Field Note

On August 22, staff from the Minnesota Historical Society visited the Brown County Historical Society in New Ulm to meet with local staff and project contractors involved in a grant‑funded effort to restore the historic wood windows of the New Ulm Post Office. The site visit provided an opportunity to review progress, discuss preservation techniques, and support the ongoing rehabilitation work.

Heritage Preservation Grants

Spotlighted Project: History of White Bear Lake Public Safety Interpretive Panels
The interpretive panels detailing the history of the White Bear Lake Fire Department were completed, fabricated, and installed in the city’s new Public Safety building. The project highlighted the 1929 American LaFrance Fire Pumper, which the city has owned for nearly a century. The panels were integrated into the building’s window design, making the display visible from the public sidewalk. A large two-sided banner provided imagery viewable from outside and inside the station. The displays were accessible without entering the building and featured during events such as Fire Prevention Week and local festivals.

The City of White Bear Lake, its Fire Department, and the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society collaborated to ensure the history was accurate and well researched. Letters of critical review from the historical society were considered and incorporated into the displays. This project created a lasting way for the public to engage with the area’s firefighting heritage and view a century-old symbol of the community’s commitment to public safety.
Recipient: City of White Bear Lake
Amount Funded: $6,644
Project Details

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.

SEPTEMBER Grants Open House
September 4 - 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 »

From the Blog

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

Small Town Advertising
While browsing through your kitchen cabinets, digging through your junk drawer, or cleaning your garage, you might find any number of small items with a local business name printed on the piece. You might think, “Why do I have that? Where did it come from?” ...Those advertising pieces are part of a small-town tradition going back many years. 

Any business in a small town remained successful only if they could keep repeat customers. They needed to provide a quality product with convenient and friendly access to their establishment. Good will was also a part of a successful business. Continue Reading »

More MN Blog posts

• From the President - September 2025 - Danish American Center
• ‘Welcome’ to the Year of the Daily - U of MN Libraries
• The Heart of America: Why County and State Fairs Matter More Than Ever - Beltrami County Historical Society
• West Point to World War: The Johnson Brothers - Nicollet County Historical Society
• Elementary schools throughout the history of Eveleth - Jim Froemming | Hometown Source
• Leon Lewis Dedication - Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest
• Use MDL resources in social studies classes this school year with our Minnesota Studies guide - Minnesota Digital Library News

From the Tube

This week's post is from the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!

More MN Tube posts

• Mark Hansen – Legends of the Northwoods: Life on the Gunflint Trail - Gunflint Trail Historical Society Chik-Wauk Museum
• The Churches of Freeborn County - History Center of Freeborn County
• Tales from the Grave 2025: Neil and Jessie Roberts - Rock County Minnesota Historical Society
• My Family History, Michael Chaney - African American Registry

Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »

Job Opportunities

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

MNHS

Project Manager II OR Project Manager III - MN History Center

LOCAL

• Assistant Director of Security - Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis, MN
• Gallery Guard – Cambodian Bronzes Exhibition - Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis, MN
• Event Production Overhire - Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN
• Visitor Experience Event Lead - Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN
• Membership and Sales Coordinator - Minnesota Children's Museum, St. Paul, MN
• Ticket Office Manager - Children's Theatre Company, Minneapolis, MN
• Curator - Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, MN

REGIONAL

• Landscape and Gardens Coordinator - Wisconsin Historical Society, Eagle, WI
• Exhibits Coordinator - Agricultural Heritage Museum, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD
• Program Manager - Project Art, Iowa City, IA

