Field Note

On July 23, MNHS Field Services staff Todd Mahon and Megan Brakob Narvey visited with Allyse Freeman and Char Conger at the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm to see the progress of a Legacy-funded grant project to fabricate and install an exhibit in the Hall of Geology. The new installation explores the history of Iron Range geology and paleontology and recently opened to the public, where it is expected to remain on view for several years.

Heritage Preservation Grants

Spotlighted Project: Textiles Storage Equipment: Rehousing Project
Fifteen high-priority items were moved into a new flat storage cabinet, while all rolled textiles were transferred to a free-standing metal rack. The work included photographing objects that needed updated images and revising collection records. These improvements protect clothing, quilts, runners, scarves, and other textiles from harmful folds, pressure, and unsuitable storage materials while conservation treatment is planned for the future.

The project preserves objects that reflect the many stories of Clay County, from late-19th-century dresses and a child’s red felt dress to quilts, coverlets, and everyday textiles. Flat storage provides critical support for fragile pieces that cannot safely be rolled or hung, while the new rack creates a more space-efficient and preservation-friendly home for larger textiles. By meeting all project goals, the organization has taken an important first step in a larger conservation plan. These objects will remain available for future research, interpretation, and exhibits, helping visitors connect with the people and communities who shaped Clay County’s history.
Recipient: Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County 
Funded Amount: $10,000
Project Details

State Capital Grant Program
This grant opportunity supports capital preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, building systems, and accessibility projects at publicly owned historic properties. Sites must be National Register-listed or determined eligible for listing by SHPO, and applicants must provide a 1:1 match. The manual will be released in September 2026; pre-applications are due January 22, 2027. Learn more »

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, October 9, 2026. Contact the Grants Office with questions. 

Grants Office Webinar: First Steps Towards a Grant
August 20 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: In this webinar, you will learn what you need to do to register for a grants portal login, how to apply, what the grant programs offer, what the programs can fund, and which resources are available for applicants. If you have never applied for a grant before or would like to hear about the process again, this webinar is for you. Presented by Gillian Maguire, Grants Specialist. 
Join online: meet.google.com/zwx-krei-com
Join by phone: ‪(US) +1 386-361-3086‬  PIN: ‪420 891 978‬#

Grants Office YouTube Playlist »

From the Blog

This week's blog post is from the Scott County Historical Society. Have a blog? Let us know!

A Shakopee Cold Case: The Spearman Murders Part 1 
In 1890, just before Christmas, a triple murder struck the town of Shakopee. On December 17th, 1890, Fred Ahlswede and one of the Griffen sons (James would have been about 13 and Patrick would have been 10), went to do a wellness check on the Spearman family. George Russell, 12-years-old, had missed two Sundays serving at St. Mary’s Church, and had not been in school since December 3rd – he only had missed one-half day of school the previous term. George lived with his grandparents, John and Johanna Spearman, who also had not been seen for several days. 

When Fred and the Griffen boy arrived at the Spearman house, roughly at the current area of 8th Ave. between Lewis and Sommerville Streets, they found a nearly famished cow in the barn and five hens dead from starvation. They then moved to the house where Fred peered through an east window and found what appeared to be the deceased body of Mr. Spearman in a chair near the fireplace. Sheriff Weiland was summoned and coroner Alois Hirscher came in from Minneapolis. 
Continue Reading »

More MN Blog posts

• Indexing, Thoughts On - Chaska Historical Society
• Thank You to the Northern Bedrock Crew! - Gammelgården Museum of Scandia
• Your Ultimate Guide on the MNHS Partnership Program - 106 Group
• Remember the Threshing - Wright County Historical Society
• Lakeshore Arms and the City’s False Choice - Rethos
• Bridging Continents: The 1964 African Women’s Institute - Ramsey County Historical Society

From the Tube

This week's post is from Carver on the Minnesota. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!

More MN Tube posts

• Pine Island Life: 7 Generations on Lake Vermilion - Tower-Soudan Historical Society
• Bob Treischel - Stevens County Historical Society
• Double feature: A Sensory Walk Through the Forest: Discovering the Andersen Horticultural Library, and Social Change and Experiential Art: The Maureen A. Nappi Papers - U of MN Libraries
• Knuth Brothers interview - Martin County Historical Society
• Pipestone County Poor Farm - Pipestone County Historical Society
• Robbinsdale High School Revisited - Robbinsdale Historical Society

Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »

Job Opportunities

Minnesota Historical Society's Job Announcement, Internship, Fellowship, and Volunteer Opportunity pages.

