MNHS staff visited the Children's Dental Services building in Duluth, MN to see the results of the reinforcement and rehabilitation of roof, skylights, cornice and balustrade, and parapet wall. Housed in the historic 1894 J.C. Schobes Bakery and Confectionery, it is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Inset photo: Ceremony marking the beginning of the rehabilitation project.
April 15 @ 9 am to 3:30 pm - St. Paul: Local History Services - Join us for a workshop for preservation professionals. Eileen Grogan, the director of historic preservation for Conrad Schmitt Studios, will explore the process of Historic Finish Analysis. Participants will receive foundational knowledge on the history and process of historic finish analysis, with hands-on instruction on taking samples, working with specialists to determine what historic finishes are present in historic structures, and using the results of a historic finish analysis. Location: Alexander Ramsey House.
This workshop is free for registered participants and includes lunch and refreshments. This workshop is made possible with funding from the Henry Somsen Fund and the Charlie Nelson Fund for Historic Preservation. Learn more/Register »
Museum 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 »
Small Grant Deadline
The next small grant deadline (requests of $10,000 or less) for the MHCHG program is Friday, April 11, 2025.
Grants Office Webinar: Key Preservation Grants Overview for Historic Buildings
March 20 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: People contact Grants asking where to start with assessing or rehabilitating their historic buildings. In this webinar, you will discover an overview of three of our most popular preservation Legacy Grant types--1) Conditions Assessments / Historic Structure Reports, 2) Construction Documents, and 3) Construction Work--and how each builds upon the former to properly guide physical building work, including:
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 »
This week's blog post is from the Robbinsdale Historical Society. Have a blog? Let us know!
Trailblazing Elizabeth Titus
In Robbinsdale, a name once echoed through the countryside: Elizabeth Titus. For nearly four decades, this extraordinary woman defied societal expectations, braving snowdrifts, sweltering summers, and countless miles to deliver the lifeblood of rural America – the mail. Rain, sleet, or snow didn’t stand a chance against her; she delivered more than letters—she delivered hope, news, and laughter along the way.
Elizabeth Titus didn’t just stumble into the role of a mail carrier; she charged into it like a letter marked “urgent.” Starting as a substitute mail carrier during World War I, Titus stepped in when the regular carrier left the district. At a time when few women held such roles, she quickly proved herself indispensable, taking on one of the most demanding routes in Robbinsdale. It was during these formative years that she began to understand the critical role mail played in connecting families, friends, and lovers separated by distance and circumstance. Let’s just say Cupid himself would’ve had a hard time keeping up with her. Continue Reading »
This week's post is from the Anoka County Historical Society. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!
We’re celebrating our 100th episode with a special tour Around the County! Rebecca and Sara sit down to share 100 of their favorite facts, memories, trivia, and tidbits from each of the county’s 21 cities (and desperately try to make it to the end without getting tongue tied.) Special guests: the ACHS Board of Directors pop in to share their favorite county memories too. Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director. Listen to the Podcast »
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 History Center of Olmsted County.
Submit your history organization's news and events to localhistorynews@mnhs.org.
Oligarchy: A Very Brief History of Modern Russia
March 13 @ 7 pm - Slayton: Murray County Historical Society - This lecture will explore the concept of "oligarchy," examining its formation, economic and social outcomes, and its connection to nationalism and national identity, particularly in the context of modern Russian history. By surveying the last 40 years of Russian governance and domestic changes, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of this frequently discussed style of rule. Cost: Free members/$3 nonmembers. Learn more »
Designing the Future: Women in Engineering
March 15 @ 10 to 11:30 am - Bemidji: Beltrami County History Center - The event showcases the achievements of women in engineering and features a panel discussion with local professionals shaping the region's infrastructure. Panelists will share their career journeys and highlight their contributions to the field, and hope to inspire future generations to consider careers in STEM. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Movie Showing: The Ordinaries
March 15 @ 4 to 6 pm - Minneapolis: Germanic-American Institute - Come to a showing of "The Ordinaries (Die Gewöhnlichen)." In a three-class society, Paula, a simple Supporting Character, must prove she deserves to be a Lead while navigating the fringes of her storyline. Location: Trylon Cinema. Cost: $3. Learn more »
Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day!
