Field Note

On September 12, Local History Services visited the historic 1883 Todd County Courthouse in Long Prairie, MN, to see the progress on the landmark WPA-era rock wall surrounding the Historic Courthouse on the north and west sides. This wall also includes the north exterior plaza and the public entrance to the historic courthouse street. The rock wall and exterior plaza had been in significant disrepair, making the steps inaccessible. They were blocked off from public and employee use due to the hazardous condition of the wall.

Heritage Preservation Grants

Small Grant Deadline Extended
NOTE: The grants portal was unable to create and save new applications for a few days but is now fully functional. Due to this delay, the Grants Office has extended the small grant deadline (requests of $10,000 or less) for the MHCHG program to Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 11:59 pm.

NOVEMBER Grants Open House
November 7 - 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: Making Films with Grants
October 17 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: The Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants program has helped to complete a broad range of historical films. We'll discuss how grants can fund research, scriptwriting, visual elements, and sound design for your film projects. We'll also briefly examine the process of successful history films and how that process can and sometimes cannot fit into the calendar and standards for grant-funded work.
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 »

From the Blog

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

Hunting Frogs on Lake Koronis
Picture two girls, ages nine and ten, walking from the Rumble Bridge to Windmill Point. Each carries a bag in one hand and nimbly grabs for frogs with the other. Eight-inch frogs are plentiful. The frogs go into the sacks and the girls jump to the next rock, searching for more. It is fall and the frogs have headed to the lake to hibernate. When the girls are tired, they head back to the Lorentzen home for fresh bread and then it is back out to gather more frogs. Two men, Mr. Bugbee and Mr. Albertson, arrive from town in a top buggy pulled by a horse. They purchase the frogs for ten cents a dozen and the girls consider 25 cents to be a fortune. The men take the live frogs, put them in a tub of ice, and take them on the afternoon train to the Twin Cities. Lake Koronis frogs are then sold to restaurants in Minneapolis. Continue Reading »

More MN Blog posts

• 100 years later, still waiting on the Prince of Wales - MN Brown
• Experience the Fires of 1918 through MDL's online exhibit - MN Digital Library News
• Homecoming - Wright County Historical Society
• Inauguration History - U of MN Libraries
• New Resource Pack for Schools: Elections - Minitex
• Back in time: The dog comes home - Washington County Historical Society

From the Tube

This week's post is from the Tower-Soudan Historical Society. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!

More MN Tube posts

• Broadening Our View of Archives - Hennepin History Museum
• Preserving the Past: A Comprehensive Look at the History of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribes - White Bear Lake Area Historical Society
• The Importance of Prairies Presentation - New Prague Area Historical Society
• The Last Entry Point: Stories of Danger and Death in the Boundary Waters - Gunflint Trail Historical Society Chik-Wauk Museum
• Tales from the Grave 2024 A. C. Dispanet - Rock County Historical Society
• New Brighton Minnesota history up to 1940 - New Brighton Area Historical Society

Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »

Job Opportunities

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

MNHS

• School & Youth Programs Facilitator - Mill City Museum
• Workplace Services Supervisor - MN History Center

LOCAL

• Education & Outreach Coordinator - Rice County Historical Society, Faribault, MN
• Traveling Exhibits Installation Technician (Seasonal) - Minnesota Children's Museum, St. Paul, MN
• Visitor Services Associate - American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, MN
• Archival Data & Planning Specialist - AmeriCorps, Itasca State Park, MN

REGIONAL

• Archivist - Oshkosh Public Museum, Oshkosh, WI
• Development Assistant - Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI
• Director of Facility & Fabrication - Building for Kids Children’s Museum, Appleton, WI
• Director of Communications - Building for Kids Children’s Museum, Appleton, WI
• Annual Fund and Membership Manager - John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, WI
• Audiovisual Transcription Assistant - Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, WI
• Library Associate - Hilton M. Briggs Library at South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD
• Assistant Science Educator - The Mammoth Site, Hot Springs, SD
• Senior Director of People and Culture - Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines, IA
• Chief Executive Officer - Surf Ballroom & Museum, Clear Lake, IA
• Research Historian - State Historical Society of North Dakota, Bismarck, ND

