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.
Celebrating ADA!
Today, July 26, is the anniversary of the signing of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). This act ensures equal access and opportunities for people with disabilities.
This button was created to promote the ADA in 1990, the year it was signed into law.
Swimsuit
Swimming is top of mind these hot, hot days.
This is a women's two piece swimsuit in a multicolor floral print fabric by Caryl Crozier of Burnsville. Crozier taught adult education classes, such as how to make lingerie, in the 1960s and 1970s when this was made.
Swimming in 1935
More swimming!
This photo from 1935 is titled "Kids splashing and swimming" but we think it should be title "Pure Joy."
Hope you find some cooling fun too!
James J. Hill Arrives in Saint Paul
On this date in 1856, James J. Hill arrives in Saint Paul as a shipping clerk. This is the letter he wrote this grandmother on August 4, as soon as he was settled, as promised.
Happy Aquatennial!
Today is the first day of the Minneapolis Aquatennial!
Our featured item today is a minute-long clip of film from the 1960 Aquatennial. It's titled "Amphibious Marines" but actually shows brief shots of actress Annette Funicello (our favorite Mouseketeer) visiting one of the lakes along with beautiful sailboats in the background.
Archiving Film at MNHS
From our film archivists:
"We proudly present this behind-the-scenes showcase of the Minnesota Historical Society's film digitization process, made collaboratively with local production company Wheel•House. We wholeheartedly believe in the importance of preserving Minnesota's audiovisual legacy, and as stewards of the past who preserve these stories, we wanted to give viewers an intimate look at our work."
Find it here: https://vimeo.com/526231468
Enjoy!
Recent Acquisitions Newsletter
Click on the image to check out our new Recent Acquisitions Newsletter!
It will be published around the 15th of each month, with highlights from the month before.
Enjoy!
All are welcome
This 8" x 11" poster was created by small business owners Danny and Elana Schwartzman, owners of Common Roots Cafe in Minneapolis, in 2015.
Mail Tricycle
Develop the Power that is Within You
This poster shows a man sitting, leaning over a book on his knee. The man is wearing overalls, and the scene behind him appears to be an industrial setting. Text at bottom promotes the National Bank of Germantown.
The poster was originally part of a campaign to make people aware of the resources available to them for free at the library, in 1923. It has been repurposed here by the bank, to encourage people to save.
Both are always timely reminders!