March 15 @ 10 to 11:15 am - Rochester: History Center of Olmsted County - Learn local history regarding St. Patrick and the Irish in MN, followed by a family art project based on historic Celtic design. Together you can create your own family monogram inspired by Celtic tradition and imagery. Cost: Free members/$5 nonmembers. Learn more »
Celtic Festival
March 17 @ 10 am to 4 pm - Moorhead: Hjemkomst Center/HCSCC - Enjoy the intriguing history, arts and traditions of Brittany, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Galicia, Ireland, Scotland and Wales at the annual Celtic Festival. Experience three performance stages, workshops, fencing and dance demonstrations, heritage presentations, interactive booths, shopping, and feast on traditional Celtic cuisine. Cost: $5. Learn more »
Quilt Show at Lawshe
March 19 - April 11 - South St. Paul: Lawshe Memorial Museum/Dakota CHS - Join the Dakota County Star Quilters for their 30th annual quilt show, "The Threads That Bind Us." The show will include the traditional exhibition showcasing the work of the Dakota County Star Quilters, as well as quilt challenges, and a small quilt auction. Cost: $5. Learn more »
History Break: Abolitionists of Southeast Minnesota
March 19 @ 12 to 1 pm - Red Wing: Goodhue County History Center - In the decades before the US Civil War, abolitionists from eastern states migrated to western territories to prevent the expansion of slavery. Among the early settlers in Minnesota during the 1850s were these abolitionists, some of whom participated in the Underground Railroad. Local naturalist Sara Holger will share stories gathered from oral history interviews with descendants of these abolitionists who lived in southeast Minnesota before slavery was abolished in America. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Warroad History Trivia
March 20 @ 6 to 8 pm - Warroad: Warroad Heritage Center Museum - Enjoy Warroad- and Lake of the Woods-based trivia at Lake of the Woods Brewing Company. Teams or individuals have 3 rounds to test their knowledge on the area’s past. Winners of the rounds receive 4 free drink tokens. At the end of the 3 rounds, a team is drawn at random to win a larger gift from Lake of the Woods Brewing Company. Learn more »
Annual Meeting: Washington County Historical Society - Presentation: Minnesotans in World War II
March 20 @ 5:30 to 8:30 pm - Stillwater: Washington County Historical Society - Col. Don Patton from the World War II Round Table will highlight the Minnesotans who played major roles during WWII and contributions from companies on the homefront. Col. Patton was the Commander of the 882nd Personnel Service Company, Commander of the 407th Civil Affairs Battalion and Commander, 13th Psyops Battalion. He retired after 30 years of service as Colonel. Location: Stillwater Event Center. Cost: $25 for WCHS members/$30 for nonmembers. Learn more »
Jackson County Trivia Night
March 21 @ 6:30 PM - Lakefield: Jackson County Historical Society - How well do you know Jackson County's history? Assemble a team for four rounds of bar-style trivia hosted by Museum Director Nick Riordan. Show off your knowledge, win fabulous prizes, and enjoy a fun-filled, educational night. Learn more »
Genealogy Games Live - Clue?
