The Serbian Hall in South St. Paul, Minnesota, is a historic building listed on the National Register of Historic Places that has served as a gathering place for Serbian immigrants and their descendants for nearly a century. Over the years, it has hosted community celebrations, cultural performances, and social events that enrich the city’s diversity. Recently, Minnesota Historical Society staff visited the hall to review its condition and discuss potential grant opportunities to support its preservation.
Notice to Solicit Nominees to Historic Resources Advisory Committee
The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) is actively seeking candidates to fill several open appointments on the Historic Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC). Committee members are responsible for making funding recommendations for grant requests exceeding $20,000 and providing policy and grantmaking guidance for the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants program, which is supported by the Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
To ensure a diverse pool of candidates, the recruitment period for the Historic Resources Advisory Committee has been extended, allowing potential committee members more time to learn about the opportunity and submit their letters of interest and resumes. The new deadline for applications for the term beginning in January 2026 is Friday, October 24, 2025. If you have any questions, please reach out to Carolyn via email. For additional information, please visit our website.
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, October 10, 2025. Contact the Grants Office with questions.
OCTOBER Grants Open House
October 2 - 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 YouTube Playlist »
This week's blog post is from the Gammelgården Museum. Have a blog? Let us know!
Our Staff In Sweden: Grace Taylor Part 1
Hi all!
For those of you who have not met me, my name is Grace Taylor and I am the Librarian at Gammelgården as well as the Food, Membership, and Youth Programming coordinator. I am currently in Sweden visiting my long-term boyfriend (Calle). He was born and raised in Sweden, and we met online through common interest and have been dating for almost two years now. This is now my third time coming to Sweden and I will be sharing some of my current adventures and sights and some I have gotten to do and see in the past too! Continue Reading »
This week's post is from the Immigration History Research Center at the U of MN. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!
Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »
Minnesota Historical Society's Job Announcement, Internship, Fellowship, and Volunteer Opportunity pages.
Additional Job Postings in the Field »
Labor Day Parade on September 6, 1948. BPOE 1091 - Elks Drum Corps marching in front of Weber & Judd Co. and Masonic Temple, Rochester, MN. Image used with permission. From the collections of the History Center of Olmsted County.
FAQ: How Can I Share My Event for the Local History News E-Newsletter?
Author Reading of North Country Journal
September 27 @ 6 to 7 pm - Bemidji: Beltrami County Historical Society - Attend an author reading and pre-sale event for the new edition of North Country Journal, featuring stories of remarkable women from Beltrami County. The project is supported by a partial grant with additional funding and volunteer efforts from BCHS to preserve these important community voices. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Historic Harvest Fest
September 27 @ 10 am to 1 pm - St. Cloud: Stearns History Museum - Celebrate the fall harvest with vintage carnival games, fall crafts, pumpkin painting, a cakewalk, pet llamas, and hands-on agricultural activities. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Name That Town with Doug Ohman
September 30 @ 6:30 to 8 pm - Cokato: Cokato Public Library & Cokato Historical Society - Acclaimed photographer and author Doug Ohman presents “Name That Town,” an engaging exploration of Minnesota towns and villages, sharing stories behind town names and their histories. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Objects of War: A Storytelling Circle
October 3 @ 6 to 8 pm - St. Paul: Minnesota Humanities Center - In honor of Veterans’ Voices Month, this event invites participants to bring an item connected to experiences of war or conflict and share its story in a facilitated circle, exploring memory, meaning, and the human impacts of war. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Stories in History & the Truth that Lies Beneath
October 4 @ 10 to 11 am - Buffalo: Wright County Heritage Center - Archeologist Emily Bischoff-Bruintjes discusses myths, mysteries, and legends, separating fiction from reality with topics ranging from the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge to the city of Troy. Cost: Free. Learn more »
A Drummer’s Confession
October 4 @ 10:30 am to 12 pm - Austin: Mower County Historical Society - This event shares the story and reflections of a drummer, highlighting the personal and musical history connected to the community. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Doors Open Duluth
October 4 @ 10 am to 5 pm - Duluth: Rethos - Explore Duluth’s story through historic buildings, manufacturing hubs, breweries, and creative spaces with free behind-the-scenes access. Owners and caretakers will share what makes these places vital to the city’s identity. Cost: Free. Learn more »
In Good Company
October 4 @ 3 to 7 pm - St. Paul: Germanic-American Institute - This theatrical walking performance invites reflection on community, shared values, and moving forward together. The walk starts at the Germanic-American Institute, proceeds to Raspberry Island, and returns for a shared meal. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Genealogy Club Workshop: DNA Match Sorting and Relationships
