Field Note

MNHS staff visited Pickwick Mill, a six-story stone flour mill built between 1856 and 1858 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, to review a restoration project for 34 exterior windows. These improvements involve sash and frame repair, window-pane replacement, glazing repair, and priming and painting to preserve the mill's historic appearance as a centerpiece of the Pickwick community. Now operated by Pickwick Mill, Inc. as a museum and interpretive center for Minnesota's milling history since the mid-1980s, the site preserves original flour milling machinery.

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.

MARCH Grants Open House
March 5 - Online: The Grants Office will hold a virtual Grants Office Open House using Google Meet from 2 to 3:30 pm in order to provide additional grants support to our communities. We encourage people to RSVP to Gillian with a short summary of what you want to talk about and she will try to ensure that someone helpful will be available. Learn more »

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 Kraus-Anderson. Have a blog? Let us know!

February Friday History: Kraus-Anderson at Split Rock Lighthouse
In 1991 Kraus-Anderson was trusted to perform restoration work on Split Rock Lighthouse, one of Minnesota’s most cherished historic landmarks.
Split Rock’s origin story usually references the storm season of November 1905, which destroyed dozens of ships and cost the lives of even more seaman. One storm in particular was named “Mataafa” after one of the many ships that were lost on November 27th and 28th.
Although it is true that the deadly storm season of that year likely encouraged the US Congress to finally act, it is also true that the Minnesota legislature had been petitioning Congress to build a lighthouse at approximately this location since 1857 when Minnesota was still a territory. An important factor in the historical origins of Split Rock Lighthouse is the massive amount of iron ore that began to be shipped out of western Lake Superior at the turn of the 20th century. The National Register of Historic Places contains this fascinating tidbit: “The main reason the light was required on the west end of Lake Superior was that the cargoes of high-grade iron ore coupled with the iron ore deposits in the lake basin caused the compass needle to deflect greatly from true north.” Continue Reading »

More MN Blog posts

• Wellington C. Masterman, Newspaper Man - Washington County Historical Society
• New Clinton Falls Township collection adds Steele County history to MDL - Minnesota Digital Library News
• SPAM™ Flavor Taste Test: A Journey of Regret and Glory - Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps
• Rosendale School District 50 - Meeker County Historical Society
• Richard and Patricia: A veteran and a centennial princess - Jim Froemming/Hometown Focus

From the Tube

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

More MN Tube posts

• History Minute: Esteys - Rock County Historical Society
• Winnipeg Junction, Minnesota – Wiped off the Map - Minnesota Bricks
• Minnesota State Historic Preservation Review Board Meeting November 18, 2025 - Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office
• The Insanity Case of Professor Dudley - Pipestone County Historical Society
• A Surprise Visitor to Tacy's House - Betsy-Tacy Society
• Roaring Robbinsdale - Robbinsdale Historical Society

Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »

Job Opportunities

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

MNHS

• Accessioning & Processing Archivist - MN History Center

• Interpreter II - Mill City Museum

LOCAL

• Historic Site Manager - Washington County Heritage Center, Stillwater, MN
• Executive Director - Norwegian-American Historical Association, Northfield, MN
• Request for Proposals for Archaeological Investigations at the Grand Meadow Chert Quarry/Wanhi Yukan - Mower County Historical Society & Tribal Historic Preservation Office of the Prairie Island Indian Community, Mower County, MN

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

• Executive Director - Otter Tail County Historical Society, Fergus Falls, MN

REGIONAL

• Budget Analyst - Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, WI

• Digital Imaging Specialist - Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, WI

• Facilities Repair Worker - Old World Wisconsin, Wisconsin Historical Society, Eagle, WI

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

• Lead Cook - Old World Wisconsin, Wisconsin Historical Society, Eagle, WI

• Custodian - Old World Wisconsin, Wisconsin Historical Society, Eagle, WI

• Food & Beverage Assistant - Old World Wisconsin, Wisconsin Historical Society, Eagle, WI

• Guest Services Host - Old World Wisconsin, Wisconsin Historical Society, Eagle, WI

