Field Note

Minnesota Historical Society's Local History Services team met with members of the Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association at the Minnesota Transportation Museum's Jackson Street Roundhouse in St. Paul, MN, to discuss a planned project to digitize the Northern Pacific Railway's AFE files (Authorization for Expenditure). Each AFE includes details such as a description of the work, estimated and actual costs, approval signatures, and relevant correspondence, producing a thorough accounting trail. These records provide detailed, primary-source documentation of the railroad’s development, investments, and infrastructure changes, crucial for understanding regional economic growth, immigration patterns, and technological progress in the northern United States.

Local History News Goes into Fall Hibernation

Photo Wikimedia Commons

Local History News will be going into hibernation for the weeks of October 29 and November 5, but will return refreshed and ready to eat all the salmon on November 12. Until then, have a Happy Halloween!

2026 Exhibits to Go

The Minnesota Historical Society is now accepting applications for the 2026 Exhibits to Go program! These traveling displays—created by MNHS and partner organizations—bring Minnesota stories to life through freestanding panels, audiovisual elements, and hands-on learning resources. Perfect for historical societies, libraries, tribal organizations, and other community spaces, Exhibits to Go makes it easy to share history statewide.

Available dates as of July 2026:

• Coming of Age — Sept–Dec 2026, Jan–Apr 2027
• Electrifying Minnesota — May–Aug 2026, Sept–Dec 2026, Jan–Apr 2027
• Fur Trade in Minnesota — May–Aug 2026, Sept–Dec 2026, Jan–Apr 2027

Learn more and apply »

Heritage Preservation Grants

On the Road: Grants Office Open Houses 
The Grants Office and Local History Services will be on the road in October to chat about Legacy grants and answer your questions. These events will be office-hours style, so there will be no presentation, and you are welcome to drop in anytime during the listed times. Prospective applicants, current applicants, and grantees are all welcome! Keep an eye on Local History News for more Open House dates in November.

October 23 @ 10 am to 12 pm
Dakota County Historical Society
130 3rd Ave N, South St. Paul, MN (map)

October 28 @ 12:30 to 2 pm
Meeker County Historical Society
308 N Marshall Ave, Litchfield, MN (map)  

NOVEMBER Grants Open House
No Grants Open House for the month of November. Learn more »

Small Grant Deadline
Applications for the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants quarterly small grant round (requests of $20,000 and less) will be due Friday, January 9, 2025. Contact the Grants Office with questions.

Grants Office Webinar: First Steps Towards a Grant
November 20 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: In this webinar, you will learn what you need to do to register for a grants portal login, how to apply, what the grant programs offer, what the programs can fund, and which resources are available for applicants. If you have never applied for a grant before or would like to hear about the process again, this webinar is for you. Presented by Grants Specialist Gillian Maguire.
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 Ramsey County Historical Society. Have a blog? Let us know!

Growing Up Working at a Saint Paul Jewish Delicatessen
So, what exactly is a Jewish Delicatessen?
The word “delicatessen” itself means deli­cacy in German, but the image it evokes, when coupled with the descriptor, Jewish, is something more visceral: the smell of freshly baked bread, mounds of corned beef and pastrami piled high on caraway rye, half dills, full sours, pickled beets, and the list goes on.

Before we go too much further, let’s have a look at a bit of history: Jewish immigration to the United States began with a trickle back in the eighteenth century when Sephardic Jews (those who originated in the Iberian Peninsula, with some stopping for short or longer periods in South America or on various Caribbean islands following their hasty departure due to the Spanish Inquisition) made their way to the New World. This small group didn’t venture as far north as the Minnesota and Dakota Territories, but they were the earliest Jewish immigrants to the Americas. Their numbers never represented even one percent of the American population. Continue reading »

More MN Blog posts

• My Dad’s Ghost Story - Wright County Historical Society
• Information on the Railroad Dining Car - Brandon History Center
• New Artifacts Added to Gammelgården’s Site on MNCollections - Gammelgården Museum of Scandia
• Sinking of the SS Roger B. Taney and being lost at sea - Jim Froemming/Hometown Focus
• The one and only Lena Rumpf - Washington County Historical Society
• Friday History: White Castle - Kraus-Anderson

From the Tube

This week's post is from the Linden Hills History Study Group. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!

