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Local History News: February 4, 2026

Field Note

Construction announcement sign in front of the Germanic-American Institute

MNHS staff visited the Germanic-American Institute’s historic Gardner House on St. Paul’s Summit Avenue to review recent accessibility improvements. These included installing a wheelchair lift, modifying the rear porch to provide a level entrance for all visitors, and updating the main floor restroom to make it fully accessible.



Sign up for History Matters Day at the Capitol

History Matters Advocacy Day at the Capitol vintage and current images of the Rushford DepotJoin 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

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#

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.

FEBRUARY Grants Open House
February 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 YouTube Playlist »


 

From the Blog

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

Boy holding lion cub on lap

Rockledge Lions
“King’s lions are out! The lions are loose!” came the cry that evening in Homer, and everyone who heard was immediately on their guard. It was March of 1931, and only four years since E.L. and Grace King returned from their most recent African hunting trip with three living-and-breathing lion cubs. And while the lions’ stone-and-steel enclosure at Rockledge, the Kings’ home, certainly appeared sturdy, it was fair to suspect that wild animals could never be truly caged. Wasn’t it only a matter of time before one of the beastly Rockledge lions escaped to wreak havoc upon the unsuspecting Homer citizens? Continue Reading »

More MN Blog posts

 

From the Tube

This week's post is from the Linden Hills History Study Group. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!

Minneapolis Post-War Places of Worship
Bobak Ha'Eri addresses the Linden Hills History Study Group on January 26, 2026, discussing the development of modernist ecclesiastical architecture and the many specimens of it built around the Minneapolis area after World War II. Watch Video »

More MN Tube posts

Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »


 

Job Opportunities

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

MNHS

LOCAL

REGIONAL

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

INTERNSHIPS/VOLUNTEERS/FELLOWSHIPS

Additional Job Postings in the Field »


 

Do History Here

Group of African American students and African American and white staff standing and sitting around a table listening to someone talking
Group of students and staff at the Black Cultural Center in the UMD Library (1969).
Image used with permission. From the collections of the Kathryn A. Martin Library Archives and Special Collection - University of Minnesota Duluth.


 

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

I TOO, AM AMERICA Multimedia Exhibit Opening
February 5 @ 6 to 8 pm – Minneapolis: Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery – Join the opening reception for this powerful multimedia exhibit inspired by Langston Hughes' poem I, Too, featuring poetry by A. E. Wynter and mixed-media collages by visual artist A. Drew Hammond, celebrating Black youth identity, resilience, creativity, and belonging. The collaboration reclaims space through bold visual art and stirring verse, drawing from legacies like Maya Angelou and Jean-Michel Basquiat to center Black children as authors of their own narratives. Learn more »

SSGEE Webinar: Treasures from the Past
February 7 @ 11 am to 12 pm (CT) – Buffalo & Online: Wright County Historical Society – Join the Society for German Genealogy in Eastern Europe (SGGEE) for an open forum webinar celebrating “Treasures from the Past.” This participatory program invites attendees to share cherished family mementos—from letters and photographs to handmade artifacts—and tell the stories that connect these heirlooms to their family history. Whether passed down through generations or newly discovered, each item helps illuminate personal journeys and shared cultural heritage.

How it works: Participants are encouraged to email a photo of their chosen memento to convention-sggee@googlegroups.com. These images will be compiled into a shared PowerPoint presentation. During the session, each participant will have two to three minutes to share the story behind their item with the audience. Attendees can join online via Zoom or participate in person. Learn more » 

This is What Democracy Looks Like (Part 1)
February 8 @ 2 to 3 pm – Minneapolis: Waldmann Brewery – Historian Karen Sieber explores individual acts of civic engagement and protest in Minnesota history, from abolitionist letters and civil rights court cases to Title IX advocacy and Native artists challenging American ideals. Part 1 of a two-part series celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. 100% of proceeds benefit the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. Cost: $17.85. Learn more »

