Field Note

MNHS staff visited with staff and faculty at the Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Memorial Library to check in on the progress of a Legacy-funded grant project to create new and expanded interpretation about Abraham Lincoln and his legacy in Minnesota. The grant funds are focused on the costs to prepare the gallery space in Memorial Library, and fabricate the interpretive panels, which were created by faculty members with input from university history students. 

Heritage Preservation Grants

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

Grants Office Webinar:  State Capital Projects Grants-in-Aid Program in 2026
December 18 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: Learn about opportunities, project requirements, deadlines, and more during this upcoming webinar to see how MNHS can help fund your construction project. No RSVP required. Presented by Design Reviewer John Beaty and Design Reviewer Ryan Maciej.
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 Robbinsdale Historical Society. Have a blog? Let us know!

Loving Our Library
In 1907, a group of committed women (including the ever-diligent secretary Amy Robbins) launched the Robbinsdale Library Club. Their vision? A free public library for the neighborhood, a gathering place for their club, a source of knowledge, a community spark.
They started small: donated books, borrowed storefronts, the village hall, even hotel lobbies. By 1917, they had purchased a former bakery, relocated it to a lot donated by the Parker family on Rockford Road (now 42nd Avenue North), and refinished the interior with hardwood floors and shelving. The establishment opened to the public on June 28, 1920.

But these ladies weren’t content with “just okay.” They wanted permanent, elegant, sun-filled, welcoming.

On January 4, 1926, the new library building opened. It was paid for by community donations, including one from our flamboyant local publisher Wilford H. “Captain Billy” Fawcett. Continue Reading »

More MN Blog posts

• A Country School Christmas - Wright County Historical Society
• Interviews with descendants of Minnesota abolitionists in new MDL collection - Minnesota Digital Library News
• Are You Ready for Some FOOT BALL? - U of MN Libraries
• Winter Newsletter - Brandon History Center
• Part one of the memories of Lincoln School in the 1960s series Everlasting memories from the classrooms at Lincoln -  Jim Froemming/Hometown Focus
• Litchfield's Earliest Libraries - Meeker County Historical Society

From the Tube

This week's post is from the Stevens County Historical Society. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!

More MN Tube posts

• Famous Clay from a Ghost Town: Claybank, Minnesota - Minnesota Bricks
• Exhibits Through the Years 2019-2025 - History Center of Freeborn County
• Walt Disney: Creating a [Magic] Kingdom with Emily Kishler Krawczewski - Washington County Historical Society

Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »

Job Opportunities

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

MNHS

• Senior Director, Library, Archives, and Collections - MN History Center

LOCAL

• Healing Programs Coordinator and Temporary Oral Historian - National Native American Board School Healing Coalition, Location Varies
• Visitor Assistant, Box Office - Minnesota Children's Museum, St. Paul, MN
• Grants Administrator (Reconciliation Specialist) - Minnesota Humanities Center, St. Paul, MN
• Front of House & Event Manager - Northrop Auditorium, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
• Costume Shop Supervisor - Carleton College, Northfield, MN

REGIONAL

• Museum Director - Dickinson County Museum, Spirit Lake, IA
• Assistant University Librarian, Director - Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, University of Iowa Libraries, Iowa City, IA
• Curator of Indigenous Art and Programming - Plains Art Museum, Fargo, ND
• Registrar - Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Madison, WI
• Processing & Reference Archivist - Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

• Museum Educator - Naper Settlement, Naperville, IL
• Senior Talent Acquisition/Recruitment Sourcer - Museum of Ice Cream - Chicago, IL
• Museum Tour Guide - Peoria Riverfront Museum, Peoria, IL
• Assistant Director - Hegeler Carus Mansion, La Salle, IL
• Out of School Time Program Intermittent Educator - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN
• Curator - Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati, OH
• Content Developer For Exhibits - Wilson Bruce Evans Home Historical Society, Oberlin, OH
• Exhibit Designer - Wilson Bruce Evans Home Historical Society, Oberlin, OH
• Curator of Academic Programs - Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin College and Conservatory, Oberlin, OH
• Collections Manager and Registrar - Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum, Miami University, Oxford, OH
• Executive Director - Military Aviation Preservation Society Air Museum, Green, OH
• Architectural Consultant - Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg, PA
• Archivist 2 - Pennsylvania State Archives, Harrisburg, PA
• Museum Educator 1 - Ephrata Cloister, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Ephrata, PA
• Exhibits Specialist - University of Michigan Library, Ann Arbor, MI
• Archivist for University Archives and Records - Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
• Archivist for Reference - Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
• Director of Development - Chester County History Center, West Chester, PA
• Assistant Discovery Archivist - Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
• Program Associate - Center for Oral History, Science History Institute, Philadelphia, PA
• Collections Management Database Administrator - Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis, MO
• Associate Registrar - Sheldon Museum of Art, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
• Grants and Procurement Officer - Nebraska State Historical Society, Lincoln, NE
• Development Coordinator - Manitoba Museum, Winnipeg, MB
• Associate or Sr. Librarian/Archivist and Head of Archives & Special Collections - York University, Toronto, ON
• Senior Procurement Officer - Ingenium, Canada's Museum of Science and Innovation, Ottawa, ON
• Executive Director - Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre, Whitehorse, YK
• Customer Success Specialist - CatalogIt, Remote

INTERNSHIPS/VOLUNTEERS/FELLOWSHIPS

• History Collections Care and Management Internship - Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH
• Internship - Adena Mansion and Gardens, Ohio History Connection, Chillicothe, OH
• Community Engagement Department Internship - Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH
• Keystone Internships - Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, Statewide

Additional Job Postings in the Field »

Do History Here

Maetzold's Grocery Store, located at the corner of Plum and Fifth St. in Red Wing. ca. 1890.
Image used with permission. From the collections of the Goodhue County Historical Society.