MNHS

• Publishing Assistant - MN History Center

LOCAL

• Executive Director - Lake Superior Railroad Museum, Duluth, MN

• Museum Assistant - Cokato Museum & Akerlund Photo Studio, City of Cokato, Cokato, MN

• Senior Collections Technician - Anoka County Historical Society, Anoka, MN

• Operations Manager - East Side Freedom Library, St. Paul, MN

• Performing Educator - The Bakken Museum, Minneapolis, MN

• Seasonal Visitor Services & Shop Associate - Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Minneapolis, MN

• Custodian II - Minnesota Children's Museum, St. Paul, MN

• Executive Director - Kaddatz Galleries, Fergus Falls, MN

REGIONAL

• Tram Driver - Old World Wisconsin, Wisconsin Historical Society, Eagle, MN

• Food and Beverage Coordinator - Old World Wisconsin, Wisconsin Historical Society, Eagle, MN

• National History Day in Milwaukee Learning Facilitator - Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison; Milwaukee, WI

• Head of Archival Collections and Institutional Repository - Raynor Library, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI

• NAGPRA Support Technician - State Historical Society of North Dakota, Bismarck, ND Job ID: 3033403

• Education Outreach Coordinator - 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse, State Historical Society of North Dakota, Jamestown, ND Job ID: 3033462

• Assistant to the State Historian - South Dakota State Historical Society, Pierre, SD

• Experience Associate - Cultural Heritage Center, South Dakota State Historical Society, Pierre, SD

• Marketing & Events Coordinator - The Journey Museum, Rapid City, SD

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

• Executive Director - Illinois State Historical Society, Springfield, IL

• Historical Documents Conservator - Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL

• Processing Archivist & Cataloger (term), South Side Home Movie Project - University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

• Site Services Specialist 2 - Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, Hartford, IL

• Museum Educator - Rockford Park District, Rockford, IL

• Lighting Preparator - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN

• Early Childhood Engagement Specialist - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN

• President & COO - National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati, OH

• Reference Librarian – Arts & Special Collections, Cincinnati Public Library, Cincinnati, OH

• Site Superintendent - John Rankin House and U.S. Grant Visitor Center, Georgetown, OH

• Site Director - Ohio History Center & Ohio Village, Columbus, OH

• Administrative Assistant-Finance and Administrative Services - Ohio History Center, Columbus, OH

• Executive Director - The Contemporary Dayton, Dayton, OH

• Capitol Educator - Michigan State Capitol Commission, Lansing, MI

• President/CEO - Castle Museum of Saginaw County History, Saginaw, MI

• Fundraising Events Associate - Detroit Historical Society, Detroit, MI

• Archivist for Community Collections - Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

• Interim Executive Director - Alan I W Frank House Foundation, Pittsburgh, PA

• Director of Development and Advancement - Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Altoona, PA

• Curator of Insects & Arachnids - Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, ON

• Advancement Director - The Mattress Factory, Pittsburgh, PA

• Associate Educator - Teacher and Student Learning - Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis, MO

• Collections Assistant - Orillia Museum of Art & History, Orillia, ON

• Director/Curator - RiverBrink Art Museum, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

• Exhibit Designer - Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton, AB

• Managing Editor - The Oral History Review, Remote position

Additional Job Postings in the Field »

Do History Here

Dakota Native Americans and Dr. Thomas Williamson near the Upper Sioux Agency, Minnesota.
Image used with permission. From the collections of the Nicollet County Historical Society.

FAQ: How Can I Share My Event for the Local History News E-Newsletter?

Harbor History Walking Tours
Fridays during the summer @ 7 to 8:30 pm - Grand Marais: Cook County Historical Society - Join CCHS Interpretive Specialist John for a guided walk exploring the Grand Marais Harbor’s overlooked historic artifacts, including remnants of a fire tower, dock, and ship anchor. Participants meet outside the History Museum and should be prepared to walk about a mile on uneven surfaces. Cost: Free; donations appreciated. Learn more »

The Declaration of Independence and Liberty, Then and Now: A Community Conversation
August 13 @ 6 to 8 pm - Moorhead: Minnesota Humanities Center - Join a facilitated community conversation at the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County on the Declaration of Independence, shared values, and the country’s future. Dinner will be provided; registration is required. Cost: Free. Learn more »

