Collecting pieces of Minnesota's past for the future
About
The Minnesota Historical Society preserves and makes available a wide range of materials chronicling Minnesota's history and culture. The goals of the Collections Department are to collect and preserve; provide access and interpretation; and engage in education and outreach. This blog is a tool to share these stories and let people know what is happening in the department.
Happy Juneteenth!
Juneteenth is the holiday commemorating the abolition of slavery in the United States as announced on June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas.
Juneteenth has been celebrated as a community holiday for over 30 years in the Twin Cities; Minneapolis declared it an official holiday this year.
This "Minnesota Soul" T-shirt was designed and produced by Lee Jordan. It was sold at the 1990 Juneteenth celebration, Minneapolis.
Lake Superior
Too Hot!
We know it's been hot lately, but at least we haven't been driven to this yet!
This photo shows people sleeping outside in St. Paul parks to avoid the heat in 1936.
Anniversary of the Duluth Lynchings
On this day, June 15, 1920, police arrested several young black men accused of raping a white woman. That evening, three of them – Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson, and Isaac McGhie – were taken from jail by a mob and lynched. Learn more about the tragedy here.
https://www.mnhs.org/duluthlynchings/
Swimming!
Who doesn't want to swim these days!
This photo show people swimming at Fair Hills Resort in Detroit Lakes, ca. 1930.
Arrowhead Tourism
Finally, we can travel again!
This Arrowhead Country tourism brochure is from 1926. It forms part of “Pamphlets relating to the Arrowhead Region in Minnesota, 1909–” collection.
Perhaps a trip up north is in your future? If so be sure to stop by Split Rock Lighthouse!
Judy Garland's Birthday
Today is singer and actress Judy Garland's birthday.
She was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in 1922.
This is photo is of Frances Ethel "Baby" Gumm (Judy Garland) with her sisters Mary Jane "Suzy" and Dorothy Virginia "Jimmie" at Grand Rapids, 1927.
Double Discount Days!
MNHS Members and Volunteers will enjoy double discount days in the museum stores, both physically and online, June 9 - 13!
This photograph shows the opening of Spartan Discount Store in Roseville, 1961.
Fences
On June 7 in 1987, August Wilson's play "Fences" won four Tony Awards, including one for best play.
This copy of "Three Plays" by August Wilson contains "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," "Fences," and "Joe Turner's Come and Gone." It was published in 1991.
Prince's Birthday
Today is Prince's birthday; he would have been 63 years old.
This photo taken by Jeff Katz in 1985.