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

Farmamerica Santa Experience
December 12 & 13 @ 4 to 6 pm - Waseca: Farmamerica - Celebrate the holiday season with a festive Santa Experience featuring family activities, holiday displays, and visits with Santa. Enjoy the farm setting decorated for the holidays and create lasting memories. Cost: $5. Learn more »

Christmas in the County 2025 
December 13 @ 11 to 4 pm - Austin: Mower County Historical Society - Family-friendly holiday fundraiser featuring festive activities, crafts, treats, and tours at the historical society. Enjoy seasonal fun, support local history preservation, and create holiday memories with the community. Learn more »

Family Fun Day: Holidays!
December 13 @ 12 to 3 pm - Red Wing: Goodhue County Historical Society - Enjoy a festive afternoon with holiday-themed activities for all ages including crafts, games, and seasonal treats at the Goodhue County Historical Society. This family-friendly event celebrates community and holiday traditions. Learn more »

Lyon County Historical Society Museum Holiday Fun Day
December 13 @ 12 to 4 pm - Marshall: Lyon County Historical Society Museum - Celebrate the season with family-friendly holiday activities, crafts, and refreshments at the Lyon County Museum. Explore the festive exhibits and enjoy the museum’s warm holiday ambiance. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Cookies and Cocoa with Stephanie Hansen
December 14 @ 1 to 2:30 pm - Minneapolis: Norway House - Enjoy an afternoon of holiday cheer with author Stephanie Hansen. Share cookies and cocoa while listening to seasonal storytelling and engaging in festive activities celebrating Norwegian culture. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Shakopee Women's Reformatory: A History Through Cases
December 16 @ 5:30 to 6:30 pm - Shakopee: Scott County Historical Society - An exploration of the history of the Shakopee Women’s Reformatory through notable cases, shedding light on women's incarceration and justice issues over time. Location: Mana Brewing Company. Cost: Free. Learn more »

The Fallen Washington County Service Members of Vietnam and How We Remember Them
December 17 @ 7 to 8 pm - Stillwater: Washington County Heritage Center - Herb Reckinger presents stories and images honoring Washington County’s fallen Vietnam War service members, featuring insights from the Wall of Faces and the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The program highlights the personal and historical significance of the Vietnam War on the local community. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Pedagogy Session – Era Four: Imperial Expansion and Native Dispossession
December 18 @ 4 to 5:30 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Humanities Center - Virtual professional development session for educators exploring Era Four of U.S. history, focusing on imperial expansion, Native dispossession, and strategies for teaching these topics with primary sources and Indigenous perspectives. Cost: Free. Learn more »

History Book Club Fall Series – Session 3
December 20 @ 11 am to 12 pm - Mankato: Blue Earth County Historical Society - Join the third session of the fall book club series discussing regional history-themed literature with expert facilitation. Engage in thoughtful conversation with fellow history enthusiasts and expand your understanding of local heritage. Cost: $10. Learn more »

History Book Club Fall Series – Session 3
December 20 @ 11 am to 12 pm - Mankato: Blue Earth County Historical Society - Join the third session of the fall book club series discussing regional history-themed literature with expert facilitation. Engage in thoughtful conversation with fellow history enthusiasts and expand your understanding of local heritage. Cost: $10. Learn more »

Voices of Winter: The Heritage of Romanian Caroling
Every Sunday in January @ 1 to 3 pm - St. Paul: Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans in Minnesota - Celebrate and learn about the traditional Romanian caroling culture with live performances and community gatherings. This monthly event showcases Romanian heritage through music and storytelling during the winter season. Location: Landmark Center. Cost: Free. 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: West Riverside School Museum, Operated by the Isanti County Historical Society, Cambridge, MN.
Photograph by McGhiever, distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 license.