March 22 @ 10 am - Owatonna: Steele County Historical Society - Join in as they hold the second Annual Genealogy Games Live. Historic people, places and objects from Steele County will be in play. Was it Galen Merrill at the Owatonna Public Library with the Drum Major Baton? Location: Owatonna Arts Center. Cost: Free members/$5 nonmembers. Learn more »
Polish play for children — “Historia Wiktorii i Franka”
March 22 @ 2 to 4 pm - St. Paul: Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota -
The play explores the rise of Solidarity and the August 1980 strikes through the eyes of two ten-year-olds, Wiktoria and Franek, who travel from the 21st century to experience these historic events. It features interactive elements, encouraging the young audience to participate and engage with the story. After the performance, attendees can enjoy a post-show reception in the Chief Justice Room, where they can meet the cast and discuss the play. Location: Landmark Center - F.K. Weyerhaeuser Auditorium. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Annual Meeting: Blue Earth County Historical Society - Presentation: The Nordic Countries and the Holocaust
March 22 @ 11 am - Mankato: Blue Earth County Historical Society - The Annual Meeting will feature a meal, a brief State-of-the-Society business meeting, and a keynote address by Dr. Kyle Ward titled “The Nordic Countries and the Holocaust.” Dr. Ward will discuss the varying experiences of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland during World War II regarding their actions toward Jews. His address coincides with the traveling exhibit Americans and the Holocaust on display at the Memorial Library from March 19 – April 26, 2025. Location: Minnesota State University, Mankato Centennial Student Union. Cost: $45 members/$50 nonmembers (Business meeting free for members). Learn more »
SEED SWAP
March 22 @ 10 to 11 am - Buffalo: Wright County Historical Society - Check out donated seeds, chat up a Master Gardener, and share your own gardening experiences. Bring your own packets to trade with others at this event. Cost: Free. Learn more »
The (Not So) Invisible Empire: THE KKK in Southwest Minnesota
March 24 @ 6:30 pm - Worthington Nobles County Heritage Center - During the 1920s, the KKK was active in many area towns. The brief but intense presence of the KKK in Southwest
Minnesota is a hidden chapter in the region's history. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Asian American Disability: History, Archives, Methods
March 26 @ 4 to 5:30 pm (CT) - Online: Immigration History Research Center - In a special issue of the Journal of American Ethnic History, Naoko Wake highlighted how ableism has profoundly influenced Asian American experiences of disability, paralleling the impact of racism. The IHRC is hosting a panel with contributors to this issue, featuring discussions on the history and methods of Asian American disability, with open access to the publication from March 15 to April 15 so that panel attendees can engage with this important work. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Re-Presenting the Past: The Case of Pioneer Pastor Claus L. Clausen
March 26 @ 1 pm (CT) - Online: Norwegian American Historical Association - Clausen was a co-founder of the Norwegian Synod, the first editor of Emigranten newspaper, founder of the town of St. Ansgar, Iowa, and a chaplain among Scandinavians in the Civil War. He originally intended to become a missionary to “the heathen.” What made him change his mind? Jostein Garcia de Presno, Ph.D., associate professor of the history of Christianity at Volda University College in Norway shares new findings in letters and diaries that shed light on his decision to emigrate to the United States. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Celebrate Women's History Month with Amy Hahn (in person and online)
March 27 @ 7 to 8:30 pm - Rochester: History Center of Olmsted County - Local author Amy Jo Hahn shares stories of influential women who shaped Rochester. Learn about their contributions and legacies as she brings to life the history of the city's most important women. Cost: Free members/$5 nonmembers. Learn more »
Author-Artist Talk: "Know-Before-You-Go" Trail Details from Duluth to the Canadian Border
March 29 @ 2 to 3:30 pm - Grand Marais: Johnson Heritage Post Gallery/Cook CHS - Gentle Hikes of Minnesota's North Shore is a guidebook that details the physical accessibility of scenic trails under 3 miles roundtrip from Duluth to the Canadian Border. Authors Ladona Tornabene and Lisa Vogelsang will discuss their creative process and research, with Tornabene's photography from the book on display at the Johnson Heritage Post Gallery from March 29 to April 20. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Poetry Reading Open Mic
April 5 @ 2 to 3:30 pm - Becker: Sherburne History Center - Step into the spotlight and let your voice and words be heard! Share your original poetry in front of other poetry lovers! Beverages and snacks will be provided. Take the opportunity to view the poetry submissions for the Sherburne History Center's Poetry Showcase during the month of April. Cost: Free. Learn more »
A Genealogy Dream Team: Combining Ancestry.com and Family Tree Maker
April 12 @ 10 to 11:30 am - Mendota Heights: Minnesota Genealogical Society - Have you spent years collecting bits and pieces of your family history, confused by Ancestry.com and overwhelmed by Family Tree Maker? This workshop is your step-by-step guide to unlocking the combined power of these programs without the endless toggling between them. Cost: $30 Member/$40 nonmember. Learn more »
Explore Minnesota - State of MN's Tourism website
Listings: History & Heritage Events | Historic Exhibits | Lectures & Workshops
Register for an Account »
Highlighted Museum: St. Peter State Hospital Museum, St. Peter, MN.