October 6 @ 1 to 4 pm - Marshall: Lyon County Museum - This afternoon workshop features sessions on DNA match sorting, interpreting shared centimorgans (cMs), and understanding genetic relationships in genealogy. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Tuesday with a Scholar: The American Prairie
October 7 @ 12 to 2 pm - Online: Ramsey County Library - Journalists Dave Hege and Josephine Marcotty discuss the history of the American prairie, the environmental threats it faces, and their new book Sea of Grass: The Conquest, Ruin and Redemption of Nature on the American Prairie. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Becoming SotaRicans
October 8 @ 4 to 6 pm - Minneapolis: Immigration History Research Center, University of Minnesota - This panel event highlights Puerto Rican community leaders and their significant contributions to Minnesota’s arts and culture. Moderated by Tabatha Cruz, it offers insight into the vibrant Puerto Rican diaspora and its artistic impact. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Book Club: The Worst Foe by Grace Strong
October 8 @ 6:30 to 8 pm - Willmar: Kandiyohi County Historical Society - Join the book club to discuss The Worst Foe by Grace Strong, an early Atwater resident, whose novel explores the topic of temperance. Complementary reading includes a biography of Grace’s mother, available at the Historical Society. Cost: Free. For more information call 320-235-1881.
Immigration and Immigrant Stories
October 9 @ 12 to 1 pm - Benson: Swift County Historical Museum - Explore the complex journeys and challenges faced by irregular migrants, including the risks of violence, exploitation, and living in the shadows. This program delves into the history and current realities of U.S. immigration, sharing stories from recent immigrants to begin a broader conversation. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Civil War Roundtable: Personal Reflections of a Private Soldier
October 9 @ 1:30 to 3:30 pm - Litchfield: Meeker County Museum - Director Danelle Erickson shares the story of T.H. Pendergast’s experiences from Fort Snelling to Atlanta during the Civil War, offering insights into the everyday life, challenges, and moments of humor of a Minnesota soldier. Cost: Free members/$3 general. Learn more »
Creepy Doll Contest 2025
October 10 @ 7 to 9 pm - Rochester: History Center of Olmsted County - Celebrate the 7th year of the Creepy Dolls exhibition reception, featuring amateur curators exploring curious artifacts from the collection, snarky and scary commentary by local podcasters, and a chance to vote for your favorite doll. Adults only (21+), with a cash bar. Cost: $5 members / $8 advance non-members / $10 door. Learn more »
Exhibit Opening: Winston: A Woman’s Fight for Freedom in Minnesota
October 11 @ 11:30 am to 1:30 pm - Minneapolis: Hennepin History Museum - Celebrate the opening of this exhibit about Eliza Winston, the first and only enslaved person to win her freedom in a Minnesota courtroom. The program includes remarks by Dr. Christopher Lehman and a reading by poet Mary Moore Easter, followed by a book signing. Light snacks will be provided. Cost: $10 donation encouraged. Learn more »
Explore Minnesota - State of MN's Tourism website
Listings: History & Heritage Events | Historic Exhibits | Lectures & Workshops
Register for an Account »
Highlighted Museum: Warroad Public Library and Heritage Center, Warroad, MN.
Fundamentals of Nonprofit Board Governance
October 21 @ 9 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: Propel Nonprofits - Designed for those new to serving on a board or considering joining one. Cost: $95. Learn more »
Spreading Awareness of Object Contamination through Accessible Testing
October 23 @ 12 pm (CT) - Online: The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum - Part of a webinar series on building safety programs for community and museum collections. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Cemetery Programming and Tours
October 23 @ 2 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History - Learn how cemetery stewards can use historic cemeteries for programming and events that engage both locals and visitors. Cost: $55 members/$65 nonmembers. Learn more »
Disaster Planning
October 27 @ 5 pm (CT) - Online: Backlog - A practical webinar for archives, libraries, and museums on preparing for emergencies, protecting collections, and building effective response plans. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Handling for Digitization
October 28 @ 11 am (CT) - Online: Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts - Learn practical tips from specialists on safeguarding collections throughout the digitization process. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Additional Educational Opportunities »
Duluth Preservation Alliance Grant Program
Deadline - February 15, 2026: Duluth Preservation Alliance - This grant program provides essential financial assistance for the preservation and restoration of historic properties in the Duluth area. Non-profit and public organizations can apply for grants of up to $1,000, with a total of $4,000 available annually for maintenance projects on historically significant structures. Learn more »
Hometown Grants
T-Mobile - Applications are open for grants of up to $50,000 each to revitalize community spaces in towns with 50,000 people or less. Applications are open on a quarterly basis. Learn more »
Minnesota Council for Nonprofits Scholarships
Minnesota Council for Nonprofits offers a limited number of partial scholarships for most MCN sponsored trainings and events. Learn more »
Qualifying Criteria:
Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »
Vintage Museum Photo: Oscar Hokka Log House, operated by the Virginia Area Historical Society, Virginia, MN (1984). View additional photos on Instagram »
This section features slides taken of Minnesota history museums from the 1970s through the 1990s by David Nystuen, the MNHS Field Services Coordinator, and other Field Services representatives during that time period.
