Local History Services staff attended the Minnesota Music Archive Launch event by Hennepin Arts at The Hennepin Event Center on April 2, convening archivists, musicians, and cultural professionals to introduce a statewide digital platform dedicated to preserving Minnesota’s musical heritage. Presentations emphasized the collaborative development of the archive, highlighting representation across genres, communities, and independent scenes.
Spotlighted Project: HVAC and Lighting Renovation
A 30-day system monitor confirmed the new equipment met environmental requirements for museum preservation standards. Visitors and staff noted greater comfort and clearer exhibit viewing under the new lighting. With these upgrades, the museum ensures its physical space and collections can be protected and enjoyed for years to come. The project continues the strong local support that keeps the Springfield museum a central part of the community’s history.
Recipient: Springfield Area Historical Society
Funded amount: $79,295
Project Details
Large Grant Deadline
Pre-applications for the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants large grant round (requests over $20,000) will be due Friday, May 22, 2026. This is a required part of the large grant application process. Contact the Grants Office with questions.
Small Grant Deadline
Applications for the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants quarterly small grant round (requests of $20,000 and less) will be due Friday, April 10, 2026. Contact the Grants Office with questions.
Grants Office YouTube Playlist »
This week's blog post is from the Ramsey County Historical Society. Have a blog? Let us know!
Myth, Memory, and the Origins of the St. Paul Jewish Community Center Symphony Orchestra
Discordant Origins
Two slight taps . . . the lifting of a baton . . . the hushed tenseness of sixty faces revealing differences in age, sex, background, in everything but their common love of fine music and in the present waiting upon their master . . . and thus is ushered in on this fourteenth day of September 1942, the tenth historical season of one of the most unique institutions in St. Paul, the Center Symphony Orchestra.1
Thus reads publicity describing the dynamic community symphony orchestra hosted at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in St. Paul. The group, now known as the Minnesota JCC Symphony Orchestra, is still in existence and is billed as one of the oldest community orchestras in the country as they close in on their one-hundred-year anniversary.2 Upon researching their storied history, however, that centennial commemoration year became a bit atonal. A simple question arose: When was the orchestra founded? Continue Reading »
This week's post is from the Lake City Historical Society. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!
Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »
Minnesota Historical Society's Job Announcement, Internship, Fellowship, and Volunteer Opportunity pages.
IT Director - Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, WI
Attraction Director - Wisconsin History Center, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, WI
Graphic Designer - Oshkosh Public Museum, Oshkosh, WI
Deputy Director of Finance, Administration and Retail Enterprise - Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass, Neenah, WI
Maintenance Technician - State Historical Society of North Dakota, Bismarck, ND
Museum Seasonal Worker - Dickinson Museum Center, City of Dickinson, Dickinson, ND
Experience Associate - South Dakota State Historical Society, Pierre, SD
Director of Development - Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area, Waterloo, IA
Architectural Historian/Historian - Iowa Department of Transportation, Ames, IA
Digital Stewardship Specialist - University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA
Director, Special Collections and Archives - University of Iowa Libraries, Iowa City, IA
Field Trips Administrator - The Field Museum, Chicago, IL
Museum Educator - Ellwood House Museum, DeKalb, IL
Manuscripts Librarian - Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL
Chief Fiscal Officer - Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL
Cultural Resources Planner, Archaeological - Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Springfield, IL
Historical Site Interpreter and Tour Guide - Levi and Catherine Coffin House, Indiana State Museum, Fountain City, IN
Preparator - Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, OH
Director of University Archives and Special Collections - Librarian 3 Lead - Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
Director of University Archives and Special Collections - Librarian 4 Lead - Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
Executive Director - Michigan Historic Preservation Network, Lansing, MI
Historic Collections Cleaning Technician - Henry Ford Estate, Fair Lane: Home of Clara & Henry Ford, Dearborn, MI
Historic Site Supervisor - Sunrise Mill, Montgomery County, Schwenksville, PA
Head of Preservation, Conservation and Digitization - Penn State University Libraries, State College, PA
State Community Development Coordinator - Missouri Main Street Connection, Branson, MO
Maintenance Specialist - Nebraska State Historical Society, Lincoln, NE
Event Coordinator, position 1 - Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg, MB
Event Coordinator, position 2 - Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg, MB
Administrative Services Coordinator - Manitoba Children’s Museum, Winnipeg, MB
Archives Restructure Project - Request For Proposals - Lloydminster Museum + Archives, Lloydminster, SK
Research & Engagement Assistant - Hatlie Group, Edmonton, AB
Administration and Communications Assistant - Yukon Historical & Museums Association, Whitehorse, YK
Additional Job Postings in the Field »
Carnival-hatted Mike Walz and Tom Sowles appear fascinated by contests of box while Steve Haas waits his turn at a look-see.
