History's Mysteries Workshop

About This Event

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Are you curious about the history of your house or that historic building down the street? Learn how to decode the language of old buildings, uncovering the stories tucked away in the places and structures that surround you.

This workshop will have an urban focus through the lens of the Twin Cities. Every building has a history and a story to tell, whether it is 50 years old or 150 years old.

Experts will share their knowledge on research techniques and you’ll be instructed on how to search city directories, dive into historic maps, uncover information in deed records, and much more! After, there will be a hands-on sleuthing activity to put your knowledge to the test! 

Jackie Beckey has worked in museums, libraries, and special collections for over a decade. Throughout the years in numerous roles, she has empowered students and citizen scholars to piece together their stories through the power of archival research. She is highly motivated by connecting collections and communities, especially when she can help empower a new community of users. After earning a Master’s in Library and Information Science from St. Catherine University, she worked at the Minnesota Historical Society as a Reference Librarian. In that role, she developed expertise in house and building history research, and helped numerous researchers peel back the wallpaper/stories behind their homes. She currently works as a Research and Instruction Librarian at Macalester College, specializing in Fine Arts & Humanities.

Made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008. Administered by the Minnesota Historical Society.