Field Note

MNHS staff met with archivists from the Hennepin County Library’s Special Collections to receive an update on the progress of a grant-funded project to catalog records from a series of community organizations in their collection. The project aims to organize and describe 17 archival collections from Minneapolis neighborhood associations, create online catalog records, and develop finding aids. Jenna Jacobs, Ted Hathaway, and Bailey Diers (not pictured) presented the materials and described the project's progress.

Sign up for History Matters Day at the Capitol

Join us for History Matters Day at the Capitol on Thursday, March 5, 2026. This legislative session is vital for obtaining funding for history projects. Take the opportunity to meet with your legislators and share why history matters to you. History Matters Day at the Capitol provides a platform to highlight the efforts of the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) and other history organizations. It encourages advocates to discuss with their legislators the importance of state funding to preserve our historical legacy. Sign up now »

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, April 10, 2026. Contact the Grants Office with questions.

Grants Office Webinar: First Steps Towards a Grant
February 19 @ 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 Minnesota Jewish Genealogical Society. Have a blog? Let us know!

A Helping Hand to Immigrants
Genealogy gives new meaning to history, reminding us that our families were part of it.   It is the story of what brought our families to America and in doing so influenced the course of our own life. When world events affect the personal and significant figures play an important role in shaping outcomes, it becomes a compelling story. Jewish immigrant history is just such a story. 

A little history. . . beginning in 1772 there were several partitions of Poland, dividing it between Russia, Prussia and Austria. As a result, Russia became the home of two and a half million Jews by 1800, growing to over five million by 1897. This was at a time when Jews were being emancipated in Western Europe, becoming citizens and integrated into the broader community. Russia however, viewed Jews as aliens and heretics. The Pale of Settlement was created, restricting where Jews could live and excluding them from 95% of Russia. Continue Reading »

More MN Blog posts

• Nicholas Silvius in the Revolutionary War - Wright County Historical Society
• Collections Spotlight: Carl Larsson - American Swedish Institute
• University of Minnesota Duluth records are now combined into one Minnesota Digital Library collection - Minnesota Digital Library News
• National Guard Comes to Grove City - Meeker County Historical Society
• In Our Collection – Lao Refugee Orientation Handbook and Hmong Embroidery, Paj ntaub, Story Cloth - Ramsey County Historical Society
• Sweethearts from across the street: The Lenci family - Jim Froemming/Hometown Focus
• PPE for All Sizes: Ensuring Safety for Tradespeople of Every Stature - Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps
• Addison H. Drake – Sawyer House Barber - Washington County Historical Society
• Black History Month - St. Louis County Historical Society

From the Tube

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

More MN Tube posts

• Fridley Educator Don Meyers Interview - Fridley Historical Society Videos
• The Ranch Remnants – Schermerhorn Farms, Mahnomen, MN - Minnesota Bricks
• All Roads Lead to Betsy: Book Review 3 - Betsy-Tacy Society
• Minnesota at Work: Out of the Shadows - Labor Ed Minnesota
• Two Eden Prairie Friends Remember Mid-Century Eden Prairie - 
  Eden Prairie Historical Society

Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »

Job Opportunities

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

MNHS

• Sales Assistant I - Split Rock Lighthouse

• Maintenance Project Lead - Oliver Kelley Farm

• Community Partnerships Coordinator - Mill City Museum

• Collections Cataloger - MN History Center

• Historic Interpreter II - Historic Fort Snelling

LOCAL

• Collections Curator - Brown County Historical Society, New Ulm, MN
• Inventory Specialist - Rice County Historical Society, Faribault, MN
• Seasonal Cultural Heritage Interpreter - Lowry Nature Center, Three Rivers Park District, Victoria, MN

• Senior Advancement Officer, Principal Giving - Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis, MN

• Administrative Coordinator - Grand Marais Art Colony, Grand Marais, MN

• Facilities Manager - Minnesota Masterpiece Hall, Winona, MN

REGIONAL

• Procurement Coordinator - Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, WI

• Public Engagement Manager - Chazen Museum of Art, Madison, WI

• Collections Care Specialist - Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Madison, WI

• Deputy Administrator, Division of Business Services - Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, WI

• Facilities Management Specialist (2 Positions) - Southwest Sites & Old World Wisconsin, Wisconsin Historical Society, Cassville & Eagle, WI

• Special Event Coordinator - Old World Wisconsin, Wisconsin Historical Society, Eagle, WI

