14 min read

steamboat2

Local History News: March 5, 2025

Field Note

Looking cross North Star in the floor at the MN State Capitol rotunda at three people talking

On February 27, History Matters Day took place at the Minnesota State Capitol, where advocates from around the state gathered with their legislators to urge them to provide state funding to preserve history. Pictured across the Northstar of the rotunda floor is, from left to right, Todd Mahon, State History Services Manager; Kent Broten from Marshall County Historical Society; and Rep. John Burkel, District 1A.






Outline with the state of Minnesota with a Paper survey insetMALHM-MNHS Local History Services Survey
Please take this survey to help Local History Services and the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums (MALHM) better understand the scope and capacity of local history organizations across Minnesota. It has 29 questions and takes about 10 minutes. Results will be shared after analysis. The survey closes on March 14. Take Survey »



 

Heritage Preservation Grants

Before and after photos of museum storageSpotlighted Project: Roseau County Museum Mobile Shelving Phase One: Storage Room
The Roseau County Historical Society (RCHS) and Museum reopened in 2005 in a new building following a devastating flood. Over time, the old shelving in the Storage Room became inadequate for the growing collection, with close placements hindering access and safety. The donated metal shelving and non-anchored plywood fixtures, which were decades old, posed concerns such as off-gassing and physical stability. To address these issues, RCHS determined that installing mobile and fixed shelving would maximize storage capacity without expanding the building's size. A revised collection management policy was also implemented to ensure the highest preservation standards for artifacts.

With Phase One of the Mobile Shelving Project installed, RCHS successfully enhanced their main storage space, allowing for better organization and protection of their collection spanning over 96 years of Roseau County history. This new system not only facilitates easier management of artifacts but also ensures each item remains in excellent condition for future generations. RCHS will be able to continue to preserve and share the stories and artifacts of Roseau County with its visitors. 
Recipient: Roseau County Historical Society
Amount Funded: $275,599
Project Details

Small Grant Deadline
The next small grant deadline (requests of $10,000 or less) for the MHCHG program is Friday, April 11, 2025.

MARCH Grants Open House
March 6 - 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: Funding Your Historic Building Preservation Projects
March 20 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: Join us for this webinar that will survey the MNHS grant programs that can fund your historic preservation projects. In this comprehensive session, you'll learn about the range of available funding opportunities for historic structures and properties, including:

  • Pre-development support for Conditions Assessments and Historic Structure Reports
  • Funding for architectural and engineering construction documents
  • Grant opportunities for preservation construction work
  • Key eligibility requirements and application timelines
  • Tips for creating competitive applications

Whether you're a first-time applicant or looking to enhance your grant strategy, this webinar will help you understand the available grants for your preservation projects. Time for questions will follow the presentation. Presented by Design Reviewer Ryan Maciej.
Join online: meet.google.com/zwx-krei-com
Join by phone: ‪(US) +1 386-361-3086‬  PIN: ‪420 891 978‬#


Grants Office YouTube Playlist »


 

From the Blog

This week's blog post is from the Meeker County Historical Society. Have a blog? Let us know!

ca. 1910 photo of a young African American man holding photo

The Van Spence Children
As Black History Month comes to a close, it is only fitting that we share a bit of Meeker County’s Black history. If you know some of the local history, the name Albert Van Spence might be familiar to you. He was born into slavery, escaped, fought for the Union Army in the Civil War, and later moved to Litchfield where he became a part of the G.A.R. and the community as a whole. But what became of his children? Continue Reading »

More MN Blog posts

 

From the Tube

This week's post is from the Minnesota Alliance for Heritage Response. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!

Minnesota’s Heritage Emergency Response Caches
Did you know that across Minnesota, emergency response caches are strategically located to help museums, libraries, archives and other cultural institutions save their collections from flooding, fire, and other emergencies? These caches are COMPLETELY FREE for cultural organizations to use when needed.