• Office Associate - Black Point Estate, Wisconsin Historical Society, Lake Geneva, WI

• Tour Guide - Villa Louis Historic Site, Wisconsin Historical Society, Prairie Du Chien, WI

• Historic Site Grounds and Maintenance Technician - Pembina State Museum, State Historical Society of North Dakota, Pembina, ND ID: 3032447

• Conservation Technician - The Mammoth Site, Hot Springs, SD

• Executive Director - African American Museum of Iowa, Cedar Rapids, IA

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

• Ice Cream and Popcorn Shop Assistant Manager - Sock Monkey Museum, Long Grove, IL

• Content Creator - Medieval Torture Museum, Chicago, IL

• Public Programs Facilitator - The Field Museum, Chicago, IL

• Executive Assistant to the President and CEO - Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL

• Project Registrar - Chicago History Society, Chicago, IL

• Member Relations Manager - Chicago History Society, Chicago, IL

• Event Sales Manager - WNDR Museum, Chicago, IL

• Consulting Archivist - Illinois Humanities, Chicago, IL

• Assistant Registrar - Wrightwood 659, Chicago, IL

• Exhibition Designer - Amy Reichert Architecture + Design LLC Architecture and Exhibition Design Studio, Chicago, IL

• AV Technician & Service Desk Specialist - The Field Museum, Chicago, IL

• Education and Outreach Coordinator - Hegeler Carus Mansion, La Salle, IL

• Guest Experience Coordinator - Rockford Park District, Rockford, IL

• Museum Camp Counselor - Downers Grove Park District, Downers Grove, IL

• Collector Car Mechanic - Volo Auto Museum, Volo, IL

• Director of Ticketing and Guest Relations - Conner Prairie Museum, Fishers, IN

• Vice President of Development - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN

• Director of K-12 Education - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN

• Conservation Lab Manager - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN

• Accounting Assistant - Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis, IN 

• Preservation Planner - Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission, City of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN

• Curator of American Art - Newfields, Indianapolis, IN

• Curator of Asian Art - Newfields, Indianapolis, IN

• Facilities & Grounds Specialist - Ohio History Center, Columbus, OH

• Executive Director - Chagrin History Center, Chagrin Falls, OH

• Project Archivist - The Union Foundation Ohio, Cincinnati, OH

• Director - Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI 

• Librarian I Reference Archivist - Kansas Historical Society, Topeka, KS

• Education Coordinator - Kansas Historical Society, Topeka, KS

• Curator for Research - Spencer Museum of Art (University of Kansas), Lawrence, KS

• Education Programs Coordinator - Morrill Hall (University of Nebraska), Lincoln, NE

• Assistant Curator, Transportation and Access - Ingenium, Canada's Museum of Science and Innovation, Ottawa, ON

• Manager, Region of Waterloo Museums - The Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Kitchener, ON

INTERNSHIPS/VOLUNTEERS/FELLOWSHIPS

• Intern - Forest Park Museum, Perry, IA

• Lantern Parade Programs Intern - Sheboygan County Museum, Sheboygan, WI

• Internship, Archival Project Coordinator - Scripps Mansion, Guest House, Inc., Lake Orion, MI

Additional Job Postings in the Field »

Do History Here

Paul Bunyan Float, Winter Carnival, Bemidji, 1938.
Image used with permission. From the collections of the Beltrami County Historical Society.

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

The Wonders of Wild Foods Demo
February 19 @ 6:30 to 8:30 pm – Minneapolis: American Swedish Institute – Attendees join Derek Nicholas (Red Cliff Band Ojibwe), founder of Wiisinig LLC and author of Through Food We Know Ourselves, for a cooking demonstration using wild rice and local wild edibles. He shares connections between food and Anishinaabeg identity. Includes a light meal; coffee/tea provided, other beverages for purchase; dietary accommodations available. Part of ASI’s Our Shared Table series sponsored by Sahan Journal. Cost: $65 members/$75 general. Learn more »