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

• Processing Archivist - Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
• Military Museum Curator - Illinois State Military Museum, Department of Military Affairs, Camp Lincoln, Springfield, IL
• Site Interpretive Coordinator - Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Lerna, IL
• Site Services Specialist 2 - Bishop Hill State Historic Site, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Bishop Hill, IL
• Guest Experience Manager - DuPage Children's Museum, Naperville, IL
• Exhibits Team Leader - Naper Settlement, Naperville, IL
• Curatorial Associate - Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
• Senior Manager of Public Programs & Interpretation - Edith Farnsworth House, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Plano, IL
• Historical Site Interpreter - Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site, Fountain City, IN
• Engagement Specialist (Seasonal) - Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis, IN
• Maintenance Technician - Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis, IN
• President and Chief Executive Officer - Indiana Landmarks, Indianapolis, IN
• Director - Midwest Miniatures Museum, Haven, MI
• African American Collections Project Archivist - Senator John Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh, PA
• Exhibits Registration Assistant - Library and Collections, Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis, MO
• Executive Director - Friends of Arrow Rock, Arrow Rock, MO
• Carpenter/Cabinetmaker - Manitoba Museum, Winnipeg, MB

Additional Job Postings in the Field »

Do History Here

Image used with permission. From the collections of the Hennepin County Library.

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

Exhibit: Testify: Americana, Slavery to Today 
Through October 31 - Perham: Perham Area Public Library - The Testify exhibit, featuring selections from the Diane and Alan Page Collection of African American art and artifacts, showcases the evolution of race relations and representation from the 19th to the 21st centuries, enhanced by audio narration from Justice Alan Page and Georgi Page-Smith. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Workshop: Beginner Quilting 
October 19 @ 1 pm - Faribault: Rice County Historical Society - The first in a series of workshops to teach and preserve traditional crafts and trades. Have you ever wanted to get into quilting but didn't know how? Participants will learn the basics of how to make a quilt by creating a 9 square "mini-quilt." You will learn how to sew the parts by hand, how they all go together, and what types of materials can be used. Location: Buckham West Senior Center. Cost: $20 members/$25 nonmembers. Learn more »

Presentation: Grave Discoveries-An Introduction to Mortuary Archaeology
October 17 @ 6 to 7 pm - Faribault: Rice County Historical Society - Explore the fascinating world of mortuary archaeology, where they uncover ancient burial practices to understand past societies' beliefs, rituals, and social structures, alongside ethical considerations. Cost: Free members/$5 nonmembers. Learn more »

Presentation: Strategic Salt
October 17 @ 7 pm - Northfield: Cannon Valley Civil War Roundtable - Have you ever thought about an ingredient used in cooking? Or maybe as a preservative? Salt---used in the south and made in the south. Food was sent to the army and it was preserved in salt. Thus, if you disrupted the flow of salt, it would impact the southern armies. Battles across the south; the Union army and navy desired to impact the people and the men who fought. We will take a look at salt production and battle sites all to control salt. Location: Northfield Townhall. Cost: Free. Email dnl1.peterson@gmail.com for more information.

Presentation: A Road Trip Around Minnesota: Barn Quilt Trails
October 19 @ 1 to 2 pm - Buffalo: Wright County Historical Society - Minnesota is fortunate to have several Barn Quilt Trails. Pieces of art that adorn the side of barns and buildings throughout the state are set up to not only pay homage to heritage or interests, but to bring people into an area. Instructor Jay Grammond will lead you around the state to give you a sampling of what is out there in the hope that you will create your own road trip! No registration required, for all ages. Learn more »

Presentation: Tuesday with a Scholar
Online: Ramsey County Library - Join scholars from area colleges and elsewhere as they share their specialized knowledge and enthusiasm. It’s like hearing your favorite college professors again, without worrying about writing papers or taking finals. Cost: Free. Learn more »
 • October 22 - Brothers: 2 men meeting 50 years after the Vietnam War   
 • October 29 - A history of the Mississippi 
 • November 5 - Financial fraud and scam
 • November 12 - A History of Ballet in Minnesota
 • November 19 - 2024 Election results and their impact

Workshop: Recording Personal and Family Histories
October 23 @ 5:30 pm; October 24 @ 11 am; and October 26 @ 12 pm - Bemidji: Beltrami County Historical Society - Capture your family's stories and memories for future generations. Join us for Recording Your Personal and Family Histories. This workshop will provide participants with the tools and guidance needed to document the unique stories of their lives and families, ensuring that memories are preserved for years to come. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Tour: Heritage Circle Tour - Coldspring
October 24 @ 10 am to 12 pm - Coldspring:  Stearns History Museum - Learn about the company, its history, current operations and future plans. Coldspring got its start in 1890 when Henry Alexander, a quarryman from Scotland, helped found the Rockville Granite Company. The company changed its name to the Cold Spring Granite Company in the 1920s after it moved to Cold Spring, a town west of Rockville. Coldspring is currently the largest granite-producing company in the nation. Learn more »