Image used with permission. From the collections of the Nobles County Historical Society.
FAQ: How Can I Share My Event for the Local History News E-Newsletter?
ZPD Superhero Insignia for National Superhero Day
All of April - Zumbrota: Zumbrota Area Historical Society - April 28 is National Superhero Day and the Zumbrota Police wear special ZAHS fundraiser patches honoring native C.C. Beck. Charles Clarence Beck was a cartoonist and comic book artist, best known for his work on Captain Marvel (Today known as Shazam!); patches available for $10. Learn more »
How Mid-Century Commercial Architecture Helped Transform Golden Valley
April 9 @ 7 to 8:30 pm - Golden Valley: Golden Valley Historical Society - Bobak Ha'Eri (Docomomo US/MN board member, U of M professor, Minnesota Modern Registry creator) shares photos, research, and anecdotes on midcentury commercial architecture that transformed Golden Valley into a first-ring suburb. Cost: Free. Learn more »
April Genealogy Saturday
April 11 @ 10 am to 12 pm - Elbow Lake: Grant County Historical Society - Genealogy session with topics on flower beds, farm crops, and spring cleaning; in-person or online. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Train Days 2026
April 11 & 12 - Bemidji: Beltrami County Historical Society - Model railroads in multiple scales, LEGO city displays, tour of restored 1948 X259 Great Northern Railway caboose, vendors, souvenirs, train videos, and kids' activities. Learn more »
History Break: Mineral Springs Sanitorium
April 15 @ 12 pm to 1 pm - Cannon Falls: Goodhue County Historical Society - Creators of An Adventure in Living present on the Mineral Springs Sanatorium (1915-1974), a TB healing destination and medical innovation hub, with book signing. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Indian Home Cooking with Anju Kataria
April 16 @ 6 to 8 pm - Minneapolis: American Swedish Institute - Local home cook Anju Kataria shares family recipes and stories featuring Indian comfort foods like spiced tea, chickpea pancakes, lentil soup, lemon rice, and sesame jaggery dessert while discussing vegetarian wellness; includes light vegetarian meal. Cost: $70 members/$80 general public. Learn more »
Becoming the Twin Cities: Swindles, Schemes, and Enduring Rivalries (at Sibley)
April 17 @ 6 to 8 pm - Mendota: Dakota County Historical Society - Mendota After Hours talk on the swindles, schemes, and rivalries that shaped the Twin Cities, held at the Sibley Historic Site in the DuPuis House. Cost: $15 members/$20 general public. Learn more »
Poetry Reading Open Mic
April 18 @ 2 to 4 pm - Becker: Sherburne History Center - Share your original poetry (America 250 theme encouraged) in front of poetry lovers while viewing submissions from the 2026 Poetry Contest; beverages and snacks provided. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Rosemaling Painting Workshop
April 18 @ 10 am to 3 pm - Owatonna: Steele County Historical Society - Hands-on Norwegian Rosemaling workshop taught by third-generation rosemaler Lyn Rein of MOD Nordic Arts; learn techniques, includes supplies and lunch. Cost: $30. Learn more »
BECHS History Book Club: The Orphan Train
April 18, May 16, & June 20 @ 11 am - Mankato: Blue Earth County Historical Society - Spring book club series discussing The Orphan Train, with books available at first session on April 18. Cost: $50 per series. Learn more »
Modern Art and Politics in Germany 1910-1945
April 19 @ 9:30 am to 12:30 pm - Minneapolis: Germanic-American Institute - Workshop or lecture exploring modern art's relationship with politics in Germany from 1910-1945, likely tied to the ongoing Mia exhibition of masterworks from Neue Nationalgalerie. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Fired Heritage: The Art of Romanian Ceramics
April 19 & 26 @ 1 to 3 pm - St. Paul: Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans in Minnesota - Exhibit showcasing Romania's diverse ceramic heritage, from Oboga greens and Horezu motifs to Kuty's three-color palette, highlighting regional clays, firing methods, and folk aesthetics. Location: Landmark Center, Room 319. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Soomaaliya: Food, Memory, and Migration: A Cookbook
April 22 @ 5:30 to 8 pm - Columbia Heights: Somali Museum - Culinary night featuring Ifrah F. Ahmed sharing Somalia's story through food from her book, with a panel of Somali women restaurant owners, light refreshments, and a traditional dance performance. Location: Bela Hall Columbia Heights, MN. Learn more »
GCHS Annual Meeting
April 25 @ 10 am to 12 pm - Elbow Lake: Grant County Historical Society - Annual meeting at the Community Building featuring a TBD speaker and election of board members. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Minnesota Civil War Symposium: The Cavalry
