Minnesota Historical Society staff attended the event "From Synagogue to Church: A Shared North Side Story," which marked the 100th anniversary of a historic North Minneapolis building. Originally built as Tifereth B'nai Jacob, an Orthodox Jewish synagogue, the site is now home to the First Church of God in Christ. The program highlighted the building's layered history and the long-standing presence of both Jewish and Black communities on the Near Northside. Attendees heard musical performances from both congregations' choirs. Speakers included Pastor Tierre Webster, Rabbi Alexander Davis, and Dr. Marilyn Chiat, who discussed the building's architectural and cultural significance, as well as its recent listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
Date: Monday, July 13, 2026
Time: 9 am - 3:30 pm
Location: Oliver Kelley Farm, 15788 Kelley Farm Rd. Elk River, MN
Cost: Free
Join us for a workshop for preservation professionals. Mary Bindas, owner of Re-Lite Restoration LLC, and Peter Galloway, owner of Peter Galloway Historic Preservation and Consulting, will explore the use of linseed oil paints on historic buildings. Participants will receive foundational knowledge on the history and use of linseed oil paints, with hands-on instruction on surface preparation and paint application.
This workshop is free for registered participants and includes lunch and refreshments. This workshop is made possible with funding from the Henry Somsen Fund and the Charlie Nelson Fund for Historic Preservation.
Spotlighted Project: Website Development and Tourism Materials Enhancement for the Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway
The project also strengthened accessibility and regional coordination. Updated print materials, including an ADA-compliant Visitor Guide, ensure broader public access, including for users with disabilities. A Byway Coordinator supported collaboration among cities, counties, historical societies, and Tribal partners, while guiding content review and design. Existing Dakota-authored interpretation, with Tribal Historic Preservation Office input, was preserved and thoughtfully integrated. Together, these improvements expand access to accurate, inclusive history and support long-term stewardship, tourism, and partnerships across the Minnesota River Valley.
Final Products:
mnrivervalley.com
mnrivervalley.com/itineraries
mnrivervalley.com/publications
Grant Recipient: City of Appleton
Cooperative Project Participants:
• City of Granite Falls
• Lower Sioux Agency Tribal Historic Preservation Office
• Blue Earth County Historical Society
• Chippewa County Historical Society
• Nicollet County Historical Society
• Renville County Historical Society
Funded Amount: $75,450
Project Details
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.
Grants Office Webinar: How to Use Grants Office Feedback
June 18 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: You submitted your organization’s pre-application to the large Legacy round. The reviewer feedback you will receive will help you rewrite an application with a better chance of funding. Why do we send the comments that we send? How can you use these comments to rewrite? We will look at edits to example applications using pre-app comment letters and discuss common application improvements. Presented by Grants Manager Carolyn Veeser-Egbide & Grants Specialist John Fulton.
Join online: meet.google.com/zwx-krei-com
Join by phone: (US) +1 386-361-3086 PIN: 420 891 978#
Grants Office YouTube Playlist »
This week's blog post is from the University of Minnesota Libraries. Have a blog? Let us know!
Sequins, feathers, and fringe: The world’s largest ice show archive comes to the Tretter Collection
Roy Blakey’s collections shows the intersection of ice skating and LGBTQ history
Keri Pickett didn’t really know her uncle when she was little. She’d met him once at age 6, and he gave her photographs from his international travels, some foreign dolls, and a photo of himself, dressed as a clown.
“I had that photo on my dresser growing up my entire life. It was a mystery to me. Who he was, and what the heck he was doing dressed like that?” Pickett said. “Was he in the circus? I didn’t really know. I made up a bunch of stuff about him in my head over the years.” Continue Reading »
This week's post is from the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!
| History of Moorhead Part 1: Bogusville and Founding A short documentary about the founding of Moorhead, Minnesota. It includes the treaties with the Dakota and Ojibwe that brought the land into the USA; legislation during the Civil War that allowed settlement in this area; the Homestead Act; and how the Northern Pacific Railway built towns on its way between Duluth and Seattle. "Wherever the Railroad crosses the Red River," everyone knew, "that's where the next great city of the West will be built." Watch Video » |
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Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »
Minnesota Historical Society's Job Announcement, Internship, Fellowship, and Volunteer Opportunity pages.
