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360 Virtual Tours
Experience all of our historic sites through immersive virtual tours.
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James J. Hill House
Holidays on the Hill
Experience Christmas, 1910—both upstairs and downstairs—in the sumptuous Gilded Age mansion of railroad titan James J. Hill.
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Season 2 Available Now
Minnesota Unraveled
Journey into our state’s past with the podcast from the Minnesota Historical Society.
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New Exhibit
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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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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Julia Child: A Recipe for Life
Step into the extraordinary life of Julia Child—a spirited trailblazer whose love of French cooking, perseverance, and humor transformed American kitchens forever.
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Available Online
Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub - Pioneer Press Collection
Explore 100 years of the St. Paul Pioneer Press in our new Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub collection.
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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
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
Euphoric Recall
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.
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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.
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Our Home, Limited Edition Product Series
MNHS is featuring Fond du Lac artist Sarah Agaton Howes of Heart Berry for this limited edition product series of clothing, mugs, bags, and stickers with traditional Ojibwe floral designs.
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MNHS Events
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Christmas at the Lighthouse
Explore the restored keeper’s house while learning about how the families lived at the station during the winter.
Christmas at the Lighthouse
Explore the restored keeper’s house while learning about how the families lived at the station during the winter.
Christmas at the Lighthouse
Explore the restored keeper’s house while learning about how the families lived at the station during the winter.
Christmas at the Lighthouse
Explore the restored keeper’s house while learning about how the families lived at the station during the winter.
Holiday Season Sleigh Rides
Step into a winter wonderland on a horse drawn sleigh ride at the Forest History Center.
Holiday Season Sleigh Rides
Step into a winter wonderland on a horse drawn sleigh ride at the Forest History Center.
Holidays on the Hill
Experience Christmas, 1910—both upstairs and downstairs—in the sumptuous Gilded Age mansion of railroad titan James J. Hill.
Holidays on the Hill
Experience Christmas, 1910—both upstairs and downstairs—in the sumptuous Gilded Age mansion of railroad titan James J. Hill.
Holidays on the Hill
Experience Christmas, 1910—both upstairs and downstairs—in the sumptuous Gilded Age mansion of railroad titan James J. Hill.
Holidays on the Hill
Experience Christmas, 1910—both upstairs and downstairs—in the sumptuous Gilded Age mansion of railroad titan James J. Hill.
Christmas at the Lighthouse
Explore the restored keeper’s house while learning about how the families lived at the station during the winter.
Christmas at the Lighthouse
Explore the restored keeper’s house while learning about how the families lived at the station during the winter.
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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!
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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.
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