Book Release & Children's Reading Circle: "My Afro-Indigenous Superpower"
February 21 @ 12 to 2 pm – Minneapolis: Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery – Attendees celebrate Indigenous and Black identity through a live children's reading and book signing of Marique B. Moss's book featuring Meeka, an Afro-Indigenous girl embracing her dual heritage. Enjoy cultural activities like bookmark making and a "Create Your Own Superhero" photo booth; books available for purchase. Family-friendly event fostering pride and belonging. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Roseville – Minnesota Writers Off the Page: Carson Faust
February 25 @ 6 to 7:30 pm – Roseville: Minnesota Humanities Center – Attendees experience a special evening with author Carson Faust discussing "If the Dead Belong Here," an intergenerational thriller infused with Indigenous folklore and the supernatural. Faust converses with Dennis E. Staples on ghosts, hauntings, horror/thriller craft, and Indigenous influences in writing, followed by Q&A, informal chats, light refreshments for purchase, book sales, and a signing. Cost: Free. Learn more »

History Revealed - Debra J Stone and The House on Rondo
February 26 @ 6 to 7:30 pm – St. Paul: Ramsey County Historical Society – Attendees step into St. Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood with author Debra J. Stone discussing her book The House on Rondo. The event explores the community’s vibrant Black history, the impact of I-94 construction through personal stories of loss, resistance, and resilience in 1963. Location: Mississippi Market, 622 Selby Avenue. Cost: Free. Learn more »

National Toast Day Celebration!
February 26 @ 6 to 8 pm – Stillwater: Washington County Historical Society – Attendees enjoy a program on toast history, view an antique toaster collection, sample toast and toppings from local bakeries/markets while voting for "Toast of the Town." Warden’s House Site Manager Heidi Heinze shares the automatic pop-up toaster's Stillwater origins, invented by Charles Strite in 1919 after he was served burnt cafeteria toast. Toast tasting starts at 6 pm; program at 6:30 pm. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Objects of War: A Storytelling Circle
February 26 @ 6 to 8 pm – St. Paul: Minnesota Humanities Center – Participants join an engaging evening focused on stories of community, consolation, and courage. Each brings an item connected to war or conflict—like dog tags, a good luck charm, or family heirloom—and shares its story. Moderated by trained facilitators, attendees explore why these objects are cherished and how they reveal the human impacts of war. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Great Decisions – Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
February 27 @ 10 to 11:30 am (CT) – Online: Ramsey County Library – Explore international tensions and the danger of nuclear proliferation in this Great Decisions discussion series. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Writing Interest Group
February 28 @ 10 to 11:30 am (CT) – Online: Minnesota Genealogical Society – Attendees explore image formatting in Word (Sue Fowler presentation), selecting best photos, sizing, DPI, copyright/use issues, cover photos, enhancing without images, and using SnagIt, followed by group discussion. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Exhibit: Egg Painting: A Folk Art Tradition
Each Sunday in March @ 1 to 3 pm – St. Paul: Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans in Minnesota – Attendees explore centuries-old Romanian egg painting using wax-resist techniques, bold geometric patterns, and symbolic motifs of rebirth, protection, and continuity, influenced by folk embroidery and woodcarving. The exhibit contrasts these with Ukrainian pysanky (fine lace-like lines), Polish kraszanki (natural dyes, earthy designs), and Slovak/Czech floral styles, revealing shared Eastern European cultural storytelling through eggs. Location: Landmark Center, Room 319. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Conversation with Jack El-Hai, author of The Nazi and the Psychiatrist
March 1 @ 2 to 3:30 pm – St. Paul: University of St. Thomas – Join author Jack El-Hai for a conversation about his acclaimed book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, exploring the relationship between a U.S. Army psychiatrist and Nazi leaders during the Nuremberg Trials. Location: Woulfe Alumni Hall, Anderson Student Center. Hosted by the Jay Phillips Center for Interreligious Studies and the Holocaust and Genocide Studies minor in the College of Arts and Sciences in collaboration with the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, and the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Genealogy Club at the Lyon County Museum
March 2 @ 1 pm – Marshall: Lyon County Museum – Attendees participate in the Genealogy Club, engaging in research, discussions, and activities focused on family history and genealogical resources at the Lyon County Museum. Cost: Free. Learn more »