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

• Historic Sites Project Designer - State of Illinois, Springfield, IL
• Director of Knowledge, Records and Information Management - MacArthur Foundation, Chicago, IL
• Metadata Specialist - Illinois State University, Normal, IL
• RFP, Marketing Agency Services - Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis, IN
• Museum Registrar - IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
• Systems Technician - Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH
• Outreach & Communications Coordinator - Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial, Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH
• Education Manager - Mazza Museum and Joseph and Judith Conda STEAM Education Center, Findlay, OH
• Executive Director - Hancock Historical Museum, Findlay, OH
• Interpreter - Harding Presidential Sites, Ohio History Connection, Marion, OH
• Director of Education and Community Partnerships - Massillon Museum, Massillon, OH
• Director of University Archives & Special Collections - Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
• Visitor Experience Supervisor - Detroit Historical Society, Detroit, MI
• Visitor Experience Associate (VEA) - Detroit Historical Society, Detroit, MI
• Event Operations Specialist - Detroit Historical Society, Detroit, MI
• White House Decision Center Director - Truman Library Institute, Kansas City, MO
• Director of Conservation - St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis, MO
• African American History Initiative Manager - Missouri History Society, St. Louis, MO
• Managing Director of Collections - Missouri History Society, St. Louis, MO
• Director of Development - Missouri History Society, St. Louis, MO
• Senior Charitable Giving Advisor - Missouri History Society, St. Louis, MO
• Public Historian (Administrative Officer 2) - Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, Harrisburg, PA
• RFP: Project Archivist (short-term) - Founders Hall Museum, Girard College, Philadelphia, PA
• Head of Paintings Conservation Lab - Ford Conservation Center, Nebraska State Historical Society, Omaha, NE
• Program Interpreter Level 1 - Manitoba Children’s Museum, Winnipeg, MB

Additional Job Postings in the Field »

Do History Here

Ricing time. Picture of Melvin Losh (standing) and Ray Losh of Bena, as they work their way through the rice beds during the annual harvest. 1980s.
Image used with permission. From the collections of the Beltrami County Historical Society.

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

Onward and Upward: Ladies of the Stage
September 6 @ 9:30 to 11:30 am (CT) – Owatonna: Steele County Historical Society – Join a brunch and panel discussion featuring Victoria Bartkowiak, Betsy Cole, Shelley Fitzgerald, and Linda Karnauskas as they share their diverse experiences in local theater, including acting, costuming, directing, and management. Celebrate Owatonna’s rich theatrical history and community dedication, with time for Q&A. Cost: $25 members/$35 public. Learn more »

Civil War Roundtable: A Tale of Two Confederate Diaries
September 11 @ 1:30 pm – Litchfield: GAR Hall & Meeker County Museum – Mary Soroko presents a comparative exploration of the daily lives and wartime experiences of two Confederate women, Mary Chesnut and Catherine Devereux Edmondston. Their diaries reveal both differences and similarities, offering an insightful perspective on the Civil War era. Cost: Free members/$3 public. Learn more » 

Norwegian Immigrants and Civil War Veterans at Pioneer & Soldiers Cemetery
September 13 @ 10 am to 12 pm – Minneapolis: Norway House – Explore the lives and legacies of Norwegian immigrants and Civil War veterans buried at Minneapolis’s Pioneer & Soldiers Memorial Cemetery. This oldest cemetery in the city holds the stories of early settlers, immigrants, military veterans, and marginalized communities who shaped Minneapolis’s history. Cost: $12.51 members/$14.64 public. Learn more »

Genealogy Saturday: Jesse James in Herman
September 13 @ 10 am (CT) – Elbow Lake & Online: Grant County Historical Society – This session explores family history beyond dates to include stories and lived experiences. Randy Larson of Herman will share tales of Jesse James’s time in Herman, Minnesota, revealing what the notorious bank robber did during his visit. Additional stories about Jesse James will be shared by Don McCollor. Join in person or online via Zoom. Cost: Free. Learn more »

"Minnesconsin”: A New Photography Exhibit at the Winona County History Center
September 14 @ 1 pm (CT) – Winona: Winona County History Center – This exhibit showcases Dick Lano’s 1970s photography capturing the landscapes, community members, and spirit of the region, bridging Minnesota and Wisconsin, known as “Minnesconsin.” The opening reception includes light refreshments and curator remarks at 2 pm. Cost: Free. For more information call them at 507-454-2723.