Deadline - March 21: Minnesota Historical Society - This program is a ten-week paid fellowship designed to introduce Native community members to the museum field through three weeks of seminars and workshops followed by a seven-week MNHS internship. Participants will explore relevant cultural resources, public history, and professional opportunities while learning about the challenges Native communities face regarding tribal history preservation. The seminar includes readings, discussions, and field visits to partner sites and Native organizations. Fellows will receive a living expense stipend and travel reimbursement, along with a paid internship experience. Learn more »
Censorship and Self-censorship in Museums
March 13 @ 1 to 2 pm (CT) - Online: American Alliance of Museums - As political, social, and security pressures mount, museums face increasing challenges in curating exhibitions, developing educational programs, and presenting content. From controversial artwork removals to the subtle self-censorship of complex histories, how are museums navigating these tensions? Drawing on an analysis of a recent survey about museum censorship co-produced by PEN America and Artists at Risk Connection, this conversation will examine recent incidents of censorship and self-censorship, the forces driving these decisions, and the implications for artistic and curatorial freedom. Presenters will discuss strategies for upholding museums as spaces for open dialogue while managing institutional risks. Cost: Free. Learn more »
CUB (Catalyzing Underutilized Buildings) Coalition Meeting
March 18 @ 12 to 1 pm (CT) - Online: Rethos is organizing and leading the CUB (Catalyzing Underutilized Buildings) credit coalition in advancing legislation that will create a new income tax credit for adaptive reuse and rehabilitation. Coalition meetings are held virtually on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. All are welcome, especially local leaders concerned about economic development and shifting property tax burdens. Learn more »
Treasurer/Finance Committee: Right People, Right Roles
March 19 @ 9 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: Propel Nonprofits - This session is geared toward helping new treasurers and finance committee members (or current ones looking for a refresher) be successful in their role. They will cover tools and practices that can help board treasurers develop finance skills, ask strategic financial questions, lead board development in finance, and keep the numbers connected to the mission. Cost: $85. Learn more »
Teaching American Indian Content to All – MIEA Conference
March 20 @ 9 am - 5 pm (CT) - Prior Lake: Minnesota Humanities Center - Join the Minnesota Humanities Center at the 41st Annual Minnesota Indian Education Association (MIEA) Conference. MHC will be presenting the session “Teaching American Indian Content to All” from 9:15–10:15 and tabling in the vendor area throughout the day. Stop by their table to view MHC’s educator resources and learn more about their work with educators. Learn more »
C2C Care Course Sustainability Plans for Small and Mid-Sized Cultural Heritage Institutions
March 27 through April 17 @ 12 to 1:30 pm (CT) - Online: Connecting to Collections - Sustainability initiatives offer cost-savings, reduced carbon footprints, and improved community relationships, which are essential for small and mid-sized institutions to thrive. However, developing sustainable plans has often been limited to larger institutions due to resource constraints. This course aims to familiarize participants with sustainable practices in the cultural heritage field and help them create actionable plans for their institutions. Cost: $99 - $149. Learn more »
Registration is now open!
May 6 & 7 - St. Paul: 2025 Upper Midwest Digital Collections Conference and MDL Annual Meeting - The conference will take place at St. Paul’s Union Depot over two days. The theme is "Digital Directions: Lessons Learned and Future Pathways," featuring workshops on digital storytelling and preservation on Day 1, followed by a keynote from Craig Stevens and breakout sessions on Day 2. For details and registration, please visit our event page; registration closes on Wednesday, April 30. Learn more »
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April 10 - 12, 2025, Minneapolis, MN |
April 22 - 24, 2025 |
May 6 - 7, 2025 |
Additional Educational Opportunities »
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits' 2025 Grants Directory
Order a copy of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits' 2025 Grants Directory in fillable PDF format for your personal and/or agency use. This resource is updated annually and the new version is released every January. Learn more »
Paint the Town Grants
Deadline - March 31: Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation - This grant program is designed to build community collaboration with a unique and hands-on approach. SMIF donates up to 100 gallons of paint per project, with the goal of fostering inclusion through volunteer engagement, promotion of creativity, celebration of local pride and enhancing the beauty and interest of a space. Learn more »
Recordings at Risk
Deadline - April 14: Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) - This national regranting program supports the preservation of rare and unique audio, audiovisual, and other time-based media of high scholarly value through digital reformatting. Learn more »
