The Young-Quinlan Building, now 100 years old, remains a downtown Minneapolis landmark. Opened in 1926 as the Young-Quinlan Co. women's specialty store, it was saved from demolition in 1985 by Bob and Sue Greenberg and The 614 Company, then reopened in 1989 as a mixed-use office and retail space, helping pioneer adaptive reuse in Minneapolis. Through the Greenberg Endowed Fund at the Minnesota Historical Society, the Greenbergs have also supported preservation training and outreach statewide. Today the building serves as an event and performance venue through the Dakota's Quinlan Room and still employs one of Minnesota's last staffed elevator operators. At the June 25 100th anniversary celebration, MNHS was joined by historians and preservationists, including Hennepin History Museum Executive Director John Crippen, pictured at left.
Spotlighted Project: Wakan Tipi Center Exhibit Fabrication
The project also gave the center a stronger base for public education and long-term use. It drew on years of planning with Dakota leaders, partners, and community feedback, then turned that work into exhibits that could guide future visitors. The interpretive elements deepened understanding of Dakota history, culture, and values, while connecting the site to other places of importance in Saint Paul and along the Upper Mississippi River. With broad public interest and an estimated 35,000 annual visitors, the work created lasting value through access, learning, and care for the land.
Recipient: Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi
Funded Amount: $200,026
Project Details
Grants Office Webinar: How to Track and Report Grant Project Financials
July 16 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: You filled out your project's budget for your grant application, and now at the end of your project period, the Grants Office is asking for another one! What's the difference between the budget and the expenditures table? Learn the ins and outs of reporting on your organization's grant expenses. Presented by Grants Specialist Melinda Hutchinson.
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, July 10, 2026. Contact the Grants Office with questions.
JULY Grants Open House
July 2 - 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 »
This week's blog post is from Kraus-Anderson. Have a blog? Let us know!
The House That got a Parking Ticket
Almost every folder in the Kraus-Anderson history archive tells a story, but the one told within the folder labeled “362 Smith Avenue” is particularly charming and remarkably well-documented. Starting with the punchline: Kraus-Anderson owned a house that was cited for illegal parking.
To tell the story from the beginning: Kraus Anderson opened a St. Paul office in 1949, and operated this ever-growing branch office near the corner of Smith and Grand Avenues (current location of Hope Breakfast Bar) without the benefit of off-street parking until the 1970s. A hand-written letter in the archives made clear that a house on Smith Avenue adjacent to KA St. Paul became available around 1972.
But years would pass until these 40 by 100 feet of St. Paul real estate would be converted to 22 parking spaces. Continue Reading »
This week's post is from the Brown County Historical Society. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!
| Rebellion, Migration, and Identity German playwright Erich Becker uncovered the history that inspired his play "A Life for the Revolution." From political upheaval in Germany to the immigrant experience in New Ulm, Becker traced the real-world events that shaped his story. Revolution, migration, and the struggle for identity became the foundation for the drama, showing how history and art intertwined to tell a story that resonated beyond its time. Watch Video » |
Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »
Minnesota Historical Society's Job Announcement, Internship, Fellowship, and Volunteer Opportunity pages.
Weekend Manager - Minnesota Museum of American Art, St. Paul, MN
Visitor Assistant: Security Guard - Minnesota Children's Museum, St. Paul, MN
Managing Director of Events & Exhibits - University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska, MN
Enterprise Information Management Analyst II - City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN
Tram Driver - Old World Wisconsin, Wisconsin Historical Society, Eagle, WI
Food & Beverage Coordinator - Old World Wisconsin, Wisconsin Historical Society, Eagle, WI
Military Gallery Project Manager - North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, State Historical Society of North Dakota, Bismarck, ND; Job ID3033122
Custodian - North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, State Historical Society of North Dakota, Bismarck, ND; Job ID3033175
Associate Editor - South Dakota Historical Society Press, Pierre, SD
Director of Exhibits and Facility Operations - Children's Museum of South Dakota, Brookings, SD
Curator of Education and Public Programs - Elmhurst History Museum, City of Elmhurst, Elmhurst, IL
Senior Conservation Framer - The Conservation Center, Chicago, IL
Director - Flagg Township Historical Society, Rochelle, IL
Executive Director - Illinois Amish Heritage Center, Arthur, IL
Executive Director - Carmel Clay Historical Society, Carmel, IN
Executive Assistant - Organizational Advancement, Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH
Manager of Learning + Engagement - Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Guest Experience Coordinator - Impression 5 Science Center, Lansing, MI
Director of Learning & Engagement - Museum of Nebraska Art, Kearney NE
Manuscripts Processor - University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
Museum Curriculum Developer - Guelph Museums, City of Guelph, Guelph, ON
Executive Director - Oakville Galleries, East Oakville, ON
Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer - Art Gallery of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
MNHS Internship and Volunteer Opportunities
Additional Job Postings in the Field »
Patriotic float featuring Abe Lincoln, Lady Liberty, Uncle Sam, George Washington, a little girl, and an eagle from the July 4, 1911 Independence Day parade in Fergus Falls.