More MN Tube posts

• Another Abandoned Farmstead, Bellingham, Minnesota - Minnesota Bricks
• A Conversation with Artist Miko Simmons - Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery
• A Treasured Icon Returns to Tacy's House! - Betsy-Tacy Society
• Exhibit Opening Program Featuring Dr. Christopher P. Lehman and Mary Moore Easter - Hennepin History Museum
• Calumet Hotel Fires - Pipestone County Historical Society

Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »

Job Opportunities

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

LOCAL

• Administrative Assistant - North Star Museum of Boy Scouting and Girl Scouting, North St. Paul, MN

REGIONAL

• Exhibits Preparator - State Historical Society of North Dakota, Bismarck, ND
• Education Manager - State Historical Society of North Dakota, Bismarck, ND
• Director of Development - Stanley Museum of Art, University of Iowa Center for Advancement, Iowa City, IA
• Attraction Director - Circus World Museum, Wisconsin Historical Society, Baraboo, WI
• Chief Curator - Haggerty Museum of Art, Milwaukee, WI

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

• Director of Corporate Sponsorship - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN
• Early Childhood Program Coordinator - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN
• Maintenance Technician - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN
• Associate Director of Sales & Marketing - Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland, OH 
• Assistant Registrar - Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, OH
• Archivist for Community Collections - Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
• Early Childhood and Family Programs Manager - Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis, MO
• Executive Director - Landmarks Association of St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
• Curator of Indigenous Collections - Manitoba Museum, Winnipeg, MB
• Manager, Advancement and Partnership - Ingenium, Canada's Museum of Science and Innovation, Ottawa, ON
• Audio Visual Specialist - Ingenium, Museum of Science and Innovation, Ottawa, ON
• Curator of Plants & Sustainability - Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, ON
• Curator of Birds - Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, ON

INTERNSHIPS/VOLUNTEERS/FELLOWSHIPS

MNHS Internship and Volunteer Opportunities

• Archaeology Collections Assistant Intern - Kellogg Center
• Community Cookbook StoryMap Data Intern - MN History Center - MN History Center 
• Community Engagement Archival Intern - MN History Center
• Community Engagement Communications Intern - MN History Center
• NAAIR Collections Support Intern - MN History Center
• Ramsey House Move Registration Intern - MN History Center
• W.W. Mayo House Research Intern - W.W. Mayo House
• TED Social Media Intern - MN History Center
• Social Media & Digital Storytelling Intern - MN History Center

Additional Job Postings in the Field »

Do History Here

School buses with children in front of Eveleth High School, 1920s.
Image used with permission. From the collections of the Eveleth Heritage Society.

FAQ: How Can I Share My Event for the Local History News E-Newsletter?

Eagle’s Nest Photo Album
October 23 @ 5:30 to 6:30 pm - Duluth: St. Louis County Historical Society - Join Jay Hagen, Veterans Memorial Hall Program Manager, for a presentation on the Eagle’s Nest Photo Album at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. The album, brought home by Duluth veteran Lawrence Swan, documents the 101st Airborne's entry into Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest at the close of WWII. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Babies at the Castle: Salad Hilowle
October 24 @ 9:15 to 10 am - Minneapolis: American Swedish Institute - Join this in-person early childhood program designed for parents and babies to explore Swedish culture through interactive storytelling, sensory play, and themed take-home items. This session features Salad Hilowle and encourages bonding and discovery within the historic ASI setting.
Cost: $15 to $20. Learn more »

Afterlife Sentences
October 24 & 25 @ 6 and 8:30 pm - Stillwater: Washington County Historical Society - Experience paranormal presentations by the Twin Cities Paranormal Society at the historic Warden’s House Museum, featuring spookiest evidence from investigations including the Warden’s House. Doors open 30 minutes before each presentation. Cost: $35. Learn more »

History Mystery: The Suspicious Death of Emma Davids
October 24 & 25 @ 5:30 to 7:30 pm - Bemidji: Beltrami County Historical Society - Step back to Bemidji’s 1906 logging-boom frontier in this live interactive murder mystery based on a true story. Actors bring to life the final days of Emma Davids, a woman of Stockbridge-Munsee heritage, whose suspicious death at the European Hotel remains unsolved. Audiences investigate clues, interview suspects, and explore historical connections to addiction, gender-based violence, and resilience. Partnered with Face It Together Bemidji for overdose prevention awareness. Cost: $5 to $10. Learn more »

50th Anniversary Joint Commemoration: Immersive Digital Experience
October 25 @ 10 am to 5 pm - Minneapolis: Minnesota Humanities Center - Experience an immersive visual journey through the intertwined histories of Minnesota’s Cambodian, Hmong, Lao, and Vietnamese communities, and U.S. Vietnam Veterans. Walk among floor-to-ceiling images that illuminate the shared yet unique experiences of war, refugee life, and resettlement, offering an inspiring perspective on resilience and community strength. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Location: Royalston Square. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Preserving Your Family Treasures
October 25 @ 1 to 2 pm - Mankato: Blue Earth County Historical Society - Learn expert techniques for preserving your treasured family heirlooms and memorabilia in this informative workshop. Topics include proper handling, storage, and display methods to protect your valuable items for future generations. Cost: Free members/$10 public. Learn more »