The Past and Present with Bluff Country Co-op
August 13 @ 7 to 8:30 pm - Winona: Winona County Historical Society - A public talk on the history of the Bluff Country Co-op, from its 1972 origins as volunteer-led Famine Foods to its current community-focused cooperative model, with speakers Michael Doyle, Lizzy Haywood, and Heather Kitching. Cost: Free-will donation. Learn more »

Polish Picnic 2026
August 15 @ 11 am to 5 pm - Columbia Heights: PACIM - Celebrate Polish culture at Huset Park with live polka music, traditional dance performances, and Polish food available for purchase, organized by PACIM, Sister Cities International Columbia Heights, and the Polish Saturday School. Location: Huset Park. Learn more » 

Beltram Family to Present Program and Donation at Doud Pioneer Cabin
August 15 @ 3 pm - Bemidji: Beltrami County Historical Society - The Beltram family will share the story of Italian traveler Giacomo Costantino Beltrami, whose 1823 journey inspired the county’s name, and present a donation supporting the Historical Society. Annabelle Beltrami will discuss The Man with the Red Umbrella, a biography of Beltrami; fairgoers may also tour the historic Doud Pioneer Cabin. Location: Doud Pioneer Cabin on the Beltrami County Fairgrounds. Cost: Free with fair entry; parking fee at the gate. Learn more »

Artists’ Talk: Ancestors, Matriarchy & Hmong Identity
August 15 @ 10 to 11 am - St. Paul: Hmong Museum - Join artists Pachia Xiong, Nat Vuong, and Alex Yang for a panel discussion exploring ancestors, matriarchy, and Hmong identity in connection with the Hnub Tshiab: A Season of Renewal spring art show. The discussion will be held in the Hmong Village Conference Room, A18-1. Learn more »

Saving the John Cook House - How a Community Came Together to Preserve a Minneapolis Landmark
August 17 @ 6:30 to 8 pm - Minneapolis: Rethos - A moderated panel discussion on the community effort to save the historic John Cook House from demolition, including building support, overcoming obstacles, and envisioning the landmark’s future. Location: The Market at Malcolm Yards. Cost: $10. Learn more »

R.W. “Buzz” Kaplan: The Life of an Adventurer
August 17 @ 1 pm - Owatonna: Steele County Historical Society - Kristin Holsworth, author of a six-book series about her grandfather and world traveler R.W. “Buzz” Kaplan, presents his story; a book signing follows. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Bloom and Gloom: The Wild Side of Plants
August 19 @ 6 pm - Mankato: R.D. Hubbard House, Blue Earth County Historical Society - Explore the strange side of botany through stories of medicinal remedies, poisonous plots, beauty powders, household cures, and curious customs from the past at the historic R.D. Hubbard House. Note: Only the main floor is handicap accessible; tours include steep stairs and small spaces. Cost: $10 members; $15 adults. Learn more »

Two Harbors Rail & Sail Day
August 20 @ 10 am to 5 pm - Two Harbors: Lake County Historical Society - A day of activities at the Two Harbors Lighthouse and Depot Museums, including an educational fair, root beer demonstrations, maritime museum booths, historic trains, railroad and rail-safety information, and food and drinks for purchase. Cost: $10. Learn more »

History of Rural Schools
August 20 @ 6 to 7 pm - Lonsdale: Rice County Historical Society - Learn about Rice County’s rural schools and one-room schoolhouses, share memories, and explore the historic 3R Landmark School as part of the Thursday Night Speaker Series. Cost: Free members; $5 general public. Location: 3R Schoolhouse. Learn more »

America’s 250th Lecture Series: Representative Government at Lawshe
August 20 @ 6 to 8 pm - South St. Paul: Dakota County Historical Society - Educator and historian Frank Sachs explores how representative government has evolved, including the roles of the census, redistricting, gerrymandering, state governments, and the courts. Cost: $5 members; $10 general public. Learn more »

About Bees & Honey
August 22 @ 10:30 am to 2 pm - Crosslake: Crosslake Log Village - Local beekeeper Kate Williams shares a look at bees, honey, and the inner workings of the hive. Children can also make a whimsical spider craft at the Log Village School House. Learn more »

