Extraordinary Women exhibit now on view.

 

Covid-19 Update

Now open!

We're pleased to announce that the Minnesota History Center Museum is now open to visitors. Details.

Support

Split Rock lighthouse at night.

Help history emerge strong

Your generosity will sustain us through a difficult period and be applied toward our greatest need during the COVID-19 pandemic. To discuss making a gift, contact Jennifer Pogatchnik at Jennifer.Pogatchnik@mnhs.org.

Collections Item of the Day

National Frozen Food Day!

This Saturday, March 6, is National Frozen Foods. If you are surprised by this or that we are celebrating, don’t be! The world’s first refrigerated transportation system was patented in 1939 by Frederick McKinley Jones when he was working for U.S. Thermo Control in Minneapolis. Jones would eventually patent more than sixty inventions, making him one of the most prolific African American inventors ever. We are lucky enough to have his paper in our manuscript collection, accessible through the Gale Family Library. This photo shows Jones with one of the trucks, circa 1950.

History at Home

History at home.

Explore online resources

Until we can welcome you back to our sites and museums, we invite you to continue to learn about history with us online.

Featured Exhibits

Extraordinary Women exhibit, now on view.
Our Home Native Minnesota exhibit now on view.
Then Now Wow exhibit now on view.
Minnesota's greatest generation exhibit now on view.
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Featured Event

The Untold Story of the Making of 'Fargo'" Virtual Book Launch

Mon., Mar 8, 2021, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

"A Lot Can Happen in the Middle of Nowhere: The Untold Story of the Making of 'Fargo'" Virtual Book Launch

"A Lot Can Happen in the Middle of Nowhere: The Untold Story of the Making of Fargo" presents the untold stories behind the making of Joel and Ethan Coen’s most memorable film.

History is Now

History is now.

History is Now

We are living in a historic moment. Together, Minnesotans and MNHS are capturing and sharing history in real time. Join us in creating conversations that lead to real connection, deeper reflection, new questions, and purposeful action.

History Matters

Speak up for history!

Ask Governor Walz and your state legislators to support strong operating funding for MNHS this legislative session.

Shop

History Matters Face Masks.

History Matters

Show your support for history with our exclusive History Matters gear!

Storied

Storied & more videos

Discover the stories we share. Uncover the real people behind the dates with the Storied series, then go on to explore the rest of our educational, entertaining video content.

MNHS Press

Funny thing about Minnesota book.

Funny Thing About Minnesota...

An insiders’ look at the land of ten thousand laughs—how Minneapolis became a hot spot for comedy. A lively look back at the wild ’80s scene and the creative legacy it wrought.

Online Exhibit

Votes for Women online exhibit.

Votes for Women

On the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, find your inspiration in these stories of Minnesota women. Learn how the landmark 19th Amendment was one step in the struggle to overturn barriers to voting rights that persist to this day.

Gale Family Library

A baby is adopted by a family.

Researching your family history

Research your family's history online with our digital resources.

Education

Girl working at a computer.

Distance learning resources

Online and low-tech educational resources to support Minnesota's teachers and students.