Split Rock Lighthouse

Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Beacon Lighting

Join us as we livestream our Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Beacon Lighting event!

Minnesota History Center

Girlhood (It's complicated)

See how girls have spoken up, challenged expectations, and been on the front lines of social change throughout US history. 

Mill City Museum

The Art of Disability Justice Now

View a disability community-centered exhibition that is curated, organized, and supported by artists, activists, and community organizers to serve as a snapshot of what disability justice is now in the Twin Cities.

Welcome to the Minnesota Historical Society

History shapes, inspires, and informs the present. We strive to bring forward, share, and preserve the diverse histories that make up Minnesota’s complex past. Experience Minnesota history through our network of historic sites, museums, and exhibitions, our extensive collections and research, and our thought-provoking educational programming. Join us! Cultivate your curiosity and experience powerful engagements with history today.
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    Get out and explore MNHS historic sites and museums around Minnesota.
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    View all MNHS programs and events.
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    Search a wealth of records and images from MNHS collections.
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    Delve into essential research tools, materials, and services.
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    Learn about field trips, the Northern Lights textbook, primary sources, and more.
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    MNHS preserves and protects the objects, documents, and places that make Minnesota home.
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    Following my spirit home book.
    MNHS Press is a leading publisher of books on the history and culture of Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.
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    Hotdish hot pads.
    Shop for books and gifts relating to the fascinating people, long history, and unique culture of Minnesota.

Explore

Collections, stories, and more

Collections online

Search for photographs, three-dimensional and archaeological objects, artwork, oral histories, moving images, maps, and more.

Research your family history

Use our online resources and the Gale Family Library to research your past and understand the life we share today. Search our extensive database of birth and death certificates and the State Archives. 

MNopedia

Flooding in Carver County, 1965

In April 1965, the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers crested at record levels, flooding cities and towns across the Upper Midwest. The disaster was especially evident in Chaska and Carver, where the Minnesota River reached its highest-recorded local level on April 12.

MNHS Press

Record executive, producer, band manager, club DJ, booking advisor, record store manager—few people had as deep an impact on the Twin Cities alternative and indie rock scene as Peter Jesperson.

State Emblems Redesign Commission

Learn about the recently-adopted designs for a new state flag and state seal, which will go into effect on May 11, 2024. As outlined in state legislation, the Minnesota Historical Society provided administrative support to the State Emblems Redesign Commission.

Upcoming

MNHS Events

Keepers Tour

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Split Rock Lighthouse

Experience Split Rock Lighthouse like the keepers and their families did.

Great Northern Forest History Tour

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Forest History Center

Take a 90-minute, horse-drawn trolley tour narrated by interpreters.

Mississippi River Kayak Adventure

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Forest History Center

Take a guided kayak tour of the Mississippi River.

The Draft Horse Experience

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Forest History Center

Get a hands-on, 90-minute experience with our horses.

Ramsey After Dark

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Alexander Ramsey House

Explore the hidden secrets of Victorian society in this evening tour. Topics change monthly. Tours last 75 minutes and are…

Grand Views Tour

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Split Rock Lighthouse

Capture stunning photographs of the iconic Split Rock from various angles and locations.

History on Two Wheels: Inside Historic Fort Snelling and to the Upper Post

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Historic Fort Snelling

Join a Historic Fort Snelling Bike Tour focused on history within the fort!

Interpreter Guided Tour

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Historic Forestville

Join an interpreter on a guided tour and hear stories of people who lived in Forestville.

Apple Butter Boil

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Historic Forestville

Chase the October chill away while participating in an open fire cooking demonstration.

26 locations
Unlimited history

MNHS historic sites and museums offer unique insights into Minnesota’s past and present.

Come explore the lives of lumberjacks, learn how Indigenous knowledge has shaped our history, step into the world of famous Minnesotans, or take in spectacular views!


Become a member

MNHS membership is the best way to create your very own historic adventure. Members get the best deal in history with free general admission and discounts on events, purchases, and more at our historic sites and museums for a full year.