The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to present the St. Paul Pioneer Press 1861-1961 digital newspaper collection. View collection »
This free, searchable archive contains digitized newspaper issues from the following newspaper titles:
This collection contains 35,804 issues comprising 752,127 pages.
Historic Preservation Award
The History Center of Freeborn County is accepting nominations for its 2025 Historic Preservation Awards. Categories honor projects such as building restorations, adaptive re-use, outstanding craftsmanship, and community leadership in preservation. Eligible projects must be from Freeborn County and completed between September 20, 2024, and October 1, 2025. Nominations are due by November 30, 2025. For forms, call 507-373-8003 or email director@fchmmn.org.
Monroe takes over as director of Giiwedinong Museum
Park Rapids Enterprise - Logan Monroe, an enrolled member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, said he feels the weight of responsibility in his role as the museum brings Indigenous culture and treaty rights into public view. Continue reading »
History Center executive director to leave position, lead SPAM Museum in Austin
Albert Lea Tribune - The executive director of the History Center of Freeborn County announced Thursday she will leave her position Oct. 3 after accepting a new job as manager of the SPAM Museum in Austin. Stephanie Kibler has served in the role since 2019 after working for the Steele County Historical Society and as a private contractor for the nonprofit sector. Continue reading »
Beltrami County Board votes to reduce library funds, end museum funds
KAXE - More than 100 people crowded into the Beltrami County Board room in support of public libraries and the local museum as commissioners voted 4-1 to adopt its 2026 preliminary budget and levy. Continue reading »
Area librarian uncovers KKK's hidden history in Southern Minnesota
Faribault Daily News - Since 2010, historian and longtime Steele County librarian Nancy Vaillancourt has made it her mission to uncover the truth behind the region’s forgotten history of the Ku Klux Klan. Though often associated with the American South, where the white supremacist first took shape – terrorizing recently freed Black Americans and supporters of Reconstruction in the wake of the Civil War – by the 1920’s the Ku Klux Klan experienced a revival in the early 19th century which would see chapters of the hate group established all across the United States. Continue reading »
The experience of ‘at the lake’ – within four walls at Alexandria’s Legacy of the Lakes Museum
Alexandria Echo Press - Perhaps no three words sum up the experience of Minnesota like “at the lake.” They can describe your past, your present, or your future. They’re your reason or your excuse or your all-purpose pass. Continue reading »
So Minnesota: Historic Stillwater steps give a workout and great view
KSTP - One place in Stillwater can take your breath away while getting a great view of the city. The historic Stillwater steps have been giving people a workout since 1857. “They are very much a part of the community,” Brent Peterson with Washington County Historical Society said. “They have been before Minnesota has become a state.” Watch video »
Valley Grove Social draws community to appreciate historic, preserved churches
Northfield News - In rural Nerstrand, two historic churches each more than 100 years old sit atop a hill, surrounded by 52 acres of the precious and rare ecosystem known as oak savanna. The site is known as Valley Grove, and it has become a favorite getaway for many locals in Rice County. Both churches are maintained and preserved by the Valley Grove Preservation Society, which saved the land from becoming a housing development decades ago. Continue reading »
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Featured BookHer Place in the Woods: The Life of Helen Hoover University of Minnesota Press. Author Event |
Featured Article
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Minnesota UnraveledA podcast series by the Minnesota Historical Society
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Minnesota History Organizations Directory• County, Chapters, and Local |
Minnesota Main Streets |
Preservation Specialists Directory |
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