The Mermaid of Loon Lake, and Other Wonders the World Has Forgotten
October 28–31 @ 9 am to 5 pm - Waseca: Waseca County Historical Society - Experience a week-long pop-up exhibit featuring the eerie Mermaid of Loon Lake, the fantastical Capricorn Baby taxidermy gaff, and the history of sideshow illusions rooted in local folklore. This captivating display reveals the deception and wonder of past spectacles that once fascinated and fooled crowds. Special All Hallows’ Eve finale on October 31 from 6 to 9 pm with treats, chills, and costumed guides. Learn more »

Handcrafted Traditions: Snowflake & Basket Weaving
November 1 @ 9 am to 4:30 pm - Greenbush: Roseau County Historical Society - Spend the day learning the timeless art of weaving with two hands-on classes at the Greenbush Community Center. The morning class (9 to 11 am) focuses on creating three woven snowflakes, while the afternoon class (12:30 to 4:30 pm) teaches weaving the Helena Basket with customizable colorful lashing. All tools and materials are provided. Light refreshments served. Cost: $20 for snowflake weaving, $40 for basket weaving, or $55 for both. Learn more »

Cooking Demonstration at LeDuc
November 1 @ 2:30 to 5:30 pm - Hastings: Dakota County Historical Society - Participate in a cooking demonstration at the historic LeDuc Estate, showcasing period culinary techniques and recipes in a charming Victorian setting. This event offers a hands-on experience to learn historic cooking methods with expert guidance. Cost: $25 members/$30 public. Learn more »

50th Anniversary Joint Commemoration Community Events
November 1 @ 12 to 7 pm & November 2 @ 10 am to 5 pm  - St. Paul: Minnesota Humanities Center - Celebrate the shared histories and vibrant cultures of Minnesota’s Cambodian, Hmong, Lao, and Vietnamese communities alongside Vietnam War era Veterans. Enjoy food concessions, craft vendors, performances, exhibits, and storytelling honoring experiences from Southeast Asia to refugee journeys and resettlement in Minnesota. Location: Union Depot. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Genealogy Club Meeting
November 3 @ 1:30 to 3:30 pm - Marshall: Lyon County Museum - Join fellow genealogy enthusiasts for a club meeting at the Lyon County Museum’s Joseph A. Amato Research Center. This gathering is open to anyone interested in family history research, offering an opportunity to share, learn, and discuss genealogical topics in a welcoming environment. Light refreshments are typically provided. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Book Reading by Author Debra J Stone
November 6 @ 6:30 to 8:30 pm - Minneapolis: Hennepin History Museum - Join author Debra J Stone for a reading and conversation about her debut novel, The House on Rondo, which tells the story of a young girl confronting the demolition of a Black Saint Paul neighborhood in 1963 for Interstate construction. The event includes a book signing and explores themes of community, resilience, and history. Cost: Pay As You Can. Learn more »

Mayo Clinic Lecture Series
November 6 @ 7 to 8:30 pm - Rochester: History Center of Olmsted County - Attend an lecture and film screening titled "The Tornado That Gave Rise to Mayo Clinic & The Founding of Saint Marys Hospital," featuring Dr. W. Bruce Fye, Mayo Clinic Emeritus Staff. Discover the inspiring story of compassion, collaboration, and innovation behind the founding of Mayo Clinic, a world-leading medical institution. Cost: Free members/$5 public. Learn more »

Family Fun Day: National Native American Heritage Month
November 8 @ 12 to 3 pm - Red Wing: Goodhue County Historical Society - Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month with a free family-friendly event offering educational activities and cultural experiences at the Goodhue County History Center. This event honors Indigenous heritage and invites all ages to participate in learning and fun.
Cost: Free. Learn more »

Explore Minnesota - State of MN's Tourism website
Listings: Museums & Galleries | Culture & Heritage | Attractions & Entertainment
Register for an Account »

Continuing Education

Highlighted Museum: Watkins Museum & Store, operated by the J. R. Watkins Company, Winona, MN.
Photograph by McGhiever, distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 license.

