnesotan namesake town on behalf of Kilkenny Archeological Society and offer assistance in helping them eventually set up their own historical society. Continue reading »
Sherburne Legacy Trail will get an update, thanks to Xcel grant
Elk River Star News - A grant from the Xcel Energy Foundation will help boost signage along the Sherburne History Center Legacy Trail, replacing, updating and expanding the informative panels there. This grant project will replace six faded panels and update the two Herbert M. Fox House interpretive panels to match the others along the Legacy Trail. Continue reading »
Minnesota's historic Terrace Mill site set to reopen after five-year hiatus
Alexandria Echo Press - Terrace Mill, the nationally recognized historic flour mill and attraction, will reopen its doors to the public on June 21 and 22 with a slew of activities and events. The mill, located in Glenwood, Minnesota, officially closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and reorganizing efforts, according to a news release announcing the reopening. However, after building back up its board of directors and obtaining more volunteer help, Terrace Mill and the surrounding area will once again function as a historic site and gathering place. Continue reading »
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Featured BookHome Club: Up-and-Comers and Comebacks at Acme Comedy Company, by Patrick Strait. Minnesota Historical Society Press. |
Featured Article
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Featured Article
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Minnesota UnraveledEpisode 112 |
Minnesota History Organizations Directory• County, Chapters, and Local |
Minnesota Main Streets |
Preservation Specialists Directory |
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