To access an emergency response cache, you can contact the Mutual Assistance Team from the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums or the Minnesota Alliance for Heritage Response. You can use the hotline number, 612-208-3150, or email.

Watch Video »

More MN Tube posts

Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »


 

Job Opportunities

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

MNHS

LOCAL

REGIONAL

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

INTERNSHIPS/VOLUNTEERS/FELLOWSHIPS

MNHS Internship and Volunteer Opportunities

Additional Job Postings in the Field »


 

Do History Here

Several dozen sleighs parked on the street in front of stores. On photo is written Street scenc - Zumbrota. ca. 1900
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.

The Impact of Climate Migration in Finland and the US
March 6 @ 10 to 11:30 am - Online: Immigration History Research Center - Global climate change has resulted in global climate-related migration that impacts different countries and regions uniquely. Our experts will explain what climate migration is, how it impacts Finland and the United States, and what governments can do to be better prepared. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Returning to Service!
March 7 @ 10 am to 6 pm - Bloomington: Northwest Airlines History Center - Everyone is welcome to visit the refreshed museum facility following the water damage incident that happened last October. A lot of work by volunteers and the Crowne Plaza AiRE Hotel has taken place to protect the museum’s displays and artifacts and rework the exhibit and storage space as repairs have been made. Learn more » 

Family Fun Day: Living History
March 8 @ 12 to 3 pm - Red Wing: Goodhue County Historical Society - Have you ever wondered what it would be like to meet a historical figure? Now is your chance! Come experience St. John’s Living History program, where students dress as notable people in history and share stories about their lives and legacies. Plus, March is Women’s History Month! Learn about women who made a difference in Goodhue County and beyond with a themed scavenger hunt and puzzle activity. In partnership with St. John’s Lutheran School in Red Wing. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Artist-in-Residence Showcasing Traditional Anishinaabe Art
March 8 @ 10 am to 2 pm - Bemidji: Beltrami County History Center - Anishinaabe artist and 2025 recipient of the Minnesota Historical Society's Native American Artist-in-Residence Encouragement Award, Melissa Fowler will give a live demonstration and artist talk as part of the Art is HERStory series. Fowler specializes in beadwork, textiles, and birchbark artistry. Visitors can watch her demonstrate beadwork and birchbark techniques. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Children's Reading Circle with Justice Alan Page
March 8 @ 11 am to 1 pm - Minneapolis: Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery - Former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page and Kamie Page will be reading their delightful book "Baking Up Love!" This heartwarming story celebrates the joy of doing things together, intergenerational connections, and the love baked into every shared moment. Cost: Free. Learn more »

The WASP Program of WWII
March 13 @ 7 to 8:30 pm (CT) - Rochester & Online: History Center of Olmsted County - Learn about the Women Airforce Service Pilots and the important role they played in winning the war. Cost: Free members/$5 for nonmembers. Learn more »

The Great Minnesota Book Club - Gentle Warriors
March 13 @ 6:30 to 7:30 pm (CT) - Maplewood & Online: Maplewood Area Historical Society - The featured book will be Gentle Warriors: Clara Ueland and the Minnesota Struggle for Woman Suffrage. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Swords, Daggers, and Knives: The History of Edged Weapons
March 13 @ 6:30 pm - Morris: Stevens County History Museum - Explore the development of edged weapons and hear the story behind many of the swords, knives and bayonets in their collection including a sword from the American Revolution. Learn more »

Drawing the Winter Spirits of Norse, Celtic, & Lakota Mythology
March 13, 20, and 27 @ 6 to 8 pm - Minneapolis: Norway House - Step into a world of myth and winter magic in this unique drawing class that blends folklore with artistic technique. Led by artist and storyteller Carrie Finnigan, this three-session course will introduce you to legendary winter beings from Norse, Celtic, and Lakota traditions. Through storytelling, cultural exploration, and hands-on drawing exercises, you’ll develop your skills while bringing these mystical figures to life on paper. Cost: $75 members/$80 nonmembers. Learn more »