• Business Director -  Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson, WI

• Museum Administrator - Racine Heritage Museum, Racine, WI

• Museum Assistant - City of New London, New London, WI

• Head of the American Geographical Society Library - University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

• Cultural Programs, Exhibitions, and Outreach Coordinator - Black Cultural Center, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL

• Senior Program Director - Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, Chicago, IL

• Summer Museum Employee - Village of Addison, Addison, IL

• Sponsorship Manager - Peoria Riverfront Museum , Peoria, IL

• Special Collections Conservator - Hesburgh Libraries, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN

• Visitor Experience Coordinator - Reitz Home Museum, Evansville, IN

• Summer Camp Counselor - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN

• Executive Director - Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, OH

• Museum Visitor Experience Coordinator - Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

• Exhibit Designer & Preparator - University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, Ann Arbor, MI

• Site Manager - Fort Gratiot Light Station and Post Hospital, Port Huron Museum, Port Huron, MI

• Fundraising Manager - Marquette Regional History Center, Marquette, MI

• Chief, Architecture and Preservation - Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA

• Project Archivist - U.S. Courts, Philadelphia, PA

• Marketing Assistant - Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis, MO

• Director of Collections & Conservation - Nebraska State Historical Society, Lincoln, NE

• Assistant Museum Administrator - Watson's Mill & Dickinson House, Ottawa, ON

• Collections Technician - Watson's Mill & Dickinson House, Ottawa, ON

• Community Heritage Interpreter - Watson's Mill & Dickinson House, Ottawa, ON

Additional Job Postings in the Field »

Do History Here

Governor Eberhart, Julius Coller, and others at a Scott County Fair pumpkin display in Shakopee, 1912. 
Image used with permission. From the collections of the Scott County Historical Society.

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

Letters to Our Future
Now to May 1 - Grand Marais: Cook County Historical Society - As part of an ongoing effort to document lived experiences for future generations, the Cook County Historical Society invites community members to contribute personal letters reflecting on current times. This year’s “Letters to Our Future” project takes place amid significant national and state events, including Operation Metro Surge, currently unfolding in Minneapolis and described by officials as the largest immigration operation in history. These events have deeply affected individuals, families, and communities across Minnesota and beyond. Participants are encouraged to share their emotions, thoughts, and stories about these and other local or personal experiences, helping future generations understand this pivotal moment in history. All letters will be preserved in the Society’s archives, with flexible privacy and attribution options available. Materials will be provided on-site. Cost: Free. Learn more » 

February Genealogy Saturday
February 14 @ 10 am to 12 pm - Elbow Lake: Grant County Historical Society - Join this month’s genealogy session to explore the Ancestry.com website and learn tips for building and expanding your family tree. Participants may attend in person or via Zoom by contacting the Museum for the meeting link. Cost: Free. Learn more » 

GAI Café: Donation Drive
February 15 @ 9:30 am to 12:30 pm - St. Paul: Germanic-American Institute - This month’s GAI Café features a home and hygiene supply drive supporting the International Institute of Minnesota, which helps immigrants and refugees settle into their new lives. Visitors can also view the Bonhoeffer exhibition in the GAI Haus. The February Café will not include an official presentation. Cost: Free. Learn more »

This is What Democracy Looks Like (Part 2)
February 18 @ 7 to 8 pm - St. Paul: Presented by Historian Karen Sieber - Part two of this two-part series explores the history of collective action in Minnesota and how communities have united to advance democracy, equality, and freedom. Topics include the Grange Movement, women’s suffrage boycotts, the American Indian Movement, and labor protests like the Iron Range Strikes and the 1934 General Strike. All proceeds benefit the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. Cost: Donation-based. Learn more »

America’s 250th Lecture Series: The Federalist Papers – Road to Ratification and How These Papers Helped Define the Constitution
February 19 @ 6 to 8 pm - South St. Paul: Dakota County Historical Society at the Lawshe Museum - Learn how The Federalist Papers shaped the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and influenced the nation’s founding principles as part of the America’s 250th Lecture Series. Cost: $5 members/$10 general public. Learn more » 

The Mystery of Barbara Fritchie with Tamara Louise Thayer
February 19 @ 6 pm - Faribault: Rice County Historical Society Museum - Discover the story of Barbara Fritchie, the elderly Civil War woman immortalized in John Greenleaf Whittier’s 1863 poem for waving her Union flag at Confederate General “Stonewall” Jackson. Performer and author Tamara Louise Thayer brings Fritchie to life in first person over tea, inviting attendees to join the “birthday celebration.” Cost: Free members/$5 non-members. Learn more » 