Community Archivist, Community Digital Repository - East Side Freedom Library, St. Paul, MN
Youth Swedish Language Instructor - American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, MN
Chief of Staff - Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN
Director of Conservation - Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI
Sales Manager - Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, WI
Social Media Manager - Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL
Office Associate - Children's Discovery Museum, Normal, IL
Preparator - City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Lead Preparator - Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Chicago, IL
Visitor Experience Systems Manager - Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Chicago, IL
Finance & Development Assistant - Farnsworth House, Plano, IL
Farm Museum Program Assistant, Railroad Museum Model Train Specialist - Bensenville Park District, Bensenville, IL
Farm Museum Program Assistant-Exhibit Assistant - Bensenville Park District, Bensenville, IL
Museum Educator - Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County, Crawfordsville, IN
Manager of Interpretation - Newfields, Indianapolis, IN
Assistant Registrar for Permanent Collections - Newfields, Indianapolis, IN
Early Childhood Senior Program Manager - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN
Operations and Research Coordinator - Over-the-Rhine Museum, Cincinnati, OH
Temporary Executive Administrative Assistant, Organizational Advancement - Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH
Visitor Services Associate - Ohio History Center & Ohio Village, Columbus, OH
Director, Conservation - Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, MI
Director - Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, University Center, MI
Education Curator - Tri-Cities Historical Museum, Grand Haven, MI
Manager of Educational Programs - Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners, MI
Executive Director - Michilimackinac Historical Society, St. Ignace, MI
Executive Director - Carpenters' Hall, Philadelphia, PA
Collections Archivist - Kansas Historical Society, Topeka, KS
Research Associate for NCPTT - Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA
Policy and Compliance Administrator - Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg, MB
Exhibit Installer - Region of Waterloo Museums and Archives, Kitchener, ON
Fine Art Technician - GalleryExpress FAS, Toronto, ON
Additional Job Postings in the Field »
Crowd at funeral for Henry B. Ness, killed the week before in strike violence.
Image used with permission. From the collections of the Hennepin County Library.
FAQ: How Can I Share My Event for the Local History News E-Newsletter?
19th Annual Hay Lake Beer Tasting at Hay Lake School Museum in Scandia
June 20 @ 4 to 7 pm - Marine on St. Croix: Washington County Historical Society - This event features beer tastings from Gambit Brewing, Bent Paddle Brewery, Spiral Brewing, Castle Danger, Lift Bridge Brewery, Sierra Nevada Brewery, Summit Brewery, Joseph Wolf Brewery, Oliphant Brewing, Rustic Roots, and Two Silos wineries, plus a silent auction with tickets to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, Lakeshore Player Theatre, Bell Museum, Logger’s Golf Course green fees, and signed Minnesota Twins and Vikings items. The event takes place at the National Register of Historic Places Hay Lake School Museum, built in 1896. Cost: $20 (participants must be 21+). Learn more »
Buraanbur Night Honoring Our Somali Women Elders: A Celebration of Culture, Service, and Legacy
June 20 @ 4:30 to 8:30 pm - Minneapolis: Somali Museum of Minnesota - An evening dedicated to honoring Somali women elders and master weavers Ardho Ismail, Amina Shire, Xalwo Duale, and Hawa Aden, celebrating their contributions to Somali arts and culture through buraanbur, poetry, and diverse cultural performances while preserving vital aspects of nomadic heritage. Location: Amaal Event Center. Learn more »
Cary Griffith – Blowdowns, wolves, and bears!