Scholarship in Emergency Management for Heritage Collections
Deadline - April 7: Heritage Collections Care Consortium - Trains collections care professionals in developing an emergency management program for collections. Funding covers attendance in an online course in Emergency Preparedness: Strategies for Museums, Archives, and Libraries and participation in a tailored tutoring session focused on key aspects of emergency management, with dates arranged to accommodate all scholars. Learn more »
J.M.K. Innovation Prize
Deadline - April 25: J.M. Kaplan Fund - Prize Advances Innovative Heritage Conservation, Environment, and Social Justice Projects. The J.M.K. Innovation Prize will support ten early-stage projects with transformative potential in the fields of heritage conservation, the environment, and/or social justice. Learn more »
Arts Experiences
Deadline - May 2: Minnesota State Arts Board - Arts Experiences provides project grants that individuals and organizations can use to offer arts activities that are meaningful for Minnesota residents and communities. Funds may be used for a variety of arts projects such as creating and/or presenting concerts, plays, tours, exhibitions, arts festivals, public art, or other kinds of arts programming that engage Minnesota audiences and participants. Applicants may request between $5,000 - $35,000. Learn more »
Scholarship in Risk Management for Heritage
Deadline - May 5: Heritage Collections Care Consortium - Supports heritage professionals working in museums, libraries, archives, and historic houses in developing their knowledge and skills in managing risks for heritage collections. Funding covers attendance at a two-day highly practical workshop in Risk Management in Heritage teaching how to use Risk Management in Heritage (also known as the ABC) methodology in practice. Learn more »
Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »
Vintage Museum Photo: Beltrami County Historical and Wildlife Museum, Bemidji, 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.
Links may expire, require subscription or go behind pay walls. Please send news and knowledge you think would be useful to localhistorynews@mnhs.org
Collecting and preserving local government records with permanent historical value is a strength of the State Archives collection, and records added this month enhance that strength. The transferred records will be especially useful for local and family history research. Learn more »
Face-off duel over U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum
Mesabi Tribune - Eveleth City Councilor John Rauzi says losing the United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum would devastate the small Iron Range city known as “Hockey’s Home.” “To lose the hockey hall of fame out of Eveleth would be a pretty severe blow to everyone here, both mentally and financially,” Rauzi said at a Monday city council meeting. Elected officials across northeastern Minnesota agree. Continue reading »
National Park Service’s visitor center at Science Museum of Minnesota among sites that could be closed
Pioneer Press - In downtown St. Paul, the National Park Service Visitor Center within the Science Museum of Minnesota — a draw for kids and families attracted to its eagle-in-flight simulator and other interactive offerings — could soon be shuttered, as could the National Park Service office in the downtown Kellogg Square building. The Federal Highway Administration office in the Great Northern Building at 180 E. Fifth St. is losing its lease. Elsewhere in Minnesota, a U.S. Geological Survey office in Mounds View and National Park Service office in Crane Lake may join them. Continue reading »
Historic Minneapolis cemetery earns spot on Underground Railroad Network
Star Tribune - Between a construction site and a mattress store lies Pioneers and Soldiers Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Minneapolis — and Minnesota’s newest landmark on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. ...In the meantime, the story of the cemetery, "In Memoriam: The Residents of Pioneers & Soldiers Cemetery," is on exhibit at Hennepin History Museum to honor those buried,... Continue reading »
From fashion to farmstead, Olmsted County looks to breathe life into history
Star Tribune - Valerie Wassmer was seriously skeptical of her flowery white, form-fitting dress adorned with flower print. That’s what women in the 1760s wore whenever they had to do chores, or go for a walk to visit a neighbor. Wassmer’s skirt was detachable in case she had yard work to do, her hybrid hat accentuating the look and a long lace scarf — called a fishu — covered her neck for modesty. It’s a long cry from what Wassmer, the interim director of the History Center of Olmsted County, normally wears. Continue reading »
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Featured BookRings of Heartwood: Poems on Growing by Molly Beth Griffin, Illustrated by Claudia McGehee Minnesota Historical Society Press. Book Launch |
Featured Article
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Featured Article
Business and Professional Women’s Club (BPW), Crookston, 1921–1960 |
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Minnesota History Organizations Directory• County, Chapters, and Local |
Minnesota Main Streets |
Preservation Specialists Directory |
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