America’s history lives here
Bring our nation’s story to life through engaging tours, compelling exhibits, and family-friendly activities at historic sites and museums across the state.
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Spotlight on Minnesota's Constitutions
Why does Minnesota have two nearly identical original constitution documents? Discover why in Spotlight on Minnesota’s Constitutions.
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Julia Child: A Recipe for Life
America’s favorite chef comes to life through rare photos, artifacts, and interactive displays. Step into The French Chef kitchen, visit the restaurant that sparked her journey, and explore vintage cookbooks from MNHS.
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Minnesota Unraveled
Journey into our state’s past with the podcast from the Minnesota Historical Society.
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History Forum 250: Revisiting the Revolution
Mark the nation’s 250th anniversary with a series featuring leading historians and acclaimed authors who reveal new insights into the American Revolution and its lasting global legacy.
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The Stories We Keep: 25 Objects from MNHS
This exhibit features 25 objects from MNHS collections—a rich trove built on the generosity and foresight of thousands of people who have entrusted us with their belongings and their stories.
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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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Collections, stories, and more
Our Home, Limited Edition Product Series
MNHS is featuring Prairie Island and former artist-in-residence Cole Redhorse Taylor for this limited edition product series of clothing, mugs, bags, and stickers featuring traditional Dakota designs.
Shop now
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360 Virtual Tours
Experience all of our historic sites through immersive virtual tours.
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Collections online
Search for photographs, three-dimensional and archaeological objects, artwork, oral histories, moving images, maps, and more.
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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.
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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.
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MNHS Press
Dish and Tell: Recipes from the Heart
A collection of tasty dishes accompanied by their “tells”—the stories and family histories that heighten the flavors and enhance the sense of comfort these lovingly prepared foods bring.
Buy the bookUpcoming
MNHS Events
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Warbler Walks
Conquering the Cliff Tours
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Free Thursday Nights at the History Center
Nooks & Crannies Tour
Mendota After Hours: Tracing Early African American Legacies in Minnesota, at Sibley
Author Event: "Enmity and Empathy" with Ka F. Wong
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Volunteer Information Session & Celebration
Photography & Art at the Rock: Stephanie Anderson
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.
Join today