Joint Effort to Share Twin Cities’ LGBTQIA+ History Honored with Prestigious Award

For Immediate Release

Release dated: June 20, 2023

MNHS media contacts: Allison Ortiz, 651-259-3051, allison.ortiz@mnhs.org or Nick Jungheim, 651-259-3060, nick.jungheim@mnhs.org

The Minnesota Historical Society and Twin Cities Pride recognized as joint recipients

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (June 20, 2023) – The nation’s most prestigious recognition for state and local history has been awarded to the Twin Cities LGBTQ+ History Tours, a joint project between the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) and Twin Cities Pride. The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) selected the project for a 2023 Award of Excellence.

The Twin Cities LGBTQ+ History Tours utilize digital story maps to share the long and storied LGBTQIA+ history in Minneapolis and St. Paul. While the history tours were created in 2022 to mark Twin Cities Pride’s 50th anniversary, the collaboration also led to the creation of this year’s Going Out, Coming In exhibit at Mill City Museum.

“This honor means so much to us because it recognizes our collaborative effort to share some of Minnesota’s hidden histories,” said Kent Whitworth, MNHS CEO and executive director. “This partnership continues to present outstanding opportunities for Minnesotans to build empathy as they learn about and engage with the history of our LGBTQIA+ communities.”

"We are beyond honored to receive this award. This project started with a vision and the team at MNHS brought it to life. We are honored to partner with them and look forward to expanding the project even more," said Andi Otto, executive director of Twin Cities Pride.

The recognition awarded to the Twin Cities LGBTQ+ History Tours is one of 51 national awards given by the AASLH this year. The AASLH awards program was initiated in 1945 to establish and encourage standards of excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history throughout the United States.

About Twin Cities Pride

The Mission of Twin Cities Pride is to empower every LGBTQ+ person to live as their true self. We envision a future where all LGBTQ+ people are valued and celebrated for who they are. We value transparency, inclusion, education, and respect. Twin Cities Pride is a Minnesota 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs, and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories, and connects people with history.