It Took Courage: The Eliza Winston Story with Author Dr. Christopher Lehman
February 10 @ 6:30 to 8 pm – Minneapolis: Hennepin History Museum – Author Dr. Christopher Lehman shares the remarkable story of Eliza Winston, an enslaved woman who won her freedom in Minnesota before the Civil War. Location: Justice Page Middle School. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Museum Makers Class: Vintage Valentines
February 11 @ 3 to 6 pm – Winona: Winona County History Center – Create up to three vintage-inspired valentines with all supplies provided, while learning about their evolution from 15th-century handwritten notes to Victorian-era mass-produced designs, including the story of Esther A. Howland, the "Mother of the American Valentine." Cost: $5 members/$8 General public. Learn more »

Civil War Roundtable: Blood, Bandages, and Beds – Hospital Ships of the Civil War
February 12 @ 1:30 pm – Litchfield: Meeker County Museum at the G.A.R. Hall – Join historian Gary Blessman for an in-depth presentation on the vital role hospital ships played in caring for soldiers during the Civil War. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Exhibit: Nordic Echoes: Tradition in Contemporary Art
February 14 through June 7 – Minneapolis: Norway House – Explore a traveling exhibition of contemporary Nordic folk arts and cultural traditions from the Upper Midwest, presented in partnership with the American Swedish Institute and curated by the American-Scandinavian Foundation, featuring works by 24 artists including Tia Keobounpheng, Christine Novotny, John Frandy, Talon Cavender-Wilson, Mike Loeffler, and more. Learn more »

Exhibit: Handwoven: Between Chaos and Order
February 14 to June 7 – Minneapolis: American Swedish Institute – Discover the artistry of contemporary handweaving in this exhibition that explores the balance between structure and spontaneity. Learn more »

Valentine’s Day Tell-All Tea at Sibley
February 14 @ 1 to 3 pm – Mendota: Historic Sibley Site, Dakota County Historical Society – Enjoy an afternoon tea celebrating Valentine’s Day featuring lively stories, sweet treats, and warm company. Cost: $35 members/$40 general public. Learn more »

Tea and Sweets at the Museum
February 14 @ 1 to 4 pm – Marshall: Lyon County Historical Society Museum – Celebrate Valentine’s Day with tea, lemonade, sweets, and a hands-on activity to craft vintage-style valentines using provided design ideas and supplies. Cost: Free will donation. Learn more »

Wish Walls in Rice County
Now through February 16 – Faribault: Rice County Historical Society – Partnering with Carleton College’s “History Beyond the Walls” class led by Professor Serena Zabin, this community project features eight Wish Walls across Rice County asking, “On our 250th, what is your wish for us?” to capture hopes for America’s future. Locations include Buckham Library and Buckham West (Faribault), multiple Northfield sites (Carleton College Library, FiftyNorth Senior Center, The Key Youth Center, Northfield Public Library), Lonsdale Public Library, and The Oasis 55021 (Faribault). Responses will be archived for the next anniversary, analyzed by students, and shared on social media. Learn more »

The Art of Soldiering: Servicemembers, Satire, and Cartoons
February 17 @ 5:30 to 7 pm – Duluth: Lake Superior Railroad Museum – Join Wayne Gannaway, Executive Director of the St. Louis County Historical Society, for an engaging History in a Pint presentation exploring how servicemembers have used art, satire, and cartoons to reflect on and record military life. Learn more »

1000 Miles to Nome
February 18 @ 6:30 to 8 pm – Two Harbors: Lake County Historical Society – Learn about the grueling Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and the enduring spirit of mushers and sled dogs who brave Alaska’s toughest terrain. Learn more »

Colvill Smiled
February 18 @ 12 to 1 pm – Red Wing: Goodhue County Historical Society – Discover the story behind “Colvill Smiled” in this History Break program exploring local Civil War history and Colonel Colvill’s enduring legacy. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Polish Literature in English Reading Group – February 2026
February 18 @ 7 to 8:30 pm – Minneapolis: Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota – Join the reading group for a discussion of This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen by Tadeusz Borowski, a powerful collection of stories drawn from the author’s experiences in Nazi concentration camps, noted for its stark, unsentimental portrayal of life and survival under extreme brutality. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Over 40 Years of Philanthropy: The Inspiring Story of Joe Powers
February 19 @ 7 to 8:30 pm – Rochester: History Center of Olmsted County – Join Joe Powers, founder of Powers Ventures, for an inspiring evening reflecting on four decades of community leadership, philanthropy, and the values that built one of southeastern Minnesota’s most respected organizations. Discover how local business and charitable giving work together to strengthen community life. Cost: Free members/$5 general public. Learn more »