More Than a Housewife: The Image of Post-War Women in Magazine Illustrations
March 13 @ 7 pm - Golden Valley: Golden Valley Historical Society - Join in for a presentation by Mary Agnes Ratelle, Interim Executive Director of the Edina Historical Society, exploring the visual representation of the 1950s housewife in American magazine illustrations and her significance in post-war marketing and psychological theory. This discussion will also delve into the connections between these representations and American economic development. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Finding Your Family: An African American Genealogy Workshop
March 15 @ 11 am to 12 pm - Minneapolis: Hennepin History Museum - Although many people think Ancestry.com is limited when it comes to African American genealogy, it has been adding more databases to its catalog of resources as they have become accessible. In this workshop you will learn how to navigate Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and the National Archives to find your African American ancestors. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Cross Stitching - Stitch Your Own Affirmations
March 15 @ 11 am to 1 pm - Falcon Heights: Gibbs Farm - This workshop will utilize the medium of needlepoint (cross stitch) as a creative expression of art. You’ll be crafting up a 4-inch framed cross stitch piece featuring affirmational stitches. This workshop is taught by sister duo Wone and Youa Vang of "Third Daughter, Restless Daughter" (3DRD). Cost: $50. Learn more »

Opening Exhibition: Emily Holt, Digital Reflection 
March 15 @ 12 to 2 pm - Buffalo: Wright County Historical Society - Emily Christine Holt is a Digital Composite Artist (non-AI) with her main subject matter being self-portraits. Always a creative individual, she fell upon this medium during the pandemic. There she found herself realizing these creative thoughts deserved to have a space and not be lost to the forgotten abyss. Learn more »

Annual Meeting: Blue Earth County Historical Society
March 22 @ 11 am - Mankato: Blue Earth County Historical Society - The Annual Meeting will feature a short State-of-the-Society business meeting, luncheon, and keynote address by Dr. Kyle Ward titled "The Nordic Countries and the Holocaust." Location: Minnesota State University, Mankato Centennial Student Union. Cost: $50. Learn more »

Romanian Happy Hour
Third Friday of every month - Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans in Minnesota - Get together with other Romanians, Moldovans and friends, meet new people. Events organized, but not sponsored by HORA. Follow us on social media to see the meeting location and time for each month. Learn more »

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


 

Continuing Education

Exterior of the Church of St. Francis Xavier
Highlighted Museum: St. Francis Xavier Church, operated by the Cook County Historical Society, Chippewa City, MN.
Photograph by McGhiever, distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 license.


The Promise and Perils of AI in Historic Preservation
March 7 @ 12 pm (CT) - Online: National Trust for Historic Preservation - Join Preservation Leadership Forum for an introductory webinar about AI and its uses in preservation practice. In this session we’ll go over the basics of using AI, critical considerations about its limitations and impacts to the environment, the importance of considering an organizational policy around its usage, and case studies from those in the field about what worked and what didn’t in two different aspects of preservation work. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Creating Community with Cheap Old Houses
March 13 @ 12 pm (CT) - Online: National Trust for Historic Preservation - This conversation will tackle the joys and challenges around living in and owning an historic home, how these places create stronger connections to neighborhoods and communities, and how they bring a sense of wonder and fun to the preservation process. See a conversation between National Trust President and CEO, Carol Quillen, Elizabeth Finkelstein, and Cristiana Peña as they share their love of bringing often neglected properties back to life. Cost: Free. Learn more »