Reflections Series: “Laura Ingalls Wilder: The Little Author on the Prairie”
September 16 @ 6:30 to 8 pm – Marshall: Lyon County Museum – Professional storyteller Pati Kachel returns to bring Laura Ingalls Wilder to life through her authentic costumed portrayal. Set in 1935, this heartwarming program shares Wilder’s journey from pioneer childhood to bestselling author of the “Little House” books, highlighting her resilience, faith, and family legacy. Light refreshments served; free will donation suggested. Learn more »

Stories of a Mississippi Riverboat Captain
September 17 @ 12 to 1 pm (CT) – Red Wing & Online: Goodhue County History Center – Hear captivating stories from a seasoned Mississippi Riverboat captain who began as a deckhand in 1972 and rose to command his own towboat. This History Break session offers a firsthand look at life on the river, riverboat operations, and historical river tales. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Pedagogy Session – Era One: Indigenous Histories
September 18 @ 4 to 5:30 pm (CT) – Online: Minnesota Humanities Center – This session explores the histories of America’s first peoples before European contact and connects them to the lived experiences of Indigenous communities today. Facilitated by Minnesota Department of Education Social Studies Specialist Brittany Rawson-Haeg and experienced educators, this hands-on workshop helps high school U.S. History teachers design inquiry-based, standards-aligned units. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Queer Northfield, Then and Now
September 18 @ 5:30 pm – Northfield: Northfield Public Library – Explore LGBTQIA+ history in Northfield and greater Minnesota with presentations that highlight past struggles and present-day community life. This event celebrates the resilience and diversity of queer identities while fostering dialogue and understanding in the area. Cost: Free. Learn more »

The Parsonage
September 18 @ 7 to 8:30 pm (CT) – Rochester & Online: History Center of Olmsted County – Explore the history of The Parsonage from its brick construction in 1877, its modernization in 1917, and ongoing questions about its preservation. This program discusses how the building reflects community values and change while inviting participants to share perspectives on what makes a site worthy of preservation—age, architecture, cultural significance, or stories held within. Cost: Free members/$5 public. Learn more »

Mendota After Hours: Minneapolis Madams: The Lost History of Prostitution on the Riverfront
September 19 @ 6 pm (CT) – Mendota: Sibley Historic Site – Discover the hidden history of Minneapolis brothels along the riverfront, where independent madams built influential bordellos that shaped the city’s economic and political landscape. Author Penny Petersen brings to life this nearly forgotten chapter, tracing its rise and eventual closure in the early 20th century. Cost: $15 members/$20 public. Learn more »

Grave Matters: The Story of a City as Told Through its Cemetery
September 21 @ 1 to 2:30 pm – Minneapolis: Pioneer & Soldiers Memorial Cemetery – This event reveals the overlooked stories of ordinary people buried in Minneapolis’s oldest cemetery, including immigrants, African American residents, and veterans from early American wars. The cemetery, holding over 22,000 burials from 1853 to 1919, serves as a powerful record of the city’s social history and marginalized voices. Cost: $10 – $14. Learn more »

Polish Literature in English Reading Group
September 24 @ 7 to 9 pm (CT) – Online: Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota (PACIM) – Join this free reading group focusing on Polish literature translated into English, starting with Stanisław Lem’s satirical sci-fi collection, The Star Diaries. The group offers an accessible introduction to Polish culture, history, and literary styles. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Fall Membership Dinner: Walt Disney and His Legacy
September 25 @ 5:30 pm (CT) – Stillwater, MN: Washington County Historical Society – Enjoy an evening of Walt Disney magic with a social hour, dinner by Scheel’s Catering, a business meeting, and a special program by Emily Krawczewski, Heritage Center Site Manager. Krawczewski will take you behind the scenes of Walt Disney’s life—from his childhood in Marceline, Missouri, to the creation of Disneyland—exploring enduring myths, the relevance of his films, and hidden design features of the parks. Cost: $25 members, $30 nonmembers. Reservations required. Learn more »