Image used with permission. From the collections of the Otter Tail County Historical Society.
FAQ: How Can I Share My Event for the Local History News E-Newsletter?
America 250: Colonial Games
July 2 @ 2 pm to 3 pm - Winona: Winona Public Library & Winona County Historical Society - Families can celebrate America 250 with Colonial-era games and a special 1776-themed escape room at the Winona Public Library, offering a playful way to explore history, teamwork, and curiosity. Best for ages 6 and up; children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Northside Walking Tours
July 5, July 19, and August 2 - Minneapolis: Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest - Walking tours exploring Minneapolis Northside’s Jewish history, including Jewish immigration, early life in Minneapolis, and five historic buildings originally built for the Northside Jewish community, including three former synagogues. Cost: Free. Learn more »
The Great American Community Potluck
July 8 @ 5:30 pm to 8 pm - Moorhead: Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County - Family-friendly community potluck at Viking Ship Park celebrating America 250 with live entertainment, including a presentation on immigration to the region, performances by Fargo Spelemannslag and Folk Dance of India, and free screenings of The American Revolution. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Why History Deserves Preservation
July 8 @ 7 to 8 pm - Crosslake: Crosslake Log Village - Speaker Jackson Purfeerst shares the story of our young mayor and the importance he places on his generation—and those to come—in preserving and honoring the history of our community. Learn more »
Museum Hosts Nationwide Reading of the Declaration of Independence
July 8 @ 5 pm - Fergus Falls: Otter Tail County Historical Society - People across dozens of time zones will gather together at the same time to read the Declaration of Independence. Open to the public and anyone wishing to read from the words written by Thomas Jefferson is welcome. Visitors can also visit the museum exhibit "A Legacy of Service" honoring the men and women of Otter Tail County who served in the military. Cost: Free. For more information contact them at 218-736-6038.
Civil War Roundtable: The Boredom of War
July 9 @ 1:30 pm - Litchfield: Meeker County Museum - Presented by Danelle Erickson, this roundtable explores how Civil War soldiers may have spent much of their service time in camp, with drills, guard duty, sleeping, eating, and long stretches of empty time. Learn more »
The Declaration of Independence and Liberty, Then and Now: A Community Conversation
July 9 & 16: Braver Angels of Minnesota, the Minnesota Historical Society, and the Minnesota Humanities Center - A community conversation marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, inviting participants to reflect on the principles of the Declaration of Independence, shared values, and the nation’s future. Cost: Free. Learn more »
July 9 @ 11:30 am to 1:30 pm - Edina: Edina Senior Center
July 16 @ 12 to 2 pm - Winona: Minnesota Marine Art Museum
Stories from the State Hospital
July 10 @ 7 to 8 pm - Fergus Falls: Otter Tail County Historical Society - Join retired OTCHS Executive Director Chris Schuelke for an exterior tour of the Fergus Falls State Hospital, exploring the history of this fascinating landmark and the complex story of mental health care over its 117-year history. Cost: $10. For more information call: 218-736-6038.