The Borders Crossed Us Too: Global Indigeneities, Migration, and World-Making
March 4 @ 4 to 5 pm – Minneapolis: Immigration History Research Center at the U of MN – Attendees examine how U.S. war refugees like Southeast Asians challenge "model citizen" expectations, facing disproportionate deportation despite legal resettlement. The talk explores global Indigenous studies, relational race/ethnic studies, and critical refugee studies, focusing on Southeast Asian Indigenous minorities, the U.S. border regime, and the prison-to-deportation pipeline. Drawing on conversations with refugees in the Twin Cities and Philadelphia, it counters the "good refugees" narrative and reimagines militarized humanitarianism and deportation through global Indigenous migrant experiences. Location: Pillsbury Hall, U of MN. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Viewers Like Us Club: Hope in the Struggle, The Josie Johnson Story
March 5 @ 2 to 3:30 pm – St. Peter: Treaty Site History Center, Nicollet County Historical Society – Attendees reflect on the life of freedom fighter and civic leader Dr. Josie Johnson, who championed fair housing, education, and civil rights. Hear her own words on how experiences fueled her activism, the nature of action, and how the next generation carries the mantle amid the ongoing struggle for justice and equality, offering hope. Cost: Free. Learn more »

The 9 Herbs Charm with Kari Tauring
March 7 @ 10 am to 11:30 am – Minneapolis: Norway House – Attendees join Kari Tauring for an introduction to the Old Anglo-Saxon Nine Herbs Charm from the 10th-century Lacnunga manuscript, blending Christian and Pagan elements in Germanic, Celtic, and Latin. The session covers singing to nine plants (mugwort, plantain, etc.), a powerful salve recipe, and prayers against poison, as invoked during the pandemic. Part of the Nordic Plant Lore series. Cost: $23.88 members/$29.38 general. Learn more »

Peanuts, Popcorn, and Preemies: The Story of Wonderland, Twin City Amusement Park
March 7 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) – Online: Hennepin History Museum – Attendees discover the history of Wonderland, Twin City Amusement Park, through stories of peanuts, popcorn, and preemies in this engaging online presentation exploring its cultural and historical significance. Cost: Pay as you can. Learn more »

History of Puppetry in the Twin Cities
March 9 @ 7 to 9 pm – Minneapolis: Linden Hills History – Local puppeteer and historian Jennings Mergenthal presents an extensive research project on Twin Cities puppetry origins and enduring appeal. The Twin Cities Puppeteers Guild displays historically significant puppets, photos, and ephemera. Location: St. John’s Episcopal Church. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Civil War Roundtable - Seeds of the Civil War
March 12 @ 1:30 pm – Litchfield: Meeker County Museum at the G.A.R. Hall – Attendees hear Joyce and Jim Hinderks present on the "Seeds of the Civil War," exploring key origins, events, and factors leading to the conflict. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Free Family Fun Day: Women’s History Month
March 14 @ 12 to 3 pm – Red Wing: Goodhue Historical Society – Attendees celebrate Women’s History Month by learning about remarkable women in Goodhue County’s history through a family-friendly scavenger hunt, writing appreciation notes to women in their lives, and additional engaging activities. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Women’s Mental Health
March 14 @ 2 to 4 pm – Anoka: Anoka County Historical Society – Attendees explore The Woman They Could Not Silence and The Crusade for Forgotten Souls to gain insights into life within state asylums and what happens when society seeks to silence women. Part of the "Persistence and Resistance: A Conversation Series about Women's POWER," this session draws on published material and local research for reflective discussions. Check the oral history collection at ACHS for extra credit. Cost: $8. 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: Geldner Sawmill. Operated by Le Sueur County, Elysian Twp, MN.
Photograph by McGhiever, distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 license.

