Minnesota Historical Society

History Matters Day at the Capitol 2026

Speak up for history on March 5 at the Minnesota State Capitol. Meet with state legislators to discuss the importance of funding history initiatives.

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History Matters Day at the Capitol.
Celebrate

Black History, Black Voices

Deepen your understanding of Black history and the contributions Black Americans have made to Minnesota.

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Black History, Black Voices.
Minnesota History Center

Spotlight on Saint Paul Winter Carnival Buttons

A perfect set—Spotlight on Saint Paul Winter Carnival Buttons displays more than 100 carnival keepsakes dating back to the first Saint Paul Winter Carnival in 1886.

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Spotlight on Saint Paul Winter Carnival Buttons.

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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History Forum 250: Revisiting the Revolution.
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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The Stories We Keep: 25 Objects from MNHS.
Season 2 Available Now

Minnesota Unraveled

Journey into our state’s past with the podcast from the Minnesota Historical Society.

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Honoring Rondo: Sports, Resilience, and the Oxford Community Center (episode 206).

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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.

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Explore

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

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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Upcoming
MNHS Events

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Millers' Tour

Millers' Tour

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A 60-minute guided tour including many of the nooks and crannies of Mill City Museum.
Nooks and Crannies Fest

Nooks and Crannies Fest

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Get a behind-the-scenes look at areas of the James J. Hill House that are not featured on the standard house tour.
Precious and Adored Book Club: St. Anthony Park Library

Precious and Adored Book Club: St. Anthony Park Library

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Join us at St. Anthony Park Library on February 23 for the book club and learn more about this portrayal of nineteenth-century LGBTQ history.
Coffee Chat: 25th Infantry

Coffee Chat: 25th Infantry

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Join us for our coffee chat lecture series.
Free Thursday Nights at the History Center

Free Thursday Nights at the History Center

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Visit the Minnesota History Center on a Thursday night from 4 pm-8 pm, and get FREE admission and parking!
Booked on Thursdays:

Booked on Thursdays: "A Darker Wilderness: Black Nature Writing from Soil to Stars"

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Join the Minnesota Historical Society’s Inclusion and Community Engagement team for a free event series, Booked on Thursdays!
Winter Sleigh Rides

Winter Sleigh Rides

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Step into a winter wonderland on a horse drawn sleigh ride at the Forest History Center.
Saturday Snowshoeing at the Forest History Center

Saturday Snowshoeing at the Forest History Center

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Take a snowshoe hike at the Forest History Center.
The Fur Trade in Minnesota: From 1680 to 1900

The Fur Trade in Minnesota: From 1680 to 1900

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Step into the past, during Minnesota’s fur trade era.
STEM Family Day

STEM Family Day

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History and science come together in a day of family activities.
Artist and Archives: Community Collaging Event

Artist and Archives: Community Collaging Event

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Join us for an open house hands-on community archiving and collaging event where personal memories become collective history.
Art & Artists of the State Capitol

Art & Artists of the State Capitol

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View grand murals, paintings, sculpture and lavish decorations while touring legislative chambers, historic spaces and corridors.
Mill City String Quartet: Women Composers Performance

Mill City String Quartet: Women Composers Performance

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Celebrate Women’s History Month one day early with the Mill City String Quartet!
Modern Wool Spinning Workshop

Modern Wool Spinning Workshop

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Discover the timeless craft of wool spinning in this hands-on workshop designed for beginners and curious makers alike.
First Thursday Films at The Capri:

First Thursday Films at The Capri: "40 Acres" Screening

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Join us for a screening of "40 Acres" at The Capri Theater.
Illustration of Minnesota with landmarks.

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!

Plan your visit
A family at Split Rock Lighthouse historic site.

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