2025 Minnesota Archives Symposium
November 3 @ 9 am to 4 pm - St. Paul: Twin Cities Archives Round Table - Registration is now open for the 2025 Minnesota Archives Symposium. This free, daylong event offers sessions and networking for archivists, librarians, curators, and records managers. Register by October 27 to receive a provided lunch; late registrations may be accepted as space allows. Join local colleagues to exchange ideas and explore new perspectives in archives and information management. Enjoy a great lineup of presentations, as well as tours with the Ramsey County Historical Society and the Schubert Club. Location: Landmark Center. Cost: No cost. Learn more »

Telling Your Story with StoryMaps 
November 7 @ 1 to 3 pm (CT) - Minneapolis & Online: Liberal Arts Engagement Hub - Everyone has a story to tell—why not tell yours with maps? In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to use Esri StoryMaps to create engaging, interactive narratives that showcase your research, fieldwork, or community projects. They’ll discuss strategies for designing clear, impactful StoryMaps, then guide you through the steps to build your own. Bring your laptop and a few visuals from a recent project or trip so you can make your StoryMap.  Location: Pillsbury Hall, U of MN. Cost: Free. Learn more »

TIPS & TOOLS

• Collection Management in the Digital Age: Making the Right Choice - Illinois Association of Museums

UPCOMING STATE and REGIONAL EVENTS & CONFERENCES

Additional Educational Opportunities »

Funding & Awards

Community Identity and Heritage Grant
Deadline - December 8 - optional feedback request, Deadline - November 14: This grant supports individuals and organizations that celebrate, create, and teach the art, culture, and heritage of Minnesota’s diverse communities, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, immigrant groups, and underrepresented cultural traditions. Applicants may request up to $300,000 for new or expanded projects that preserve cultural identity and advance community storytelling. A total of $6.3 million will be distributed statewide for the 2025–2027 biennium. This opportunity, supported by the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment, continues Minnesota Humanities Center’s mission to honor Minnesota’s many voices and strengthen cultural heritage through inclusive and community-driven humanities work. Learn more »

Margaret T. G. Burroughs and Charles H. Wright Fellowships
Deadline - January 16, 2026: Association of African American Museums - Supports attendance at the 2026 AAAM Conference in Philadelphia. Covers registration, hotel, travel, and two-year AAAM membership. Awards for one senior-level student and one first-year museum professional. Learn more »

Minnesota History Awards Nominations are open and accepted until January 14, 2026.	AASLH Leadership in History Awards Nominations are open and accepted until March 1, 2026.

Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »

News

Vintage Museum Photo: This week's photo is the Depot Hill Store, location unknown (1982). Slide was incorrectly labeled as  "Roseau Pioneer Village." Contact us if you know the location!  
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 State Archives – September 2025 Acquisitions
This month, the State Archives added several new collections that shed light on Minnesota’s government, communities, and history. These materials are valuable resources for anyone interested in family, local, or state history research. Learn more »

• Grasshopper Bounty Certificate (1875): Issued by Blue Earth County to Mrs. Margaret Jones for collecting 21 quarts of grasshoppers, part of the 1870s plague relief efforts.
• Faribault County Court Records (1857–1989): District, Probate, and Juvenile Court indexes and case files documenting more than a century of local legal history.
• Minnesota–Taiwan Sister State Documents (1984): Bilingual agreements signed by Governor Rudy Perpich and Taiwanese officials establishing the sister state relationship.
• Oral History with John H. Kari (2022): A transcript covering the Metropolitan Council’s early years, regional planning growth, and neighborhood development in Prospect Park.

Steele County Historical Society Memory Cafe helps build community, family
Owatonna's People Press - A little laughter, a little conversation and a lot of heart — that’s what fills the room at the Steele County Historical Society’s Memory Café. Meeting twice a month, the free program invites people living with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive challenges — and their caregivers — to connect, share stories and find joy in the moment. It’s about building community, breaking stigma and improving quality of life one cup of coffee at a time. Continue reading »

Beltrami County Historical Society receives generous $7,500 pledge in the face of proposed budget cuts
Bemidji Pioneer - The Beltrami County Historical Society is set to lose $7,500 worth of county funding; however, Rick Beltram of South Carolina pledged a $7,500 donation to the history center, alleviating the funding shortcoming for 2026. Continue reading »

Featured Book Leaf Town Forever, by Beth and Kathleen Rooney, Illustrated by Betsy Bowen. University of Minnesota Press.	Featured Article Minnesota History Do You Remember Goat Carts? Volume 44, Issue 4, 1974	Featured Article MNopedia Peterson Bluebird Nest Box Featured MNopedia Article	Minnesota Unraveled Pedacito de Tierra: Music and the Puerto Rican Diaspora in Minnesota Episode 201

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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