Online Writing Grants for Preservation and Conservation Projects
March 5 @ 10:30 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: Midwest Art Conservation Center - Master grant writing for practical conservation projects, including supplies for re-housing collections, minor storage upgrades, monitoring equipment, general preservation needs assessment surveys, and staff training programs. You'll learn to conduct thorough internal reviews, develop compelling proposals, apply sound budgeting principles, secure matching funds, and complete effective final grant reports. The session also covers prioritized collections care protocols, long-range conservation planning strategies, and detailed information on specific grant applications from public, private, and regional foundation funding sources—essential skills for cultural heritage professionals seeking sustainable preservation funding. Cost: $150 ($0 for Minnesota residents). Thanks to funds provided by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society. Learn more »

Pricing Strategies for Professionals in Public History
March 2 @ 12 pm (CT) - Online: National Council on Public History - Learn how to set fair and sustainable rates for your services, explore data on industry standards, and compare pricing models such as hourly, retainer, and project-based fees. Part of the Sustaining Ourselves: Practical Tools and Committee Conversation series, co-organized by NCPH’s Labor Task Force and Consultants Committee. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Restricted Materials
March 2 @ 5 pm (CT) - Online: Backlog - Archivists & Historians - Learn how to identify, document, and manage restricted archival materials while balancing ethical stewardship, transparency, and privacy. This session covers common restriction categories, communication strategies with researchers, and policy development for responsible access. Cost: Free. Learn more »

STEPS Series | Stewardship of Historic Structures and Landscapes
March 3 @ 2 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History - Join fellow STEPS participants for a discussion on experiences with the Historic Structures and Landscapes chapter, including real-world examples and strategies for site stewardship. The session includes Q&A and peer discussion. Cost: Free for STEPS members. Learn more »

Succession and Transition Planning: How to Begin
March 4 @ 9:30 to 10:30 am (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits - Explore the essentials of succession and transition planning to ensure stability and continuity within your organization. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Non-Profit Compliance: Legal Requirements and Best Practices
March 12 @ 12 to 1 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits - Join MCN and LegalCORPS for a one-hour session covering key legal requirements and best practices for charitable organizations and private foundations in Minnesota. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Fundamentals of Nonprofit Budgeting
March 17 @ 9 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: Propel Nonprofits - Learn how to use budgeting as a tool to tell your organization’s story, align resources with priorities, and strengthen collaboration between staff and board. Propel’s 10-step budgeting process will guide participants through practical, mission-driven budgeting. Cost: $95. Learn more »

Leading the Change: A Women’s History Hour
March 24 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History - Join the AASLH Women’s History Affinity Community for a discussion on the future of women’s history, exploring the National Women’s History Alliance theme “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” Conversations will focus on historiography, current scholarship, and sustainable stewardship of historic sites. Cost: Free (registration required). Learn more »

What is STEPS and Can It Help My Site?
March 26 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History - Learn how AASLH’s STEPS program can help your organization strengthen its operations and build a strong foundation for success. Cost: Free. Learn more »

TIPS & TOOLS

• AI Preparedness Guidelines for Archivists - Archives & Records Association

UPCOMING EVENTS & CONFERENCES

Additional Educational Opportunities »

Funding & Awards

Ethnic Media Grants
Deadline – March 9, 2026: MN Humanities Center - MN Humanities Center will award and administer $472,500 to ethnic media organizations in Minnesota to create video content in languages other than English, supported by the Legacy Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Learn more »

 VOCES Oral History Summer Institute
Deadline – March 16, 2026: Oral History Association - Apply for the intensive VOCES Summer Institute, a professional development opportunity focused on advanced oral history methods, designed for researchers, educators, and practitioners working with diverse communities. Learn more » 

OHA Book Award Application
Deadline – April 1, 2026: Oral History Association - Since 1993, the Oral History Association has recognized outstanding published books placing oral history at their core, honoring works that make significant contributions to contemporary scholarship, advance theoretical understanding of oral history practice, or exemplify sound methodology. Submissions welcome from academic scholars, public historians, independent professionals, and community-based groups worldwide (English-language only); winners receive a plaque, one-year OHA membership, and complimentary annual meeting registration. Learn more »

OHA Emerging Crises Research Fund
Deadline – April 15, 2026: Oral History Association - Apply for up to $4,000 to support time-sensitive oral history research addressing emerging crises such as wars, natural disasters, political repression, or economic/ethnic challenges in the U.S. and internationally. Funds cover travel, per diem, and transcription costs (no equipment); submit a one-page proposal, detailed budget, and CV for review within six weeks. Learn more »