Book Talk: Memories of the German Occupation of Norway 1940–1945
August 22 @ 11 am to 12 pm - Minneapolis: Norway House - Author John G. Brock-Utne shares his memories of Nazi-occupied Norway and the process of collecting family and community stories for his book, including accounts of daily life and the Norwegian Resistance. A Q&A will follow, and books will be available for purchase. Cost: Free members; $5 general public. Learn more » 

History on the River Educational Cruise Series: Navigating the Lock and Dam System with Judy Denzer 
August 27 @ 4 pm & 6 pm - Winona: Winona County Historical Society - Learn about the history, creation, and modern work of the Mississippi River Lock and Dam system with local Lockmaster, Judy Denzer. Cost: $45 members; $60 public. Learn more »

Explore Minnesota - State of MN's Tourism website
Listings: Museums & Galleries | Culture & Heritage | Attractions & Entertainment
Register for an Account »

Continuing Education

Highlighted Museum: Fairfax Historical Depot Museum in Fairfax, MN.
Photograph by McGhiever, distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 license.

Building an A-List Board
August 18 @ 1 pm (CT) - Online: GrantStation Webinar - Marie Palacios of Funding for Good will share conversation topics, policies, processes, and accountability systems that transform a roster of “nice people” into a committed, action-oriented board, including ready-to-use resources and editable templates. Cost: $69. Learn more »

Building the Next 250 Years: Hosting Community Conversations at Your History Organization
August 19 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History - This free information session introduces a new resource developed by NxtLevel in collaboration with AASLH. Participants will learn practical approaches for facilitating thoughtful, community-driven conversations about local history, shared values, and the future communities want to build together. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Marketing That Moves: Build the Bridge Between Mission and Audience
August 24 @ 3 pm (CT) - Online: Firespring - Discover practical marketing strategies that connect mission and audience, from storytelling and digital outreach to tactics that strengthen fundraising, volunteer engagement, and community support. Participants will learn how to clarify audiences, set stronger marketing priorities, and identify next steps for advancing their organization’s impact. Cost: Free. Learn more »

History Hour: Sharing How Your Org Benefits Your Community
August 25 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History - Co-hosted by the Field Services Alliance and Small Museums Committee, this free History Hour uses small breakout rooms to help museum professionals network and exchange ideas. The discussion focuses on advocating for museums by communicating the positive impact they make in their communities—an especially important skill amid continuing grant funding challenges. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Nonprofit Compliance: Legal Requirements and Best Practices
August 25 @ 1 to 2 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits - Presented with LegalCORPS, this monthly session reviews essential legal requirements and best practices for Minnesota charitable organizations and private foundations. Designed for board members, key staff, and nonprofit leaders at all experience levels, it addresses state and federal compliance, tax-exempt status, charitable-asset stewardship, and effective governance. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Internships Community of Practice: Project Development and Management
August 27 @ 10 am (CT) - Online: New England Museums Association - This community-of-practice session explores how to develop meaningful intern projects, determine appropriate assignments and levels of responsibility, and supervise interns effectively while managing staff workloads. The program also includes an open forum for broader discussion of internship-related challenges and practices. Learn more »

TIPS & TOOLS

• Museums and content warnings - Margaret Middleton

Additional Educational Opportunities »

Funding & Awards

Minnesota Book Awards Submissions Open
Submissions are now open for the 39th annual Minnesota Book Awards, celebrating books published in 2026 by Minnesota authors and primary artistic creators. Eligible titles will be considered across 10 categories, including Children’s Literature, General Nonfiction, Minnesota Nonfiction, Novel & Short Story, Poetry, and Young Adult Literature.

Entries must have a 2026 copyright, valid ISBN, and be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2026. Each entry requires an online form, a $45 fee (with needs-based fee waivers available for author-submitters), and six physical copies of the book. Self-published books are welcome if they meet all eligibility requirements.

Please note that submitted works must be human-authored and human-illustrated; books containing AI-generated text, illustrations, or translations are not eligible. Finalists and winners will be selected through a statewide, two-round judging process, with winners announced at the Awards Ceremony in spring 2027. Category winners receive a $750 cash prize, a Minnesota Book Award glass sculpture, statewide publicity, and opportunities for library programs and exhibits. Learn more »

Grants for Curators Hosting Contemporary Art Exhibitions
Deadline - September 9, 2026: Teiger Foundation - Supports U.S.-based curators and artistic directors presenting existing contemporary visual art exhibitions or projects that originated elsewhere and are adapted for a new institution and community. Funds may support touring fees, exhibition mounting, artist fees, public programs, and other costs associated with adapting the exhibition to its new context. Grant Amount: Up to $75,000. Learn more »

Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board
IRRRB is an economic development program of the State of Minnesota, designed to advance growth on Minnesota's Iron Range. The program provides grants and other funding to local units of government and non-profits to support economic development and vibrant and prosperous communities. Learn more »

Local Arts Funding
Willmar Area Community Foundation has funding opportunities for organizations serving Willmar and the Kandiyohi County area. Fund for the Arts program supports small and medium-sized community organizations leading arts activities conducted by community organizations. Learn more »

Local Government Grants
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has two economic development grants:

• Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program

• Innovative Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program

Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »

News

Vintage Museum Photo: Dakota County Historical Society Museum exhibits in the South St. Paul municipal building basement, South St. Paul, MN. (1972). View additional photos on Instagram »
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.

Building a small town museum: Hanska Historical Society works to preserve community’s past
New Ulm Journal - The town of Hanska was officially incorporated in 1901, making it one of the younger communities in the region, but its history is rich and its residents maintain a strong community spirit 125 years later. Continue reading »

Hinckley Fire Museum continues to preserve, educate, remember 1894
Moose Lake Star Gazette - In 1976, the doors to the Hinckley Fire Museum officially opened for the public. This museum allowed for community members, family members–and all others who remembered the inferno that leveled Hinckley to ash 82 years prior–to keep this life-changing event from fading out of history. Continue reading »

The Rainbow Connection: Learning the History of Pride in the FM
KVRR - We're less than a week away from Pride Week in the metro, and for this year's 25th anniversary, you're invited to come learn just how far we've come in the quest for gay civil rights in the region. The presentation "A Pride of Our Own: Coming Together in Fargo-Moorhead" is in its final preparations for next week at the Clay County Historical Society. Watch video »

Last Civil War veteran in Dodge County celebrated at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kasson
KAAL TV - A very special celebration took place on Saturday in Kasson as the last Civil War veteran buried in Dodge County was honored. His name was Private Abner Aaron Johnson, and he was only 16 years old when he served in the Civil War. A group of veterans, honored Abner, by placing a marker on his grave. The ceremony was part of the group’s efforts to identify and place a marker on the grave of the last Union veteran buried in each of Minnesota’s 87 counties, while also making sure all veterans from the Civil War Era continue to be remembered. Watch video »

Buzzing with heritage and hope; Historic Hofmann Apiary hosts 4th Annual ‘Bee Bash’
Janesville Journal - A sweet breeze swept across the historic grounds of the Hofmann Apiary on Saturday, August 1, as community members, local vendors, and bee enthusiasts swarmed the fourth annual Bee Bash. Beneath sunny skies, attendees explored historic timber buildings, sampled unique local treats—including limited-edition Bee Bash Blended Honey infused with bourbon—and celebrated a legacy that has anchored Southern Minnesota’s agricultural history for over a century. Continue reading »

Missing film footage of historical South St. Paul vote discovered after a century
KSTP - Many will vote during Minnesota’s primary election next Tuesday. A historic ballot was cast more than a century ago in South St. Paul, and it was captured on film. In 1920, a group of South St. Paul women became the first in the nation to legally vote following ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. “We know 90 women voted that day,” said Matt Carter with the Dakota County Historical Society. Watch video »

How you can help preserve Minnesota Black history
Spokesman-Recorder - As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery (MAAHMG) is celebrating the historic milestone by ensuring the achievements, contributions, and enduring presence of Black Minnesotans are fully recognized and preserved. The MAAHMG is asking the community to send information on towns, sites, and local history that highlight where African Americans might have settled, farmed, built businesses, or were buried throughout the state. Continue reading »

Featured Book Deaccessioning Museum Objects: Transparency and Ethics in Disposal Practice by Jennifer Durrant Routledge.	Featured Article Minnesota History Lumber and Labor in the Lake States Volume 36, Issue 5, 1959	Featured Article MNopedia Pierce Butler (1866–1939) Featured MNopedia Article	Minnesota Unraveled A podcast series by the Minnesota Historical Society

Minnesota History Organizations Directory  • County, Chapters, and Local • Statewide/Topical Historical • Regional History Coalitions • Professional Organizations	Minnesota Main Streets Reinvigorate your community's commercial district.	2026 Exhibits To Go! MNHS Traveling Exhibits Now accepting applications.	Preservation Specialists Directory Look up products or services.

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