Persistence and Resistance: A Conversation Series about Women's POWER
September 25 @ 6 pm (CT) – Anoka, MN: Anoka County Historical Society – Engage in a thought-provoking conversation series exploring the historical perception of women, their challenges, and lessons learned. The series draws on published materials and local research to facilitate safe, reflective discussions about women's power through persistence and resistance. The first session, "Reproductive Rights," invites participants to connect personal experiences to works like The Evidence of V and Booth Girls. Cost: $8. 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: Dunnell House, part of the Village of Yesteryear and operated by the Steele County Historical Society, Owatonna, MN.

Fundamentals of Nonprofit Budgeting
September 16 @ 9 am to 12 pm (CT) – Online: Propel Nonprofits – Learn how to use budgeting as a strategic tool to tell the story of your organization's plans, priorities, and aspirations. This workshop guides participants through Propel’s 10-step budgeting process, emphasizing board and staff engagement across the organization. Cost: $95. Learn more »

Museum Minds Collaborative - Build, Boost, Brag
September 17 @ 1 pm (CT) Online: Museum Minds – Founder of Your Museum Career Coach
Advancing your museum career whether job-hunting, seeking a promotion, or becoming your museum’s secret weapon. Alli Schell will guide you in identifying essential skills, finding creative and budget-friendly ways to develop them, and confidently showcasing your strengths on your resume. Walk away with a personalized action plan, a list of key resources, and a boost in confidence to sustain your professional growth. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Good Neighbors During Slow & Fast Disasters: What Cultural Organizations Can Do Now
September 18 @ 12 to 1:30 pm (CT) – Online: Creative Futures – Discover how cultural institutions can strengthen community resilience in the face of both rapid and slow disasters. This workshop for cultural workers will feature peer learning, disaster preparedness resources, and real-world examples, facilitated by Linda Norris, Braden Paynter, and Stacey Garcia. Cost: Free or pay what you can. Learn more »

Beginning Grantwriting
September 18 @ 9 am to 12 pm (CT) – Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – This hands-on, beginner-level workshop is designed to enhance grantwriting skills for nonprofit professionals. Participants will learn key steps to crafting effective grant proposals, managing timelines, and developing budgets. Cost: $95 members/ $135 nonmembers. Learn more »

Large-Scale Inventory Projects: Strategies and Lessons Learned
September 18 @ 1 to 2:30 pm (CT) – Online: Collections Care & Conservation Alliance – Eileen Corcoran, Director of Service & Outreach at the Vermont Historical Society, reviews frameworks for planning and executing large-scale inventory projects. This webinar covers project strategies, case studies, and effective approaches to starting and completing inventories to better manage collections. Cost: $15. Learn more »

Leading with Purpose: Governance and Sustainability
September 18 @ 10 to 11 am (CT) – Online: Texas Historical Commission – This webinar empowers museum leaders, both staff and board, to understand their core governance roles including the duties of care, loyalty, and obedience. Attendees will gain a practical framework to strengthen oversight, support sustainability, and lead with purpose while keeping the museum’s mission central to decision-making. Cost: Free. Learn more »

History Hour: Preserving Collections
September 23 @ 2 pm (CT) – Online: American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) – Join a discussion on best practices to start preserving collections of any size. Learn how to identify common problems and solutions, and plan for long-term preservation to protect collections for years to come. This session includes expert remarks and peer collaboration opportunities. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Core Issues Briefing Series
October 1 through November 5 Weekly Sessions @ 2 pm (CT) – Online: American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) – This six-week virtual program addresses the history field’s most pressing challenges, including workforce issues, polarization, and disaster preparedness. Receive consolidated access to the latest research, insights, and tools to strengthen your institution, staff, volunteers, and programs. Cost: $230 members/$330 nonmembers. Learn more »