Open House: Mark S. Goodenow Collections Storage Room
October 24 @ 11 to 2 pm and 5 to 7 pm - Marshall: Lyon County Historical Society Museum - In December 2023, the Lyon County Historical Society received a Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grant of $141,000 towards the implementation of a compact storage system in the basement storage room of the Lyon County Museum. A portion of funds received from the late Mark Goodenow along with donations from members supported this project. Get a behind the scenes tour of the storage system and renovated space along with seeing how the collection is organized and stored when not on exhibit. For more information, contact the Lyon County Museum at 507-537-6580. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Event: Creepy Doll Scavenger Hunt Returns 
October 25 @ 6:30 to 8 pm - Albert Lea: History Center of Freeborn County - They will be dimming the lights and sending you through the museum to view some of the creepiest dolls in their collection.  Explore the museum by flashlight and see if you can find all of the creepy dolls hidden throughout the museum. Learn more »

Event: A Night at the Speakeasy
October 26 @ 6 to 10 pm - Mankato: Blue Earth County Historical Society - Come for a captivating journey back to the Roaring 1920s—a time of Prohibition, Flappers, and Gangsters. The evening promises an immersive experience with Dinner & Cocktails, an Auction, Raffle & Gift Card Grab, and the enchanting Live Music of the Hannah Bretz Jazz Ensemble. Donning a 1920s dress is encouraged, enhancing the authenticity and excitement of the night. Cost: $85. Location: Sky One Eleven. Learn more »

Event: Podipto Musicians to Appear for a Special Beltrami County Historical Society Fundraising
October 26 @ 2 pm - Bemidji: Beltrami County Historical Society - Join Podipto's founding members of the legendary Bemidji-based band, Jack Sundrud, Dan Lund, and John Calder, for a memorable afternoon in Bemidji, filled with exclusive stories, laughter, and music, including tracks from Podipto, John Collins' solo work, and their latest EP "Sea." 
Location: Rail River Folk School. Cost: $20 members/$25 nonmembers. Learn more »

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

Continuing Education

Highlighted Museum: Kashubian Cultural Institute and Polish Museum, Winona, MN.
Photograph by Zemla13, distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 license.

Wiki Uff Da! Editing Wikipedia for Absolute Beginners

Join us at one of the Minnesota Historical Society's three FREE Local History Workshops in Minnesota, where you can learn how to edit Wikipedia and share your community's local history.

Whether you're curious about how information gets added to Wikipedia or want to find new ways to share your community's history, this workshop will boost your confidence in editing the world's largest encyclopedia. In this workshop you will also learn how to use AI to help you write your Wikipedia articles and how Wikipedia can help your museum. The cost is free, and lunch is provided, but registration is required. Learn more »

• Wednesday, October 23 - Morris, MN
• Thursday, November 14 - Chisholm, MN
• Wednesday, November 20 - Mankato, MN

Mental Health for Workers at Cultural Heritage Institutions
October 17 @ 12 pm (CT) - Online: Connecting to Collections Care - The National Alliance on Mental Illness highlights that the AIC's Health and Safety Network, since 2022, has been addressing mental health in the workplace for conservators and is now expanding its efforts to the wider cultural heritage sector and its collective of small and mid-sized institutions, including a comprehensive survey and focus groups, with findings to be discussed in an upcoming webinar aimed at refining these tools for broader application. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Engaging in Difficult Conversations: Tools for connecting when difference creates conflict
October 28 @ 9 to 10 am (CT) - Online: Ohio Museums Association - Join this webinar to learn how to navigate and manage conflicts arising from programs, initiatives, or ideas within the museum or community, by fostering dialogue, understanding personal experiences through self-compassion, and managing expectations to reduce stress and feel empowered in difficult conversations. Cost: Free members/$15 nonmembers. Learn more »

Online Course: Succession Planning for Cultural Institutions Workshop
October 28 through November 15 - Online: Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts - With the understanding that it can be hard to even know where to start with succession planning, this course will walk you through the steps to developing your own succession plan for your position. By the end, you will be able to identify collections-related succession planning needs at your organization, work through resources, think through your own potential departure and the departures of others at your institution, and gain tools for advocacy in succession planning. Cost: $75 members/$90 nonmembers. Learn more »