The Historic Flour Mill Tour
July 11 @ 10 am to 2 pm - New Prague: New Prague Area Historical Society - Explore the imposing historic mill founded in 1896 by the prominent Bean family, which served as a place of employment for many locals and has influenced the community in countless ways. This tour covers the mill's history from its founding to its current businesses and potential for future use. Cost: $15. Learn more »
Beginning Genealogy (Class)
July 11 @ 1 to 4 pm - Minneapolis: Minnesota Genealogical Society - Library Manager Jeanne Bielke-Rodenbiker offers tips and tools for beginning family history research, with a useful handout and library tour included. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Weaving Class
July 11 @ 2 to 4 pm - Minneapolis: Somali Museum - Come join a hands-on cultural experience to learn traditional weaving techniques and create intricate, vibrant woven artworks. Learn more »
America 250 & Ice Cream Social
July 11 @ 12 to 3 pm - Red Wing: Goodhue County Historical Society - Celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary with the annual ice cream social, featuring exhibits on what was happening in Minnesota in 1776, a fur trade reenactment group, and displays of bicentennial and Independence Day items from the GCHS collection. Admission is free for everyone. Cost: Free. Learn more »
At War and At Home: the WWII Experience
July 11 & 12 @ 10 am to 4 pm - St. Cloud: Stearns History Museum - Annual WWII living history event featuring authentic WWII-era military equipment and vehicles, homefront displays, costumed reenactors, and activities for all ages, including an obstacle course, WWII trivia, arts and crafts, and more. Lunch items such as hot dogs and brats will be available. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Nadia Comăneci 50 Years of the Perfect 10 Exhibit
July 12, 19, & 29 @ 1 to 3 pm - Saint Paul: Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans in Minnesota - This self-guided exhibit commemorates through photographs and historical context the 50th anniversary of Nadia Comăneci’s iconic Perfect 10 at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, exploring how a 14-year-old Romanian gymnast captivated the world, redefined gymnastics, and became a global symbol of grace and determination. Location: Landmark Center, room 319. Learn more »
Beyond Summit Avenue: The Walnut Street Steps and the Stories Below the Hill
July 13 @ 6:30 to 8 pm - St Paul: Rethos - Drinking in History with Rethos Executive Director Heidi Swank and Ari Fields explores the Walnut Street Steps as more than infrastructure, connecting Summit Avenue, Irvine Park, the bluff landscape, historic neighborhoods, and generations of pedestrian movement. The program considers whose stories have been preserved, whose have been overlooked, and how preservation can include the routes, labor, relationships, and lived experiences around landmark homes. Location: Waldmann Brewery. Cost: $10 with registration/$15 at the door. Learn more »
Sinclair Lewis: 100 Years of Main Street
July 16, 17 & 18 - Sauk Centre: Sauk Centre History Museum - Learn about the life of author Sinclair Lewis, who made Sauk Centre famous around the world through his writing, and explore this exhibit created by the Minnesota Historical Society to honor the 100th Anniversary of the publication of Main Street. It has been on display all over the state and now will be permanently housed at the Sauk Centre History Museum. Learn more »
American Revolution Experience
July 20 to July 30 - Fergus Falls: Otter Tail County Museum - An innovative pop-up exhibition featuring 12 display panels and three interactive digital kiosks that use storytelling, illustrations, technology, and unique artifacts to connect modern audiences with the people and places that shaped the birth of our nation, created through a collaboration between the American Battlefield Trust and the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Additional programs include "Revolution in Their Words" on July 23 at 6 pm and July 24 at 10 am. For more information email: mhermes@otchs.org
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Listings: Museums & Galleries | Culture & Heritage | Attractions & Entertainment
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Highlighted Museum: District No.1 "Pioneer School" Museum operated by the Mille Lacs County Historical Society in Princeton, MN.
Photograph by Mille Lacs County Historical Society.
DHPSNY: Policies, Procedures & Collection Management
July 8 @ 11 am (CT) - Online: Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts - Practical webinar introducing core policies and procedures for managing and caring for collections, including collection management policies, day-to-day procedures, and strategies for drafting clear, usable documents in manageable steps. Designed to help small to mid-sized institutions strengthen consistent decision-making and move forward with refining their own policies. Cost: Free. Learn more »
11th Agent of Deterioration: Incorrect Cultural Care
July 13 @ 2 pm (CT) - Online: Museum Study - Presentation on an proposed 11th Agent of Deterioration, “Incorrect Cultural Care,” developed by an international and intercultural team to complement the Canadian Conservation Institute’s widely used 10 Agents of Deterioration framework. The session will explain the concept and project behind the new agent and include time for interactive discussion. Speakers: Melanie Deer, Martin Shultz, and Amanda Lancaster. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Paper Mending Demonstration
July 16 @ 1 pm (CT) - Online: Gaylord Archival Webinar - Rebecca Elder will demonstrate how to identify paper damage that can benefit from mending, select appropriate repair materials and methods, and determine when to make basic repairs versus when to consult a conservator. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Work Smarter: How Nonprofits Are Innovating With AI