De-mystifying Environmental Data
March 17 @ 12 to 1 pm (CT) - Online: Connecting to Collections Care - This webinar focuses on de-mystifying the process of environmental data collection and analysis. Topics covered include good, better, and best practices for setpoints, analysis software, and communicating findings with stakeholders. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Flooding collection room with  Minnesota Alliance for Heritage Response over photoMuseum Disasters Series Part 1: Flooding and Wall Collapse at a Museum Storage Facility
March 17 @ 12 to 1 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Alliance for Heritage Response - Todd Topper will share his experiences from Fall of 2012 when an 8" water main failed under a North Denver off-site museum storage facility. This broken pipe resulted in extensive flooding and an exterior wall collapse. Todd will discuss how preventative measures in warehouse storage system design and emergency response procedures -- as well as some luck -- prevented a complete collections catastrophe. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Midwest Art Conservation Center logoIn Person: Understanding Pesticide Testing - Arsenic Spot Tests and XRF Analysis
April 11 @ 9:30 am to 4:30 pm - St. Paul: Midwest Art Conservation Center - Pesticides were commonly used to preserve Native American cultural materials in both public and private collections, and can present potential health risks for people handling these items. In this workshop, participants will learn how to take a sample for arsenic testing, practice sampling on study collection materials provided, and perform a spot test for arsenic. Additionally, XRF – a technique employed by institutions for pesticide testing – will be demonstrated. We will talk about limitations of pesticide testing, questions/requests during repatriation consultation, pesticide use histories, and working with medical health professionals to assess personal risk. Participants will be provided in advance with instructions for taking samples from an artifact for testing, and encouraged to bring these samples for testing during the workshop. Location: Minnesota History Center. Cost: Minnesota residents: Free/$250 nonresidents. Learn more »

Midwest Art Conservation Center logoIn Person: Guidelines for Cleaning - Focus on Decorative Arts and Historic House Collections
April 17 @ 10:30 am to  5 pm & April 18 @ 9:30 am to 4 pm - Bemidji: Midwest Art Conservation Center - This is a two-day in-person workshop. The workshop will discuss the ethics, hazards, and benefits of cleaning cultural heritage items from a variety of different material types. With a mixture of lecture and hands-on practical exercises, the workshop will include conservation techniques for cleaning textiles, picture frames, ceramics, glass, silver, and iron artifacts. Location: Beltrami County Historical Society. Cost: Minnesota residents: Free/$400 nonresidents. Learn more »

TIPS & TOOLS

UPCOMING CONFERENCES IN MINNESOTA

MAC 2024 serving logo

April 10 - 12, 2025, Minneapolis, MN
Scholarships available.

Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums Annual Conference & Meeting in White Bear Lake

April 22 - 24, 2025
White Bear Lake, MN

Digital Directions Conference and Minnesota Digital Library, graphic

May 6 - 7, 2025
St. Paul, MN
Scholarships available.

 

Additional Educational Opportunities »


 

2025 Judge Sign-Up for MN History Day

 

Judges Needed for National History Day in Minnesota. List of dates and locations. This also available in the linked PDF

Over 19,000 Minnesota students are hard at work on their History Day projects surrounding this year’s annual theme, “Rights and Responsibilities in History,” and getting ready for contest season. Consider judging at one of the contests to get inspired about future generations and see the work of these young scholars.

There are nine in-person regionals happening statewide throughout March, and State History Day is on Sunday, April 27 at the Minneapolis Convention Center! This document has the full list of dates and locations, as well as frequently asked questions. The time commitment will range from 5-7 total hours. A judging orientation will be done prior to the events to help prepare you - new and experienced judges are welcome! Sign up »



 

News

Anoka County Historical Society, (Anoka Lodge), Anoka, MN
NEW FEATURE!
Vintage Museum Photo: Anoka County Historical Society, Anoka, MN. (ca. 1970). 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.


Man leaning against front of truck. Text on door of truck says, Minnesota Department of Conservation, State Parks-ca. 1940What's New in Archival Cataloging
Here is the latest What's New list from archival cataloging for February. It includes newly cataloged materials, newly digitized collections or parts of collections, and recently updated finding aids. 

Of special interest are a sizable groups of photographs from the Minnesota Department of Conservation for Alexander Ramsey, Baptism River, Camden, Charles A. Lindbergh, Father Hennepin, Fort Ridgely, Gooseberry Falls, Interstate, Itasca, Jay Cooke, Lake Shetek, Minneopa, Old Mill, Scenic, Sibley, St. Croix, and Whitewater state parks. The majority of the undated photographs were most likely taken in the 1930s, although there are also scattered photographs dated from 1926 to 1956.