June 21 @ 2 to 3:30 pm - Grand Marais: Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center - Author Cary J. Griffith, recipient of a Minnesota Book Award and Midwest Book Award, will discuss his book Gunflint Falling: Blowdown in the Boundary Waters about the devastating 1999 blowdown storm in the BWCAW, as well as his newest Sam Rivers mystery Grizzly Narrows and nonfiction The Prism of the Wolf. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Developing History - BCHS Annual Meeting
June 21 @ 2 pm to 3 pm - Bemidji: Beltrami County Historical Society - Annual meeting and director’s program celebrating five years of work behind the History Center’s collections, research, and publications. The program highlights current projects, previews the new permanent exhibit, and concludes with a reception and archive tours. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Alexander Faribault House Birthday Open House!
June 22 @ 5 to 6:30 pm - Faribault: Rice County Historical Society - Come celebrate Alexander Faribault’s birthday at the 1853 historic home built by Faribault, where the house will be open and free to visit. Chat about the history of the man, the town, and the home; donations appreciated! Location: Alexander Faribault House. Cost: Free. Learn more »
A Revolution Highly Favorable
June 23 through 27 - Minneapolis: Maximum Verbosity - Since it's the semiquincentennial, the Minneapolis-based touring theatre company Maximum Verbosity will be performing a week of American-themed readings and storytelling shows. Location: Phoenix Theater. Cost: $5 - $17.76. Learn more »
The Not-So-Silent Planet: Revolution! - June 23 @ 8pm
A Revolution Highly Favorable: Peaceably to Assemble - June 24 @ 7:30 pm
A Revolution Highly Favorable: To Keep and Bear Arms - June 25 @ 7:30 pm
A Revolution Highly Favorable: To Dissolve the Political Bands - June 26 @ 7:30 pm
Revolting! A Cabaret of American Ambivalence - June 26 @ 9:30 pm
A Revolution Highly Favorable: To Compleat the Works of Death - June 27 @ 3 pm
A Revolution Highly Favorable: To Form a More Perfect Union - June 27 @ 7:30 pm
A Look at the Supreme Court Term 2025-2026
June 23 @ 12:30 to 2 pm (CT) - Online: Ramsey County Library - Timothy R. Johnson, Morse Alumni Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Law at the University of Minnesota, presents a look at the Supreme Court term 2025-2026 and shares insights on U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments and decision making. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Jubilee: Juneteenth Joy
June 23 @ 5:30 to 8:30 pm - St. Paul: Minnesota Humanities Center - An evening of song, music, conversation, and food celebrating Juneteenth, featuring Spirituals and music from VocalEssence under the direction of G. Phillip Shoultz, stories about food and music, and dishes from prominent local Black chefs. Cost: $25. Learn more »
History on the River Educational Cruise Series: The Clamming and Pearl Button Industry
June 25 @ 4 to 5:30 pm and 6 pm to 7:30 pm - Winona: Winona History Center - Storyteller Terry Visger, in the persona of a 1900 clammer’s wife, shares stories about the clamming industry where freshwater mussels were harvested from the Mississippi River to make pearl buttons, followed by information about these mussels, now one of the most endangered animals in the US. Cost: $45 members/$60 public. Learn more »
Exhibit Opening – Highlands to Home – The Hmong Journey to Ramsey County
June 25 @ 5:30 to 7:30 pm - St Paul: Ramsey County Historical Society - Join the opening celebration of a powerful new exhibit exploring the Hmong journey to Ramsey County through personal stories, photographs, cultural objects, and community voices that trace the resilience, traditions, and contributions of Hmong families as they built new lives in Minnesota. Cost: Free. Learn more »
In Dialogue: Norway and NATO
June 25 @ 4 to 5 pm - Minneapolis: Norway House - Join Norway House to welcome members of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly visiting from Norway’s Stortinget for a moderated conversation on NATO, Nordic security, and the Norwegian perspective on current affairs with Sverre Myrli, Sylvi Listhaug, and Trond Helleland, moderated by Tom Hanson. Following the program, enjoy a happy hour with cash bar, food in the Kaffebar, and live music by Peter and the Jazztronauts. Cost: Free members/$5 general admission. Learn more »
More Mysterious Minnesota
June 25 @ 6 to 7:30 pm - Morton: Renville County Historical Society and Museum - British paranormal investigator, author, and TV host Adrian Lee presents a fun and informative talk about his latest number one bestselling book More Mysterious Minnesota, featuring ghostly evidence and previously unseen history from his investigations in Morton, Bechyn, Redwood Falls, and the surrounding area. Learn more »
Was it a Diploma Mill?