BECHS History Book Club: It Took Courage
February 21 & March 21 @ 11 am to 12 pm – Mankato: Blue Earth County Historical Society – Join the winter book club series exploring It Took Courage by Christopher P. Lehman, with a special author presentation on February 21 followed by group discussion on March 21. Cost: $50 per series. Learn more »

Connection & Collection Open House
February 21 @ 10 am to 2 pm – New Prague: New Prague Area Historical Society – Visit the society's open house to explore historical collections, connect with fellow history enthusiasts, and learn about local heritage preservation efforts. Location: New Prague Memorial Library. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Justice Jeopardy Trivia Night
February 24 @ 5:30 to 8:30 pm – Minneapolis: Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society – Put your legal knowledge and trivia skills to the test in this lively evening of Justice Jeopardy, hosted by Twin Cities trivia pros from Trivia Mafia. Form a team of up to five players and compete for bragging rights in a night of fast-paced, brainy fun. Location: Surly Brewing. Learn more »

Objects of War: A Storytelling Circle
February 26 @ 6 to 8 pm – St. Paul: Minnesota Humanities Center - For this facilitated event, participants are asked to bring an item connected to an experience of war and conflict — which could be dog tags, a service member’s good luck charm, or a family heirloom — and share the story of this item during the evening. Whether your connection to conflict is as a Veteran, service member, military family, or refugee, you are welcome to share your story with a small, compassionate group. Dinner will be served. 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

The SS William A. Irvin, Minnesota in slip
Highlighted Museum: SS William A. Irvin, operated by the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Duluth, MN.
Photograph by McGhiever, distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 license.


Midwest Art Conservation Center logoFREE Upcoming Midwest Art Conservation Center Workshops 
Free to Minnesota Residents. Funds provided by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society. Learn more »

Write or Update Your Emergency Plan
February 11, 18, & 25, 2026 @ 10 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: This 3-session online course covers emergency preparedness fundamentals, the essential components of an emergency plan, and how to develop and customize a plan for your organization. It addresses major and minor emergencies, extended closures, and emergencies within larger disasters. Participants work with an emergency plan template, complete a risk assessment, and draft a plan to share with their institution and board, with recommended independent work between sessions. Cost: Free for Minnesota residents/$400 for non-residents.

Write Your Long-Range Preservation Plan
March 11, 18, & 25, 2026 @ 10 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: This 3-session online course guides participants in drafting a Long-Range Preservation Plan (LRPP), focusing on preservation fundamentals, assessment, and prioritization of collections care goals. The course is designed especially for small institutions and includes group activities plus recommended independent work. Learn to use your LRPP for conservation goals and competitive grant proposals. Cost: Free for Minnesota residents/$400 for non-residents.

Engaging Younger Generations at History Organizations
February 11 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History – Part of the Core Issues Briefing Series, this session explores strategies for connecting with younger audiences in history organizations. Cost: $25 members/$45 nonmembers. Learn more »

Protecting Nonprofits in Times of Uncertainty
February 11 @ 9:30 to 11 am (CT) - St. Paul & Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – Discover strategies for safeguarding funding, policy protections, and core programs amid ongoing uncertainties. Location: Wilder Center. Cost: $50 members/$75 nonmembers. Learn more »

Fundamentals of Nonprofit Finance
February 11 @ 9 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: Propel Nonprofits – Build confidence in nonprofit finance by exploring key financial reports like the income statement and balance sheet, plus essential terminology, statements, and roles for staff and board members. Ideal for newcomers to the sector, finance, or leadership positions. Cost: $95. Learn more »