Newly added accessions this month include the Accountancy Board Receipt and Disbursement Registers; the Anoka State Hospital Patient Index Cards; the Paul Richard Bohr Papers; the Brainerd State Hospital Patient Index Cards; the Cambridge State Hospital Patient Index Cards; the Tim Larsen Papers; the Saint Peter State Hospital Patient Records; and the Stewartville Birth and Death Records. Collections with additions or added digital content include the Accountancy Board Registers of Certified Public Accountants; the Anoka State Hospital Admission Registers, Population Records, Published Records and Reports, and Subject Files; the Fergus Falls State Hospital Patient Records; the Hennepin County, Medical Examiner, Coroner Record Books/Medical Examiner Reports; the Olmsted County, Haverhill Township, Birth and Death Records; the Olmsted County, Rochester, Birth and Death Records; the Rochester State Hospital Patient Registers and Indexes; and the Secretary of State Rules and Regulations. Learn more »

Historical society in southern Minnesota removes live grenades from collection
Star Tribune – The History Center of Freeborn County got a potentially explosive surprise Wednesday when staff found not one, but three live grenades among its collection dating back to the 1960s. Continue reading »

Lake County Historical Society Faces $100,000 in Repairs After Winter Damages
Fox 21 – The Lake County Historical Society was gearing for a 100th year anniversary, but recent events have shifted their focus to emergency repairs. Busted frozen pipes, flooding, and two failed boilers have cost over $100,000 in damages. This happened between two different sites, the 3M Museum and the historic Two Harbor’s Lighthouse. Continue reading »

Rice County Historical Society 'Digging up the Past' to introduce community to archeology
Northfield News – Can you “dig” it? Archeologists sure can. On Thursday night, Curator Jenna Nelson presented “Digging up the Past: an Introduction to Archeology and What It Is” at the Rice County Historical Society. In this crash course, she gave a brief history of archeology, methods, significant discoveries, and the future of the field of study. Nelson also spoke more locally about findings in Minnesota. Continue reading »

Northwest History Museum to reopen
Sun-Current – The Northwest Airlines History Center will reopen Friday, months after water damage closed the museum. Continue reading »

MUWU wins big election, Science Museum workers win TA, Health Partners strike postponed
Twin Cities Labor Report – After winning an election to unionize in JANUARY 2023, and over 300 hours of negotiations later, around 250 Science Museum workers finally have a TA on a first contract. It is still pretty astounding to me how poorly paid these workers were for so long, and how nasty this employer was, so huge congrats to these workers for sticking it out. Now that I think about it, every major museum in the Metro except for the Children's Museum has a union contract now. Continue reading »


In the Company of Grace-A Veterinarians Memoir of Trauma and Healing by Jody Lulich

 

cover

 

MNOpedia Logo

Featured Book

In the Company of Grace: A Veterinarian's Memoir of Trauma and Healing by Jody Lulich

University of Minnesota Press.

Featured Article
Minnesota History

Sisters in toil: St. Paul's first union of garment workers

Volume XX, Issue X, Year

Featured Article
MNopedia

Carrie H. Lippincott (1860–1941)

Featured MNopedia Article

Minnesota History Organizations Directory Log for Minnesota Main Streets

 

Preservation Specialists Directory

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.

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 »

 

Local History News: April 16, 2025

Local History News: April 16, 2025

Field Note Local History Services and Grants staff visited the History Center of Olmsted County, including the George Stoppel Farmstead in...

Local History News: April 9, 2025

Local History News: April 9, 2025

Field Note Staff from the Grants Office and Local History Services met staff from the Basilica of St. Mary and their contractors on March 18 to get...

Local History News: April 2, 2025

Local History News: April 2, 2025

Field Note April 1, 2025, marked not only April Fools' Day but also the 175th birthday of Hallie Q. Brown, a trailblazing educator, writer, orator,...