Stronger Together: Building Meaningful Communities of Practice for Museum Teams
December 11 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: Texas Historical Commission - Balancing cultural heritage stewardship with community service requires collaboration, but time and resources often pose challenges. This webinar explores developing communities of practice to break down silos, pool resources, and build resilience during tough times. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Introduction to Financial Management (Winter 2026)
January 12 - February 8, 2026 (8 weeks) - Online: American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) - This online course offers an accessible introduction to financial management for history organizations of all sizes. Topics include understanding income and expenses, budget creation, endowment basics, and linking financial health to mission relevance. The course includes weekly lessons, discussions, assignments, and optional live office hours, designed to help participants build practical financial skills. Cost: $199 AASLH members/$299 nonmembers (10% discount for STEPS participants). Learn more »

Collections Management 100 - Collection Development
January 12 - March 8, 2026 (8 weeks) - Online: American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) - This 8-week online course covers foundational principles of being a collecting organization, including the purpose of a Collection Management Policy and its relation to museum mission. Participants will draft key policy sections on Collection Development and practice applying these through example objects. Ideal for those working with or overseeing collections in small to mid-sized institutions. Cost: $230 AASLH members / $330 nonmembers (10% discount for STEPS participants). Learn more »

Basics of Archives
January 12 - March 8, 2026 (8 weeks) - Online: American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) - This beginner-level course introduces historical organizations and individuals to managing and protecting archival collections. It covers archives basics including acquisition, processing, housing, access, outreach, and digital records. The course combines self-paced lessons with facilitator support and peer discussions to build core archival skills. Cost: $230 AASLH members/$330 nonmembers (10% discount for STEPS participants). Learn more »

TIPS & TOOLS

• Pitching your museum story to the news media – five tips to deliver the best story possible - American Alliance of Museums
• Ideas for Giving Thanks in your Museum - ExhibiTricks

UPCOMING EVENTS & CONFERENCES

Additional Educational Opportunities »

Funding & Awards

Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant
Deadline - February 2, 2026: American Library Association - This annual grant recognizes, promotes, and support innovative and meaningful community engagement efforts in libraries. Each year, the grant will focus on supporting a community engagement project with a specific theme. For the 2025-2026 cycle, libraries are invited to submit applications for a community engagement project that focuses on the concept of "Libraries as a Lifeline: Building Belonging for All." Learn more »

Carolyn Horton Scholarship
Deadline - February 15, 2026:  American Institute for Conservation - Available to members of the AIC Book and Paper Group, this scholarship supports attendance at professional development events or funding for research and special projects. Grant Amount: $1,000. Learn more » 

Christa Gaehde Scholarship
Deadline - February 15, 2026:  American Institute for Conservation - Open to AIC members, this scholarship supports study and research in the conservation of art on paper. Eligible uses include individual study, attendance at professional development events, or purchasing materials for research projects. Grant Amount: $1,000. Learn more » 

Take a Chance Scholarship
Deadline - February 15, 2026:  American Institute for Conservation - Open to AIC members, this scholarship supports innovative conservation research or projects that may not otherwise receive funding. Grant Amount: $1,000. Learn more » 

Outreach Grants
Deadline - February 15, 2026: American Institute for Conservation - Open to individuals and organizations, these grants support projects and activities that enhance public understanding of conservation and help under-resourced institutions meet their collection care needs. Grant Amount: $1,000. Learn more » 

Minnesota History Awards Nominations are open and accepted until January 14, 2026.	AASLH Leadership in History Awards Nominations are open and accepted until March 1, 2026.

Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »

News

Vintage Museum Photo: Mille Lacs County Historical Society Museum, Princeton, MN (1982). 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.

Free to a Nonprofit History Organization – New ET16 Professional Book Scanner
A new, in-box, Czur ET16 Professional Book Scanner available free to a qualified nonprofit focused on history, archives, or preservation work. This overhead scanner is designed for high-quality, contactless digitization of books, documents, and archival materials up to A3 size. Features include patented Curve Flattening Technology, high-speed scanning (1.5 seconds per page), ABBYY® OCR for searchable PDFs, adjustable lighting, and no warm-up time—ideal for preservation work and digital collections. Interested organizations can contact Katie Hessen at Twin Cities Public Television at khessen@tpt.org for details or pickup arrangements.

What's New in Archival Cataloging for November 2025
November's new accessions include the Metropolitan Council Oral History Transcript of John H. Kari; Minnesota Film and Television Board Records; Natural Resources Department Tribal Relations Files; and the Olmsted County School District No. 7 (New Haven Township) Clerk’s Book.

Collections with new additions or expanded digital content include the Attorney General: Minnesota Voters Alliance et al. v. Joe Mansky et al. Litigation Files; Munsingwear Records; Return I. Holcombe Papers; International Multifoods Corporation Corporate Records; Minnesota Historical Society Institutional Archives; and the George E. Senkler and Family Papers.

Several newly encoded finding aids are also now available online for the first time. Learn more »

An old ring finds a new home in Bloomington
Sun-Current - A lost ring is often lost forever, but the power of the internet and a little sleuthing has resulted in a few unexpected jewelry reunions thanks to the Bloomington Historical Society. Historical society curator Jean Bellefeuille researches and catalogs all sorts of artifacts each year. Reuniting lost rings with their rightful owners, or their descendants, is not her specialty, but being in the right place at the right time helped make that happen earlier this year. Continue reading »

Featured Book 100 Years of Good Cooking by Virginia Huck. Minnesota Historical Society Press.	Featured Article Minnesota History MNHS Collections  Volume 43, Issue 3, 1972	Featured Article MNopedia Franklin Steele (ca. 1813–1880) Featured MNopedia Article	Minnesota Unraveled Eating the Iron Range: A Cultural Culinary History Episode 205

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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