June 25 @ 12 to 1 pm - Austin: Mower County Historical Society - Lunchbox History presents “Was It a Diploma Mill? William Meiners & the University of Southern Minnesota,” with local historian and author Dean Ulland sharing a sneak peek into his new book and exploring whether the University of Southern Minnesota in Austin was a diploma mill. Cost: Free. Learn more »
America’s 250th Genealogy Series: Researching the Revolutionary War Era with the DAR
June 25 @ 6 to 8 pm - South St. Paul: Dakota County Historical Society - Part of the America 250 Genealogy series, this workshop explores the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Genealogical Research System and how it can help with family history research, with guidance from Sarah Martin and sample problem-solving in class. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Dakota Plant Walk with Tanaǧidaŋ To Wiŋ
June 25 @ 5 to 6 pm - St. Paul: Hennepin History Museum - Join Tanaǧidaŋ To Wiŋ (Blue Hummingbird Woman) for a walk at Crosby Farm Park exploring Dakota plant medicines, native plant identification and care, and her family’s connections to local waterways and plant traditions. The tour begins at the pavilion at Crosby Farm Park. Cost: $25 – $35. Learn more »
Crafting a Gilded Estate: A Special Exhibit showcasing artisanal skill
Opening June 26 - Duluth: Glensheen - This special exhibition celebrating America's 250th anniversary explores the remarkable craftsmanship throughout Glensheen's permanent collection, connecting historic objects from Chester and Clara Congdon's era with contemporary works by local makers including Duluth Fiber Guild, Duluth Pottery, Lake Superior Art Glass, and Forging Community. The exhibit highlights timeless skills in textile arts, pottery, glassblowing, and blacksmithing that transform raw materials into objects of beauty and function. Learn more »
2026 Speaker Series featuring Tom Toftey: "Jots by Ade...and Tom: Footsteps along Lake Superior"
June 27 @ 2 to 4 pm - Grand Marais: Cook County History Museum - Minnesota author Tom Toftey will share insights into his latest project, drawing on the reflections of his father, Ade Toftey, whose work and presence were important to local history and the Grand Marais community for his involvement with the Cook County Historical Society and his role as editor of the Cook County News Herald. Cost: Free. Learn more »
College Hill Walking Tour
June 27 @ 10 am to 12 pm - Red Wing: Goodhue County Historical Society - Join local historian and author Todd Walsh on a 1.5-mile walking tour through the College Hill neighborhood, exploring its sacred Indigenous past, changing college sites, one of Minnesota’s first golf courses, and the homes of notable Red Wing residents. Cost: $20. Learn more »
Drywall vs. Lath and Plaster Hands-On Workshop
June 27 @ 9 am to 12 pm - St. Cloud: Stearns History Museum - Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of drywall vs. lath and plaster in this hands-on workshop with Mark Johnston of Historic Design Consulting, who will demonstrate original 18th- and 19th-century plaster repair techniques and show how modern products can achieve similar results. Cost: $25 members/$30 general admission. Learn more »
Open House at the Grand Meadow Chert Quarry/Wanhi Yukan Trail
June 27 @ 9 am to 1 pm - Grand Meadow: Mower County Historical Society - Visit the Grand Meadow Chert Quarry/Wahni Yukan Trail during Meadowfest, with project archaeologist Tom Trow on site to answer questions. Location: Grand Meadow Chert Quarry. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Explore Minnesota - State of MN's Tourism website
Listings: Museums & Galleries | Culture & Heritage | Attractions & Entertainment
Register for an Account »
Highlighted Museum: Cook County Museum, interior of the former lightkeeper's residence. Grand Marais, MN.