Finnish Bridal Sauna Traditions
February 21 @ 10:30 am to 12:30 pm - Minneapolis: Norway House - Discover the ancient Finnish ritual of morsiussauna (bridal sauna) and its revival among modern brides. Learn traditional customs, plan your own bridal sauna, and experience time in a woodburning sauna. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops. Cost: $41.20 members/$46.35 general public. Learn more » 

Mărțișor Spring Craft Workshop
February 22 @ 1 to 3 pm - Saint Paul: Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans in Minnesota at Landmark Center - Celebrate the coming of spring by creating your own Mărțișor, a Romanian and Moldovan symbol of renewal and hope made from red and white threads. This hands-on workshop is open to all ages, with materials provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Location: Landmark Center, Room 317. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Intersections in Indigenous and Immigration Histories
February 23 @ 4 to 5:15 pm - Minneapolis: Immigration History Research Center, University of Minnesota - Explore how the idea of America as a “nation of immigrants” overlooks Indigenous presence and how immigration has shaped and been shaped by settler colonialism. Scholars discuss Indigenous nations’ unique relationships with borders, citizenship, and migration histories driven by displacement and dispossession. Cost: Free. Learn more » 

5th Annual Dakota and Ojibwe Language Symposium
February 25 to February 27 @ 9 am to 5 pm - Morton: Minnesota Indian Affairs Council and Minnesota Humanities Center at Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel - Join language educators and advocates from across Minnesota for workshops, discussions, and presentations focused on Dakota and Ojibwe language revitalization efforts and community collaboration. Cost: $30. Learn more » 

News & Brews with the Albert Lea Tribune
February 27 @ 4:30 pm - Albert Lea: History Center of Freeborn County - Join staff from the Albert Lea Tribune for an engaging discussion on the role of local journalism, the paper’s history since its founding in 1897, and how community news continues to evolve. Bring your questions and news tips! Cost: Free. Learn more » 

Writing Interest Group – Images and Presentation Workshop
February 28 @ 10 to 11:30 am - Online: Minnesota Genealogical Society - Join a group discussion led by Sue Fowler on formatting and selecting images in Word, understanding dpi and copyright issues, and exploring creative ways to make presentations engaging—with or without photos—using tools like SnagIt. Learn more » 

Western Blue Earth County Hybrid Program
February 28 @ 11 am to 12 pm (CT) - Mankato: Blue Earth County Historical Society - Join this hybrid program exploring the history and development of western Blue Earth County through local stories, community heritage, and historical research. Attend in person or online. Cost: Free members/$10 general public. Learn more »

Being Ellen: Gleaning Authenticity 2.0
February 28 @ 3 to 5 pm - Minneapolis: Quatrefoil Library - Join author and storyteller Ellen Krug for an engaging conversation on living authentically, embracing vulnerability, and finding courage in truth as part of her ongoing “Gleaning Authenticity” series. Learn more » 

Finding Your Family: An African American Genealogy Workshop (Virtual Event)
February 28 @ 12 to 1 pm - Online: Hennepin History Museum - Learn practical tools and strategies for tracing African American ancestry in this virtual workshop designed to help participants navigate genealogical records, resources, and family history research. Cost: Pay as you can. Learn more » 

Ojibwe Women of Minnesota
February 28 @ 9:30 to 11 am - Hanover: Hanover Area History Center - Join Rita Walaszek Arndt, curator of Native American Collections at the Minnesota Historical Society, for a talk exploring the history of Ojibwe women, their traditional clothing such as ribbon skirts and jingle dresses, and the stories of notable figures like Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. Enjoy coffee, juice, and pastries before the program and tour the exhibits afterward. Cost: Goodwill offering. 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: Fulda Depot Museum, Fulda, MN.

Call for Proposals: LSLS 2026 – Everything is (Not) Fine!
The Lake Superior Libraries Symposium invites proposals for breakout sessions at its 14th annual conference, taking place Friday, June 5, 2026, at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet, Minnesota. This year’s theme, “Everything is (Not) Fine!,” explores the evolving challenges of library work—from funding cuts and misinformation to the rise of artificial intelligence—and highlights how library professionals are finding creative, sustainable solutions. Presenters are encouraged to share stories, strategies, and innovations that foster resilience, advocacy, and connection across all types of libraries.