2026 Student Summit: Now and Next!
February 13 @ 10:30 am to 4:30 pm (CT) - Online: Association of Academic Museums and Galleries – Undergraduate and graduate students nationwide connect for presentations, discussions, and networking with museum professionals. Build networks, share ideas, and explore the future of academic museums and galleries. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Getting Started with Obsolete Media
February 17 @ 11 am (CT) - Online: Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts – Gain essential skills for identifying, handling, and preserving obsolete media like audio tapes, film reels, and floppy disks in archives and collections. This beginner-friendly session covers assessment techniques, storage best practices, reformatting options, and risk mitigation strategies to safeguard irreplaceable cultural materials. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Getting to Action: Implementing Your Strategic Plan Amidst Uncertainty
February 18 @ 1 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – Join A17 Consulting to master practical approaches for activating your strategic plan, even amid uncertainty. Topics include identifying actionable items, prioritizing strategies, implementation planning, action steps, and knowing when to pivot course. 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 – Get briefed on key 2026 federal legislative priorities, including the Historic Preservation Fund, National Historic Preservation Act, Historic Tax Credit, and protecting cultural landscapes. Led by the Government Relations Team, this webinar covers congressional dynamics, advocacy opportunities, and strategies for unified preservation efforts. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Real-World HR: Strategies That Strengthen Culture
February 26 @ 11 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: Southeastern Museums Conference – Learn practical, right-sized HR strategies to strengthen team culture and navigate people challenges in museum settings. This Legacy Forward program shares real-world examples from museums of different sizes, offering actionable tools for building healthier, more sustainable workplaces. Cost: Free members/$15 non-members. Learn more »

Designing Accessible Online and In-Person Presentations
February 26 @ 2 to 3:15 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History – Learn practical strategies for designing presentations that ensure accessibility for all audiences, whether online or in-person. This webinar covers inclusive design principles, tools for diverse learners, and best practices to make content engaging and equitable for history professionals. Cost: $25 members/$45 nonmembers. Learn more »

Save Our Signs: National Parks, People Power, and the Power of Place
February 26 @ 1 to 3 pm – Minneapolis: University of Minnesota – Explore how grassroots efforts and civic engagement have shaped the preservation of America’s national parks and cultural landmarks. Location: Pillsbury Hall, U of MN. Cost: Free. Learn more »

TIPS & TOOLS

UPCOMING EVENTS & CONFERENCES

AASLH Conference - The Work of the Revolution, Providence, RI

September 16 - 19, 2026
Providence, RI

 

MALHM Conference in Mankato, MN

April 28 - 30, 2026
Mankato, MN

Early Bird Registration discounts run until February 28

Call for Poster Proposals
Deadline: February 13

 

Additional Educational Opportunities »


 

Funding & Awards

Conserving Black Modernism
Deadline - February 20, 2026: National Trust for Historic Preservation - Supports projects that advance the preservation of Modern architectural works and sites designed by Black architects and designers, whether or not they were formally licensed. Grant Amount: $150,000. Learn more »

Recordings at Risk
Deadline - February 24, 2026: Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) - This national regranting program supports the preservation of rare and unique audio, audiovisual, and other time-based media of high scholarly value through digital reformatting. Learn more »

Furthermore Grants
Deadline - March 1, 2026 (spring cycle)/September 1, 2026 (fall cycle): Furthermore - Supports publication of nonfiction books on arts, architecture, design, cultural history, urban issues, and environmental conservation, emphasizing high-quality writing, design, and longevity. Preference is given to projects with committed publishers and strong distribution plans. Grant amount: $1,500–$12,000. Learn more »

Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation
Deadline - March 2, 2026: National Trust for Historic Preservation - Supports projects that save historic environments to foster appreciation of diverse cultural heritage and revitalize community livability across the nation. Grant amount: $2,500–$15,000. Learn more »

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors
Deadline - March 2, 2026: National Trust for Historic Preservation - This fund provides assistance in the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of historic interiors. Grants from the fund range from $2,500 to $15,000. Learn more »