Cemetery Preservation Basics 
October 30 @ 2 to 3:15 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History - This presentation will cover cemetery preservation basics, including photography and documentation best practices, addressing the needs of diverse groups from individuals to municipalities and focusing on everything from grave marker conservation to National Register eligibility assessments. Cost: $2 members/$45 nonmembers. Learn more »

Strategies to Create Inclusivity in Established or New Experiences
November 8 @ 11 am to 12:30 pm (CT) - Online: Museum Association of New York - Over the last several years, with the shifting needs and expectations of an increasingly diverse audience, the panelists have developed strategic approaches to developing more inclusive and engaging experiences for a wider audience. These strategies are focused on membership, education programs, renovations to existing exhibits, designing inclusivity into new exhibits, limited budget exhibits, and space programming. This webinar will be beneficial for anyone in the midst of or beginning any size program, exhibit, or museum building project. Cost: Free. Learn more »

TIPS & TOOLS

• Clues Through the Lens: Inviting visitors to think like detectives - Association of Midwest Museums

Additional Educational Opportunities »

Funding & Awards

Community Identity & Heritage – Festivals Grant
Minnesota Humanities Center - $450,000 in grants for Individuals and Organizations in Minnesota, to create programming and educational opportunities, specifically for community events, music and jazz festivals, cultural festivals for art installations, and other performances and activities that support festivals and events. Funding provided on a rolling basis through May 30, 2025. Learn more »

Register for one of three online information sessions for applicants:

• Tuesday, October 22 @ 6 to 7:30 pm
• Friday, October 25 @ 1:30 to 3 pm
• Tuesday, October 29 @ 3 to 4:30 pm

2025 Gale Family Library Legacy Research Fellowship Program
February 3 - (Deadline): Minnesota Historical Society - Gale Family Library Legacy Research Fellowships for Minnesota scholars engaged in research that enhances understanding of Minnesota's history and culture, using the Gale Family Library's resources. Especially encouraged are applicants of diverse backgrounds and those researching underrepresented topics, aiming to link past experiences with contemporary times. Learn more »

Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »

News

Minnesota State Archives September 2024 Acquisitions
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 »

1. Cottonwood County. Permanent pupil cards (dated 1916-1960s) and pupil census cards compiled in the 1960s by the now defunct county Superintendent of Schools. Birth, death, and marriage records (dated 1946-1981) on microfilm.  
2. Pine County  Royalton Township. Burial and corpse transportation permits dated 1907-1949 and 1959.  
3. Washington County. Grey Cloud Island Township. Planning Commission meeting minutes dated 2001-2022. 1 folder. 
4. Legislative Audit Commission. Correspondence of the Legislative Audit Commission chairs dated 1984-2016.

Raymond, Minnesota, sharing its history with new city museum
West Central Tribune — Established in 1888, the city of Raymond has more than 135 years of history and now it has a place to portray, preserve and protect it for both today and tomorrow. The Raymond Area Museum, which celebrated its grand opening during the Harvest Festival celebration in late August, collects and displays decades of Raymond's past from its newspapers and schools to military and businesses. Continue reading »

Veterans restore headstones at Minneapolis' oldest cemetery
WCCO — The Minneapolis Pioneers and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery in the Phillips neighborhood is so old, it even pre-dates Minnesota's statehood. "We're here because they were here, and I think that's really important," said Sue Hunter Weir, Chair for Friends of the Cemetery. Watch video »

Eveleth Heritage Society opens up time capsule buried at Franklin Elementary 103 years ago
WDIO — A time capsule meant a walk down memory lane from 103 years ago. Folks from the Eveleth Heritage Society opened up the capsule on Friday. It had been buried in the one of the cornerstones at the Franklin Elementary, when it was being built. Watch video »

Detroit Lakes artist Hans Gilsdorf creating new peat bog exhibit for Becker County Museum
Detroit Lakes Tribune — The multi-tiered exhibit, set to open in early 2025, will feature ancient bison bones unearthed from a real peat bog near Frazee. Continue reading »

Featured Book Rise to the Challenge: A Memoir of Politics, Leadership, and Love by Marlene M. Johnson. University of Minnesota Press.	Featured Article Minnesota History Mines Experiment Station, University of Minnesota (Minneapolis) Volume 64, Issue 6, 2015	Featured Article MNopedia Artificial Limb Industry in Minneapolis Featured MNopedia Article
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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