Proposals are welcome on a wide range of topics, including information literacy, staff development, community engagement, storytelling, work-life balance, and more—whether or not they fit neatly within the theme. Sessions last 60 minutes and include time for discussion. Accepted presenters receive free registration (with breakfast and lunch included). Submit your proposal by Friday, March 20. Learn more »

Part 2: The Ethics of AI: What’s the Harm?
February 12 @ 11 am (CT) - Online: National Council on Public History – Part of the Ethics, AI, and the Public Humanities Speaker Series, this session examines the real-world harms and ethical risks of artificial intelligence in public-facing work. Facilitated by Jessica Dauterive, with speakers Adio-Adet Dinika and Adrienne Williams from the Distributed Artificial Intelligence Research (DAIR) Institute, the program explores power, bias, accountability, and how humanists can respond. Cost: Pay what you can, $10–$30. Learn more »

The 11th Agent of Deterioration in Collections: Incorrect Cultural Care
February 17 @ 5 pm (CT) - Online: National Council on Public History – Organized by NCPH’s Professional Development Committee, this session introduces “Incorrect Cultural Care” as a proposed 11th Agent of Deterioration alongside the Canadian Conservation Institute’s established ten. Speaker Melanie Deer will outline the project’s goals, explain how culturally inappropriate care practices can endanger collections, and lead an interactive discussion on integrating this lens into preservation work. Cost: Pay what you can, $5–$15. Learn more »

12 Golden Rules of Nonprofit Finance
February 18 @ 12 to 1 pm (CT) - Online: Propel Nonprofits – Demystify nonprofit financial health with 12 straightforward "Golden Rules" covering budgeting, operating reserves, and key indicators for sustainability. Perfect for newcomers, this webinar simplifies nuanced financial judgments into actionable guidelines to strengthen your organization's fiscal stability. Cost: Free. Learn more »

More than Just Dusting: Collections Housekeeping, Mold Prevention, and Integrated Pest Management 
February 19 @ 1 pm (CT) - Online: Artwork Archives - Dyani Feige, Director of Preservation at the Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts, will talk about the foundational housekeeping practices that protect and prolong the life of your collection, no matter its scale or scope. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Staying Agile: How to Translate Your Skills Beyond Traditional Audiences
February 23 @ 1 to 2 pm (CT) - Online: Independent Museum Professionals – Join career coaches Elin Filbey and Alli Schell to uncover your existing expertise, identify emerging opportunities in the museum field, and build a sustainable, financially rewarding portfolio beyond conventional audiences. This workshop helps independent professionals adapt skills meaningfully to new contexts. Cost: Free. Learn more »

The Art of Conflict Communication
February 24 @ 1:30 to 3:30 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – This interactive session introduces the Intercultural Conflict Style (ICS) framework to build awareness of how culture influences conflict approaches through direct/indirect and expressive/restrained styles. Participants reflect on personal tendencies, practice communication tools for navigating tension across differences, define conflict dynamics, and analyze hypothetical scenarios for constructive responses. Cost: $50 members/$70 nonmembers. Learn more »

Federal Preservation Priorities for 2026
February 25 @ 1 to 2 pm (CT) - Online: National Trust for Historic Preservation – Join the Government Relations Team and preservation community leaders for a briefing on 2026 federal legislative priorities, including supporting the Historic Preservation Fund, defending the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 106 process, strengthening the Historic Tax Credit, and protecting historic places and cultural landscapes. Gain insights into congressional dynamics, emerging challenges, advocacy strategies, and year-round opportunities to advance unified preservation efforts in Washington. Learn more »

Flag Storage: A Time of Great Possibilities
February 26 @ 12 to 1 pm (CT) - Online: Connecting to Collections – Explore tailored storage solutions for historic flags of all sizes, materials, and conditions found in small to mid-sized institutions. This webinar covers low-tech to state-of-the-art methods, flat and rolled storage techniques, deterioration factors, previous treatments, and practical illustrations to preserve these artifacts effectively. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Workshop: NAGPRA Essentials for History Organizations
March 5 @ 12 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History – Designed for staff who feel overwhelmed or uncertain about Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) compliance, this small-group workshop (max 30 participants) offers a clear overview of the law and the 2024 regulatory updates. Bernstein & Associates NAGPRA Consultants use case studies and guided discussion to map out a practical roadmap to repatriation, clarify compliance steps, and support ethical, long-term relationships with Native communities. Cost: $100 members/$150 nonmembers. Learn more »

