In August 2005, the Minnesota Historical Society marked the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II by launching the Minnesota's Greatest Generation Project, a comprehensive campaign to explore the life and legacy of Minnesotans who grew up amid the depression of 1930s, came of age during World War II, and participated in the boom that followed in the wake of the war. The Greatest Generation Project explores how events at home and abroad affected their lives and created a legacy shared by all Minnesotans.
The "Moving Pictures - Shared Stories of Minnesota's Greatest Generation" film Project is one piece of the campaign to preserve these important stories.
Filmmakers of all ages and abilities are invited to submit a film less than 10 minutes in length. Any aspect of the life and legacy of an individual or a group from the Greatest Generation can be explored, though each year there will be an award category which focuses on a special topic. In 2008, the special topic is "Boom of the 1950s ."
Each fall from 2006 to 2008, the films will be judged. The best films will receive monetary awards and they will be showcased in a series of statewide film festivals. View the winning films from 2006.
Award Categories
Best film by an emerging filmmaker: $1,000
Best collaborative effort: $1,000
Best exploration of an intergenerational legacy: $1,000
Best depiction of the "Boom of the 1950s ": $2,500
Best film: $5,000
Why You Should Submit a Film
It's personal
The process of making a short film about the life and legacy of a Greatest Generation (born between 1910-1929) family member, friend or neighbor can deepen your understanding of others, yourself and our world today. It can be intimate, personal and rewarding .
There are many stories to tell. The greatest generation lived through it all. They have rich and diverse life stories - tragic to heroic, dramatic to ordinary. Share a story of someone you know. Use this web site to research other stories of the generation, or contact us for story ideas.
It's possible
Collaboration is key. Enlist the help of family and friends.
Rapidly changing technology has revolutionized filmmaking in the past few years. Amateurs and professionals alike have access to first-quality equipment that can create or integrate digital images from a wide variety of sources, including the Society's collections. Through an innovative blend of interviews, archival film footage, and historic photographs, documentarians of all ages will capture the interest of viewers across generations.
To promote this innovative medium, the Society will sponsor workshops and invite the public to create and submit their short films.
Learn how to submit a film, then register your interest in participating to receive full details and the latest news.
