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MHS MISSION AND VISION

Our Essence

We illuminate the Past to Light the Future

Mission Statement

The Minnesota Historical Society connects people with history to help them gain perspective on their lives. The Society preserves the evidence of the past and tells the stories of Minnesota's people.

Our Five-year Vision Statement

At the end of five years, the Minnesota Historical Society will have increased the value it creates for Minnesotans. The following statements will describe key aspects of the organization.


  • The Society is playing an expanded role in the teaching of history through programs that serve students directly and support the efforts of Minnesota’s teachers and parents to educate the state’s young people. These efforts are significantly increasing the research and critical thinking skills of students and their understanding of how history relates to their lives today.
  • The Society offers an historical perspective to enhance understanding of topics that have a significant impact on the people of Minnesota. Increasingly, they perceive the Society to be a lively and creative institution whose programs raise their awareness of the ways in which history affects their lives and how that knowledge can help them make informed decisions for the future.
  • Increased numbers of children and adults are participating in the Society's programs and are using its extensive collections both in person and on the web.
  • The Society's programs, collections, staff, and governing structure more closely reflect Minnesota's diversity.
  • The Society has clear priorities, is systematically measuring its performance, and can demonstrate that it achieves the intended results in a cost-effective way. The Society’s funders recognize the value of the Society’s work and are increasing their support accordingly.
  • The Society is expanding its partnerships with other organizations to benefit the state’s people.
  • The Society has a funding model that successfully draws on a variety of public and private sources to fund its varied programs and services.