July 21 @ 1 pm (CT) - Online: Chronicle of Philanthropy Conversation - One-hour discussion on how nonprofits and foundations are using artificial intelligence in programs, fundraising, communications, grantmaking, and reporting. The conversation will cover benefits and challenges, how organizations vet tools, and how they balance efficiency with the human touch while also considering AI’s environmental impact. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Another World is Possible: Building Fictional Worlds to Inspire Real-World Change
July 23 @ 9 to 11 am (CT) - St. Paul and Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits - Highly interactive workshop on using science fiction and fantasy techniques to help people imagine how your mission could become reality and to communicate your organization’s work in more visionary ways. Participants should bring a favorite fictional world to discuss, along with a notebook or computer for writing. Location: St. Paul and Online. Cost: $50 members/$70 nonmembers. Learn more »
AASLH History Hour
July 28 @ 2 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) - Informal conversation and community-building event focused on how history organizations can support and expand civic practice, especially at the local level, amid the U.S. Semiquincentennial and rising polarization. Led by Madeleine Rosenberg, the session will share insights, ideas, and lessons to strengthen history’s role in civic life. Cost: Free. Learn more »
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September 16 - 19, 2026 |
July 26 - 29, 2026 |
July 22 - 26, 2026 |
Additional Educational Opportunities »
Tourism Grant Program
Deadline - August 21, 2026: Explore Minnesota funds and administers the 2027 Tourism Grant Program. It provides funding to support tourism marketing campaigns and initiatives of primary Destination Marketing Organizations for the economic benefit of their communities. Learn more »
Bank of America Art Conservation Project (ACP) Grants
Applications accepted August 1 through September 30, 2026: ACP is a unique program that provides grants to nonprofit museums across the world to conserve historically or culturally significant works of art that are in danger of deterioration. Nonprofit cultural institutions of all sizes with artwork requiring conservation are welcome and encouraged to apply. Learn more »
Emergency Response Grant
Deadline - October 15, 2026 (rolling until funds are exhausted): Minnesota Humanities Center - Supports organizations responding to crisis and emergencies, helping communities grieve, heal, create memorials, and recover after major events. Grant Amount: Up to $75,000. Learn more »
Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »
Vintage Museum Photo: District No.1 schoolhouse being moved. Mille Lacs County, Minnesota (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.
MN Digital Newspaper Hub - June 2026 content update
New publicly available titles & date spans:
Zumbrota news (Zumbrota, Minn.) 1979-1987 added
Hibbing sentinel (Hibbing, Minn.) 1894-1900
Hibbing news (Hibbing, Minn.) 1899-1902
Chisholm herald (Chisholm, Minn.) 1904-1910
Mesaba miner (Chisholm, Minn.) 1917-1927
Eveleth news (Eveleth, Minn.) 1942 added
Eveleth news (Eveleth, Minn.) 1964-1965, 1972-1974 added
Eveleth area ranger (Eveleth, Minn.) 1970-1971
Eveleth scene (Eveleth, Minn.) 1999-2006 added
Kolonisten (Onamia, Minn.) 1897-1910
Silver Bay shopper (Silver Bay, Minn.) 1964-1965 added
Silver Bay shopper & press (Silver Bay, Minn.) 1966-1968 added
New issues for the year 2024 were also added to several existing current newspaper titles, available to view only in the MNHS Library.
New exhibits open at Hull Rust Mahoning Mine Visitor Center
Mesabi Tribune - Visitors from across the region, state, country, and world come to the Hull Rust Mine View each summer. An estimated 30,000 visited the Mine View in 2025, during the first season with the new buildings. That number is anticipated to grow with the the addition of several professional exhibits designed with the Science Museum of Minnesota to tell the story of the 130-year legacy of mining on the Mesabi Iron Range. That’s on top of the spectacular views overlooking the Hull Rust Mahoning Mine, and the mine trucks and mining equipment exhibits located on the grounds of the visitor center. Continue reading »
Orphanage Museum entering next phase of cemetery restoration
Owatonna Peoples Press - When flipping through stacks of old records, Orphanage Museum Manager Anne Peterson cannot help but feel a pang of grief for the children who never left. Of the thousands who passed through the Minnesota State School for Dependent and Neglected Children, nearly 200 died before they could find a home. Many were already on the brink of death due to abuse or neglect before they were committed to the orphanage. Continue reading »
Public archeology investigation uncovers Edina’s early agricultural history
Sun-Current - A backyard in Edina has been transformed into a mini archeological excavation site after property owners discovered old foundations. The community is invited to join the investigation to better document and understand Edina’s early agricultural history. The Edina Historical Society teamed up Nienow Cultural Consultants, a professional archeology firm, to investigate the historic Birch Family Fruit Farm site in the Countryside neighborhood. Continue reading »
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Featured BookWhere the Green Light Shines: A Fifty-Year Odyssey from the Boundary Waters to the Far North, by Ryan Rodgers University of Minnesota Press. Author Event |
Featured Article
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Featured Article
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Minnesota UnraveledA podcast series by the Minnesota Historical Society
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Minnesota History Organizations Directory• County, Chapters, and Local |
Minnesota Main Streets |
2026
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Preservation Specialists Directory |
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