The Society’s network of historic sites and museums, including the History Center, Mill City Museum, Split Rock Lighthouse and Historic Fort Snelling, will remain open during regular hours as the state begins its new fiscal year on July 1, 2005.

With the passage of the Environment, Agriculture and Economic Development Finance Bill by the House and the Senate, plus the Governor's signature, funding was provided for the Society’s operations and public services.

The Society receives approximately two-thirds of its operating support from the State of Minnesota. Had funding not been provided by the start of the new fiscal year, the Society would have been a part of the state’s partial shutdown.

Please join us in contacting legislators to thank them for supporting history and the Society’s programs. Learn more about the Society’s network of museums and historic sites.

The Depression, the War, the Boom. The Society will host Minnesota's Greatest Generation Day on Aug. 14, 2005 (the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII), but before then, you can learn about this exciting and important project online.

Minnesota’s Greatest Generation encompasses those who experienced three powerful decades – the Great Depression, World War II, and the post-war boom. The Society’s Minnesota’s Greatest Generation Project will capture the stories, images and objects that bring to life an entire generation – documenting and preserving them for future generations.

Celebrate the State Capitol’s centennial at a 1905-era ice cream social. On Mon., July 4, between noon and 4 p.m., enjoy ice cream while listening to a 1,000-voice choir directed by Philip Brunelle. The Capitol’s 100th birthday party will also include tours of the Capitol, costumed historic characters, games and activities for kids, and picnic food available for purchase. Proceeds from ice cream sales will help support restoration efforts at the magnificent Capitol building.

Learn more about additional July 4th events at historic sites statewide.

Nearly 50 cubic feet of Munsingwear corporate records, materials and advertisements are preserved in the Society’s collections vault. More than 3,500 individual undergarments, including this stars-and-stripes “Victory Promotion” brassiere and girdle from 1941, are part of this fascinating collection. Send this image as an e-card for the Fourth of July!

Plan to attend the Remembering the Civil War Days event at the State Capitol on July 8 and 9, and plan ahead for Mustering Out: Civil War Weekend at Historic Fort Snelling on Aug. 13 and 14. Spend some time browsing the Society’s online Civil War Collections, and check out the Christie Letters from the Civil War – some of which were written in July, 1863 (that’s 142 years ago!).