April 25 @ 9 am to 5 pm - Bloomington: Twin Cities Civil War Round Table - Annual US Civil War symposium with six cavalry-focused presentations, musical entertainment, book sales, vendors, and optional buffet lunch (registration ends April 10). Cost: Tickets at door (no meal); lunch extra. Learn more »
The Tales and Times of Isaac Labissonière with Mark Labine
April 25 @ 11 am to 12 pm - Stillwater: Washington County Heritage Center - Author Mark Labine presents the story of 19th-century Métis pioneer Isaac Labissonière, an early St. Paul settler, chapel builder, landowner, and U.S. Dakota War veteran; books available for purchase. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Victorian Mourning Customs – Unveiled
April 25 @ 1:30 pm to 3 pm - Waseca: Waseca County Historical Society - Susan Hynes presents Victorian-era mourning traditions, symbolism, clothing, etiquette, memorial objects, and rituals reflecting personal loss and cultural values. Learn more »
Ghost of a Chance with Eric Roper
April 27 @ 7 to 9 pm - Minneapolis: Linden Hills History Study Group - Star Tribune reporter Eric Roper shares the story of Harry and Clementine Robinson, one of the first Black families in Linden Hills over a century ago, based on his genealogy research, articles, and six-episode podcast. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Tea Party
April 26 @ 2 to 4 pm - Sacred Heart: Sacred Heart Area Historical Society - Explore plants and flowers with L&E Greenhouse owner Karen Andol while enjoying tea-time treats; wear your Easter bonnet. Cost: $15. Learn more »
Explore Minnesota - State of MN's Tourism website
Listings: Museums & Galleries | Culture & Heritage | Attractions & Entertainment
Register for an Account »
Highlighted Museum: Friesen Historic Site, Clara City, MN. Operated by the Friesen Historical Society.
Free to Minnesota Residents. Funds provided by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society.
In-Person Guidelines for Cleaning Collections Materials: Focus on Decorative Arts and Historic House Collections
July 20 & 21 @ 10 am to 5 pm day 1 & 9 am to 4 pm day 2 - Location: Gammelgården Museum of Scandia, Scandia, MN – This hands-on, two-day workshop (max. 20 participants) covers ethics, hazards, and techniques for cleaning stable cultural artifacts including textiles, picture frames, ceramics, glass, silver, and iron. Features lectures, practical exercises, advanced topics like stabilizing historic iron, cleaning level selection, and volunteer management. Cost: Free for Minnesota residents/$600 general. Learn more »
Raman Spectroscopy for Cultural Heritage
April 14 @ 11:30 am to 1 pm (CT) - Online: American Institute for Conservation/Foundation for Advancement in Conservation – Second in the Vibrational Spectroscopy series, this webinar covers Raman fundamentals, instrumentation, fluorescence challenges and workarounds, qualitative/quantitative applications, sample prep for cross-sections, and real-world case studies for non-destructive molecular analysis in conservation. Features extended Q&A; recording available. Free for students. Cost: Free members/$20 nonmembers. Learn more »
Community Media Preservation Project
April 20 @ 2:30 to 4 pm - Online & May 2 @ 8:30 am to 3:30 pm - in-person: Minnesota Media Arts and St. Paul Neighborhood Network - Free statewide webinar on community media preservation strategies, helping makers safeguard aging audiovisual recordings through a baseline survey, practical guidance, and sustainable archiving skills. SPNN and Minnesota Media Arts will show how preservation involves more than digitizing tapes; it also includes care, organization, stabilization, access, and sharing the voices that shape Minnesota’s cultural legacy. Choose to attend the online or in-person workshop. Cost: Free. Registration required. Learn more »
From Awareness to Action: Breaking Workplace White Supremacy Culture Through Habit Change
April 28 @ 9 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – This interactive 3-hour workshop helps participants identify and interrupt white supremacy patterns like urgency, individualism, and worship of the written word, using habit change science to build liberating practices. Explore how these dynamics harm workplaces and start practical actions toward justice, welcoming all on their equity journey. Cost: $95 members/$135 nonmembers. Learn more »
When ICE Shows Up: What Nonprofit Leaders Need to Know
April 29 @ 12 to 1:30 pm (CT) - Online: Society for Nonprofits – Gain clear guidance on organizational rights, legal considerations, and response protocols for ICE encounters, including administrative vs. judicial warrants, policy preparation, and steps to respond calmly while safeguarding staff, clients, and your mission. Cost: $69. Learn more »
Measure Twice, Move Once
