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Dakota Family History Research Guide: Overview

Overview Box

Pow Wow, Shakopee, June 21, 1970.

Minnesota is the homeland of the Dakota people.  A Dakota person’s family history can reach as far back as stories can tell.  Elders and other storytellers are often the best guide. This online guide may help with the more recent part of that history, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries.  

The Minnesota Historical Society has a variety of resources to help you learn about your family's history such as birth and death, marriage, education, employment, religious, military service, property ownership, and state institution records. You can access many of these materials at the Minnesota Historical Society Library, as well as additional valuable items.

Related Research Guides & Webpages

Research Options

Tutorial Video

Watch this quick tutorial for an overview on researching ethnic records at the MNHS library. 

MNHS Reference Staff

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Gale Family Library
Minnesota Historical Society Library

Located on the Second Floor of the Minnesota History Center
345 West Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102

Library Hours:
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday to Wednesday: Closed
 

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651-259-3300

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Guide Author

Revised by Jackie Beckey,
Reference Librarian

Gale Family Library • Minnesota Historical Society • 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102-1906 • 651-259-3300
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