TIPS & TOOLS

• Museum Board Yearly Self-Evaluation Checklist - Museum 411

UPCOMING STATE and REGIONAL CONFERENCES

Additional Educational Opportunities »

Funding & Awards

Supporting Conservation Professionals in Preparing Publishable Manuscripts to Advance Conservation Literature
Deadline - January 22: FAIC/Kress Conservation Publication Fellowship - Provides a $30,000 stipend over up to 18 months to support conservation professionals in preparing publishable manuscripts that contribute substantially to conservation literature. Payments are made in three installments as the manuscript progresses, with the final manuscript due 18 months after the start date. Learn more »

Post-Graduate Fellowship Grants to Develop Emerging Conservators' Skills in Art and Cultural Heritage Conservation
Deadline - January 22: FAIC/Kress Foundation Conservation Fellowship - Competitive grants of up to $44,000 support cultural institutions and conservation facilities in hosting supervised post-graduate fellowship opportunities. The program helps emerging conservators strengthen professional skills, gain hands-on experience, and grow within a structured learning environment. Preference is shown to first-time requests, but exceptional second-year projects may also be considered.
Learn more »

Shavlik Family Foundation
Letter of Intent - December 1/Deadline - February 15: This foundation funds technology projects for Minnesota-serving nonprofit organizations with grants ranging from $1,000 - $30,000. The Foundation provides support to Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations and tribal governments for any type of technology project that will improve how they meet their mission. Learn more »

Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »

News

Vintage Museum Photo: Dunnell House, original headquarters of the Steele County Historical Society. Owatonna, MN. (1986). 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.

MN Digital Newspaper Hub - August 2025 content update
A content update to the Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub this week added 2,496 new issues and 24,754 new newspaper pages.

New publicly available titles & date spans:

Lakeville's Historical Society is celebrating 30 years of collecting local stories
Sun - Tucked away inside the Lakeville Heritage Center is a museum full of local treasures, memories and mementos from Lakeville’s earliest days, all curated by the Lakeville Area Historical Society (LAHS). Continue reading »

Nobles County Heritage Center to open three new exhibits
Worthington Globe - The state has just started doing traveling exhibits again since the COVID-19 pandemic, and this is the first time Nobles County has had a traveling exhibit from the Minnesota History Center. “It’s kind of a new thing for us,” Beth Rickers, Nobles County Historical Society executive director, said. “But you want to supplement it with your own content.” Continue reading »

5 AT THE FAIR: Minnesota Newspaper Museum
KSTP - The Minnesota State Fairgrounds is home to many unique buildings and historical sights. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS anchor Kevin Doran checked out one of them in the 4H Building on Friday. Doran spoke with Michelle Leonard at the Minnesota Newspaper Museum about their history at the fair. Watch video »

ROI-Pavek Museum of Electronic Communication
KALA-FM - Dr. Luis Felipe Souza, curator of the Pavek Museum of Electronic Communication, in Minnesota, joins the “ROI” panelists to discuss the Pavek Museum. The host for the 625th edition in this series is Jay Swords, and the history buffs are Brett Monnard and Rick Sweet. Listen to podcast »

Dakota-led arts & culture activities Sept. 12-13
Winona Post - The local nonprofit arts organization Art of the Rural, in partnership with the Honoring Dakota Project and Winona County Historical Society, is co-hosting a weekend of Dakota-led arts and culture activities from September 12-13, 2025. Continue reading »

Featured Book So Long and Best of Luck by Carol Klitzke. Carlton County Historical Society.	Featured Article Minnesota History Human Hair Ornaments Volume 44, Issue 2 1974	Featured Article MNopedia Hungry Mind (bookstore) Featured MNopedia Article	Minnesota Unraveled A podcast series by the Minnesota Historical Society

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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