OHA Indigenous Initiative Research Fund
Deadline – June 1, 2026: Oral History Association - Apply for the OHA Indigenous Initiative Research Fund, offering a $1,250 award to Indigenous oral historians engaged in collaborative, community-based oral history projects focused on Indigenous peoples. Funding supports project costs to advance ethical research, with applications requiring a project narrative, budget, resume, and references. Learn more »

Cliff Kuhn Award (Postsecondary Teaching Award)
Deadline – July 1, 2026: Oral History Association - The Cliff Kuhn Award (biennial, presented at the 2026 OHA Annual Meeting) honors distinguished postsecondary educators who incorporate oral history into undergraduate, graduate, continuing, or professional classrooms in exemplary ways. Criteria emphasize innovative strategies, model approaches, familiarity with scholarship, adherence to standards, and civic/community impact; winners receive a plaque, OHA membership, $500, and complimentary meeting registration. Learn more »

Elizabeth B. Mason Multi-Media Awards
Deadline – July 1, 2026: Oral History Association - The OHA Elizabeth B. Mason Multi-Media Award recognizes outstanding oral history projects, collections, exhibits, and multimedia presentations created for the public, including physical/virtual collections, exhibitions, documentaries, podcasts, films, and performances. Up to three awards given annually to works published/completed in the prior year, evaluated for oral history's centrality, historical significance, adherence to professional standards, and creative use. Winners receive plaques, OHA memberships, and complimentary annual meeting registration. Learn more »

Stetson Kennedy Vox Populi (“Voice of the People”) Award
Deadline – July 1, 2026: Oral History Association - The Stetson Kennedy Vox Populi Award (biennial, presented at the 2026 OHA Annual Meeting) honors individuals and organizations for outstanding achievements using oral history to advance justice and humanity, prioritizing those with substantial bodies of work demonstrating significant societal impact. Nominations emphasize transformative contributions to equity, human rights, and community empowerment through oral history practice. Learn more »

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

Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »

News

Vintage Museum Photo: Geldner Sawmill, Elysian Twp. MN. (1973). 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.

Betsy-Tacy books show the humanity in our immigration story
Startribune - ...That’s what recently drew me to the books. Writing in the 1940s, about the early 1900s, Lovelace introduced immigrant story lines to her readers. In that era, Syrian immigrants from modern-day Lebanon were settling in the Mankato area. Though their customs and appearance surprised people at first, Betsy, Tacy and their friends welcomed children from the new community, learning much along the way. “Betsy is such a curious, compassionate, friendly and outgoing character,” said Jennifer Davis-Kay, executive director of the Betsy-Tacy Society. “She greets these new communities with all of those attributes.” Continue reading »

Stearns History Museum Celebrates Marian Rengel And Mike Knaak For Their Local History Contributions
WJON News - The Stearns History Museum has chosen two residents for its Zapp Historian Award for 2025. One recipient is Marian Rengel.  She worked for the St. Cloud Times as a writer and editor for almost 30 years.  In 2003, she was a founding member of the Minnesota Digital Library, which uses state-funded grants to digitize and host archival materials online at no cost.  Stearns History Museum was a pilot contributor to the project and, to date, has contributed almost 450 objects.  MDL now hosts over 60,000 objects from over 200 contributors. Continue reading »

Louis and Mary Lou Marchand Library and Archives to open Feb. 21
Bemidji Pioneer - The Beltrami County Historical Society invites the public to celebrate the opening of the Louis and Mary Lou Marchand Library and Archives with a ribbon cutting and open house from 10 am to noon on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the history center, 130 Minnesota Ave. SW. Continue reading »

Featured Book "Colvill Smiled." The Legend of the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Regiment at Gettysburg by Steven Hoffbeck	Featured Article Minnesota History Personal politics in the origin of Minnesota's Democratic party. Volume 36, Issue 7, 1959	Featured Article MNopedia Minnesota Lynx 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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