Creative Individuals
Deadline - March 6, 2026: Minnesota State Arts Board - This pilot program provides support to help individual artists and culture bearers develop or sustain their creative practices and meaningfully engage with Minnesotans. Grantees may use funds to support their creative practice and meaningfully connect to and engage with audiences, participants, students, and/or communities during the grant period. Learn more »

Community Grants Program
Deadline - April 1, 2026:  Butler Family Foundation - The Community Grants Program awards two-year grants for general operating support or for specific projects and programs. Organizations applying for grants in the arts or human services must work in the urban cores of Saint Paul or Minneapolis or in the East Metropolitan suburbs. Organizations applying for grants in the environment may work anywhere in Minnesota. Learn more »

Arts & Culture Grants
Deadline - Ongoing: Kresge Foundation - Focused on Creative Placemaking, this grant supports community development and urban planning projects that integrate arts, culture, and community-engaged design strategies. Funding is available in three focus areas: national networks, local systems, and place-based initiatives. Learn more »  

 

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


 

Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »


 

News

G.A.R. Hall,  Grand Meadow, Minnesota abt 1985
Vintage Museum Photo: Grand Meadow Grand Army of the Republic Hall, Grand Meadow, MN. (abt. 1985). 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.


MALHM Volunteer Recognition 2026
Deadline - April 3: Thousands of volunteers across Minnesota dedicate their time and resources to preserve and share our collective history. It is time to celebrate them. Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums invites member organizations to submit one volunteer name for recognition. A small gift will be available for pick-up by the submitter or organization at the Annual Conference or mailed following. Volunteer names will be printed in our annual report & read during the annual meeting. Submit a name »

Otter Tail County Historical Society Executive Director to Retire; Search for Successor Underway
The Otter Tail County Historical Society (OTCHS) Board of Directors has announced the upcoming retirement of Executive Director Chris Schuelke. Schuelke has led the organization for many years and is recognized as the longest-serving director of a history museum in Minnesota.

During his time with the historical society, Schuelke has been a passionate advocate for local history and a guiding presence for staff, volunteers, and the wider community. He has supported efforts to preserve and share the history of Otter Tail County and worked closely with staff, volunteers, and community members. A public event honoring his work will be announced later.

OTCHS is now accepting applications for the Executive Director position. The full-time permanent position is responsible for leading the organization and continuing its work in the community. Applications are due by 5 pm on Friday, February 27, 2026.

Newspaper MastheadsMN Digital Newspaper Hub - January 2026 content update
A content update to the Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub today added 5,877 new issues and 87,299 new newspaper pages.

New publicly available titles & date spans:

New issues for the years 2001-2025 were also added to several existing current newspaper titles, available to view only in the MNHS Library. 

Historic housebarn undergoes continued restoration
Mesabi Tribune - The most recent phase of restoration work on the Seitaniemi Housebarn was completed in October 2025, according to SISU Heritage Inc., marking continued progress in the preservation of what the organization says is the only remaining housebarn in the United States built by Finnish settlers. Continue reading »



Book cover, The Blue House I Loved by Kao Kalia Yang, Illustrated by Jen Shin

 

Cover Minnesota History magazine Fall 2025

 

MNOpedia Logo 25_MNHS_Minnesota Unraveled_Cover Art

 

Featured Book

The Blue House I Loved, by Kao Kalia Yang, Illustrated by Jen Shin.

University of Minnesota Press.

Featured Article
Minnesota History

Votes for Minnesota's Civil War soldiers 

Volume 36, Issue 5, 1959

Featured Article
MNopedia

Swift and Company ICE raids, 2006

Featured MNopedia Article

Minnesota Unraveled

A podcast series by the Minnesota Historical Society

 




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Local History News: February 18, 2026

Local History News: February 18, 2026

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...

Local History News: February 11, 2026

Local History News: February 11, 2026

Field Note MNHS staff met with archivists from the Hennepin County Library’s Special Collections to receive an update on the progress of a...

Local History News: February 4, 2026

Local History News: February 4, 2026

Field Note MNHS staff visited the Germanic-American Institute’s historic Gardner House on St. Paul’s Summit Avenue to review recent accessibility...