The State of Minnesota supports the Society with operating funds and capital funds or "bonding bills." Typically, operating and capital budgets are considered by the Legislature in alternate years. This year, the Legislature will consider both.
Contact your legislators now and remind them that history matters.
The Society supports Minnesota’s education system, promotes tourism and improves quality of life.

Since 2001, the Society’s state funding for operations has been cut dramatically – by $5 million every fiscal year – impairing our ability to operate historic sites and serve schoolchildren. A bonding bill was not passed last year and is needed for major building repairs and restoration projects at Historic Fort Snelling, James J. Hill House, Comstock House and other sites.

Take action and make your voice heard! March 7 is History Day at the Capitol. Plan to stop by, attend a noontime rally, and tell your legislators why history matters. You may brush shoulders with a soldier from Fort Snelling, a farmer from the Kelley Farm and other characters from our state's past. An official e-mail invitation will be sent your way soon, and information on this important day's schedule is posted at mnhs.org/historymatters.

The History Center's newest exhibit explores the romance, rituals and realities of tying the knot. At the opening celebration, pose for photos as "living cake toppers." Make a children's valentine. Renew your vows with "The Marrying Judge." See cake designer Larry Fischer demonstrate his art. Join dress designer Jim Morehouse to learn about the history, preservation and design of wedding dresses. Do the twist, bunny hop and hokey pokey. Really brave? Wear your "worst bridesmaid dress" and model it for museum visitors at 2:45 p.m. You could win a deluxe getaway at the St. Paul Hotel or lovebird seats to a St. Paul Saints game.

Embark on an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the Society's collections on May 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the History Center. If you’re a Society member, your invitation will be in the mail in April. If you’re not a member, join now. The collections are massive – and include everything from 176,712 books and 19,277 maps, to 1.1 million archeological artifacts. Did you know that the Society’s 130 bandolier bags are believed to be the nation’s premier collection?

Minnesota boasts 1,531 listings encompassing 6,000 properties on the National Register of Historic Places. In December 2004, three new properties joined this prestigious list: the Watkins Products Complex in Winona, the Graceville Historical Marker and the Peads Landing Overlook in Pepin Township.

History matters to a lot of Minnesotans, including the 30,000 young scholars who participate in History Day each year, the 300,000 students who visit us on field trips, and the 3 million people who tour history online at mnhs.org.

Now is the perfect time to:

• Meet Abe Lincoln at "Presidential Sundays"
  Feb. 27, Minnesota History Center

• Take a bite out of history with "Lunchtime History Bites" tours
  Feb. 18, March 11 and 19, April 8, Minnesota State Capitol

• Escort your valentine to a Victorian Poetry Slam
  Feb. 14, James J. Hill House
  

Sundays in February, discover the life of Emily Goodridge Grey, one of St. Anthony's earliest African American settlers, in special performances by actress Shundreya Robinson at Mill City Museum. In 1860, Grey helped free an enslaved woman named Eliza Winston. The script draws from Grey's 1893 memoir and newspaper accounts.

Purchase fun History Matters items, including t-shirts, sweatshirts and tote bags, and 20 percent of your purchase goes directly to the Minnesota Historical Society. Perfect for History Day kids, genealogists, teachers and history lovers of all ages.

Minnesotans value their history. In his 1883 biennial message, Governor Lucius Hubbard referred to "the great usefulness" of the Minnesota Historical Society. Decades later, Governor Orville Freeman, in his 1957 inaugural address, talked about the state's early history, "I believe we can find both strength and a sense of direction from the example of pioneer days." Check out fascinating highlights in state history.