Workshop: Strengthening History Communication - Reframing the Value of History and Your Institution
March 12 @ 12 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History – This half-day virtual workshop equips history practitioners with research-backed strategies from AASLH’s Reframing History project to communicate their institution’s value more effectively to public audiences. Participants explore framing techniques for fundraising, advocacy, media, and websites, engage in national peer discussions on communication challenges, and practice crafting impactful messages to build broader societal understanding of history’s role. Cost: $100 members/$150 nonmembers. Learn more »

TIPS & TOOLS

• Five Ways to Get Started with Accessibility When You Feel Stuck - American Alliance of Museums
• Making History Accessible: Toolkit for Multisensory Interpretation - Intrepid

UPCOMING EVENTS & CONFERENCES

Additional Educational Opportunities »

Funding & Awards

National Preservation Awards Nominations
Deadline - March 20, 2026: National Trust for Historic Preservation seeks nominations for its 2026 National Preservation Awards, honoring preservation leaders. Learn more & nominate »

Key Categories:

• Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award: Highest honor for exceptional, large-scale preservation achievements.

• Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Awards: Recognizes diverse projects, individuals, and organizations advancing preservation.

• National Trust/Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Award: Honors exemplary federal agency partnerships with non-federal entities for community-impact preservation.

• Trustees’ Award for Organizational Excellence: Celebrates nonprofits with sustained leadership, integrity, and inclusive excellence in historic preservation.

• Trustees Emeritus Award for Historic Site Stewardship: Acknowledges long-term care and stewardship of historic sites.

   

Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community Honor 
Deadline - May 15, 2026: McKnight Foundation in partnership with the Minnesota Council of Foundations - This awards program celebrates seven everyday champions from across the state whose compassion and contributions serve as the heartbeat of our communities, and who inspire others to join in creating a more caring and connected state. Each honoree receives $10,000 in recognition of the significant impact they have had on the State of Minnesota and its communities. Learn more »

Core Grants Program
Deadline - May 15, 2026: (New applicants) | June 30 (Previous applicants): Needmor Fund - These grants provides general operating support to groups engaged in the work of community organizing around social justice. Learn more »

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

Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »

News

Vintage Museum Photo: Exhibit at the Watonwan County Historical Museum, Madelia, MN (1986). 
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.

What's New in Archival Cataloging for January 2026
This month, we’re excited to introduce a brand-new finding aid for the Vertical Reference Files, formerly housed behind the reference desk at the Gale Family Library in the Minnesota History Center. These files include a wide range of materials—biographical files, family folders, governors’ wives' files, and numerous subject headings related to Minnesota history and culture.

Newly added accessions this month include:
Chisago County Minutes and Meeting Files; Health Department Commissioner’s Office Records; Minnesota Historical Society: Library and Archives: Vertical Reference Files

Several collections now feature new additions or enhanced digital content, including:
Arc Greater Twin Cities Records; Chisago County Highway Department Records; 
Council on Latino Affairs Records; Governor Rudy Perpich Subject Files; Great Northern Railroad Company: Mechanical Department Records; Wing Young Huie Photograph Collection and Archive; Legislature: Video and Audio Recordings Compiled for Tribune of the People; Northern Pacific Railroad Company: Mechanical Department Records; Soo Line Railroad Company Records; Lawrence Taliaferro Papers

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

A Window into the Legacy of South Minneapolis’ Black Community
The Alley Newspaper - The Sabathani Living History Museum offers an immersive journey through the rich history of the Black community in South Minneapolis, celebrating resilience, artistry, and community triumph. The museum’s corridors are lined with exhibits that celebrate trailblazers like Sharon Sayles Belton, the first African American mayor of Minneapolis, and Carl Eller, NFL Hall of Famer turned community advocate. They also honor educators like Dr. Richard Green and social servant Clarissa Walker, whose legacies embody dedication and excellence. Continue Reading »

Featured Book Dish and Tell: Recipes from the Heart, by Sarah Peterson. Minnesota Historical Society Press. Book Launch Date: February 21 @ 2 pm  Location: Minnesota History Center, St. Paul, MN	Featured Article Minnesota History Daniel Webster and the West Volume 9, Issue 1, 1928	Featured Article MNopedia Virginia and Rainy Lake Company 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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