April 29 @ 1 to 2:30 pm (CT) - Online: Collections Care & Conservation Alliance – Presenters share safe handling techniques for diverse media, strategies for complex moves with oversized items or bulk collections/records, and real case studies from their experience. Reduce stress in museum/archival relocations, from single artifacts to major projects; recording available and follow-up Q&A offered. Cost: $10 members/$15 nonmembers. Learn more »
Museums & Schools Summit
April 29 & 30 @ 8 am to 1 pm (CT) - Online: MuseumNext – This two-day virtual summit unites museum educators, teachers, and cultural professionals with global speakers from Tate, British Museum, Smithsonian, and more to explore innovative museum-school partnerships beyond one-off trips. Discover strategies for inclusive learning, digital field trips, co-created exhibitions, trauma-informed programs, and curriculum integration from institutions like M+ Hong Kong and Chicago History Museum. Cost: $170 individual/$340 institutional. Learn more »
Conference information | Session Schedule | Location Info | Register
Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums Annual Conference & Meeting
April 28 - 30, 2026, Mankato, MN
Conference registration closes on Tuesday, April 14 at 5 pm
Don't miss the MALHM Annual Conference & Meeting—your chance to connect, learn, and share with colleagues from across the state.
Additional Educational Opportunities »
Al Larvick Conservation Fund
Deadlines - June 1, 2026: This Fund operates a grant program for the conservation of home and amateur audiovisual materials (moving image: analog film and video only) and their digital capture. Grants are open to individuals, institutions, and organizations. The program currently makes grants up to $5,000 under two separate categories: The Al Larvick Regional Grant which is limited to collections reflecting life in the upper Midwest states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana, and the Al Larvick National Grant which is limited to works recorded within the United States and primarily outside of North Dakota. Learn more »
Conservation Grants
Deadline - September 1, 2026: Samuel H. Kress Foundation - The Conservation Grants program supports the professional practice of art conservation, especially as it relates to European works of art from antiquity to the early 19th century. Grants are awarded to projects that create and disseminate specialized knowledge, including archival projects, scholarly databases, exhibitions, publications, scientific studies, and professional exchanges. Learn more »
Hometown Grants
T-Mobile - Applications are open for grants of up to $50,000 each to revitalize community spaces in towns with 50,000 people or less. Applications are open on a quarterly basis. Learn more »
Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »
Vintage Museum Photo: Foresters Cabin, Grand Marais, MN (1985).
This section features slides taken of Minnesota history museums from the 1970s through the 1990s by David Nystuen, the MNHS Field Services Coordinator, and other Field Services representatives during that time period.
A content update to the Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub today added 8,613 new issues and 106,090 new newspaper pages.
New publicly available titles & date spans:
Thief River Falls times (Thief River Falls, Minn.) 1916-1919
Thief River Falls news-press (Thief River Falls, Minn.) 1912-1917
Paynesville press (Paynesville, Minn.) 2003-2008 added
Silver Bay news (Silver Bay, Minn.) 1956-1974 added
Stillwater evening gazette (Stillwater, Minn.) 1947-1951 added
Zumbrota news (Zumbrota, Minn.) 1944-1960 added
Silver Bay shopper (Silver Bay, Minn.) 1958-1966 added
Silver Bay shopper & press (Silver Bay, Minn.) 1966-1968 added
Cyrus leader (Cyrus, Minn.) 1931-1941
Minnesota pioneer (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1855 added
New issues for the years 2008-2025 were also added to several existing current newspaper titles, available to view only in the MNHS Library.
A New Chapter: Historical Society Director Stepping Down
Winona Post - The Winona County Historical Society is sharing that Executive Director Carrie Johnson will be stepping down for personal reasons this June after five-and-a-half years of exceptional leadership at the Winona County Historical Society (WCHS). Continue reading »
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Featured BookOrganizing Archival Records: A Guide for Both Physical and Digital Collections, by David W. Carmicheal, & Adam T. Bentz Minnesota Historical Society Press. |
Featured Article
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Minnesota UnraveledThe Power of a Waterfall: A History of Owámniyomni and Fuji-Ya Restaurant Episode 209
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Minnesota History Organizations Directory• County, Chapters, and Local |
Minnesota Main Streets |
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Preservation Specialists Directory |
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