NCPH 2027 Annual Meeting Call for Proposals (Deadline Extended)
Deadline: July 1, 2026 @ 12 am (CT) - St. Louis, MO: National Council on Public History – NCPH is accepting session, workshop, and working group proposals for its 2027 Annual Meeting, April 21–24, 2027, with the theme "Holding the Line," focusing on confronting inequity, misinformation, and censorship; maintaining professional responsibility in politically charged environments; and sustaining or rethinking ethical practices in crisis. St. Louis, shaped by histories of conflict, resistance, and reinvention, provides context for exploring creative resistance, community building, and civic responses to inequality. Submit via online forms: Sessions | Working Groups | Workshops. Learn more »
Archival Value
July 20 @ 5 pm (CT) - Online: Backlog – Webinar exploring the informational, evidential, and intrinsic characteristics of archival materials and how archivists determine what becomes valuable to researchers when appraising collections. Cost: Not specified. Learn more »
Assessing the Financial Health of Your Nonprofit Organization
July 21 @ 9 to 11 am (CT) - Online: Propel Nonprofits – Workshop for nonprofit leaders on assessing organizational financial health through 10 key indicators that combine financial metrics and leadership practices for long-term sustainability. Cost: $70. Learn more »
Makerspaces for Museums and Historic Sites
July 23 @ 2 to 3:15 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History – Explore how makerspaces offer engaging, hands-on ways for the public to interact with history, enhancing visitor engagement, sparking creativity, and deepening connections to history and culture. Tim Betz, author of Making History: Makerspaces for Museums and Historic Sites, provides real-world examples and practical guidance on designing and implementing makerspaces that complement existing exhibits and collections, integrating activities for diverse audiences that foster collaboration, learning, and exploration. Cost: $25 members/$45 nonmembers. Learn more »
Planning and Budgeting for Fundraising Success
July 27 @ 9 to 10 am (CT) - Online: Ohio Museums Association – Information-packed session with Kerri Mollard to help museum development professionals create achievable fundraising goals and budgets based on giving histories, probabilities, and the current climate, rather than fill-the-gap numbers. Participants gain new skills and confidence to level up fundraising using real-world data. Cost: $15 members/$20 non-members. Learn more »
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September 16 - 19, 2026 |
July 26 - 29, 2026 |
July 22 - 26, 2026 |
Additional Educational Opportunities »
Community Arts Access Project Grants
Deadline - July 15, 2026: Five Wings Arts Council - Funds cultural activities, arts programming enrichment, education, or participatory development opportunities that develop local/regional artists or arts organizations, or host arts events for the community; projects must occur within Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, or Wadena Counties. Grant Amount: Up to $5,000. Learn more »
STEAM Forward Grant
Deadline - July 15, 2026: African American Leadership Forum - Invests in Black youth in North Minneapolis as STEAM innovators; supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, or organizations with fiscal sponsors based in North Minneapolis (or Minnesota serving majority Black PreK–12 youth there) to advance community-designed ideas and Cradle-to-Career Learning strategies. Grant Amount: $10,000. Learn more »
Wells Fargo Community Giving
Deadline - Rolling: Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation - Prioritizes funding for programs with broad reach that support underserved communities in financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. Grant Amount: Median $30,000. Learn more »
Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »
Vintage Museum Photo: Cook County Museum exhibit, Grand Marais, MN (1986). 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.
The Minnesota Humanities Center and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency invite communities to apply to host the We Are Water MN traveling exhibition during its 2027–2028 tour. This immersive program strengthens connections between Minnesotans and the water that sustains us through local storytelling, exploration, and community events. Host sites will be selected to help visitors understand how water is used, conserved, and protected. Host organizations may receive up to $10,000 for exhibit and event expenses. The strongest host community applicants will describe how they intend to leverage hosting We Are Water MN to build new partnerships and connect with their communities through creative public events and activities.
They strongly recommend that host sites:
Have at least 1,000 sq ft to allocate for the We are Water MN Exhibition.
Have at least three paid staff members who can participate on the planning team. Please note that these members may be from different partner organizations committed to working together to host the exhibit.
Applications are due June 21, 2026. Learn more & apply »
[Carlton County] Historical Society has new director
Carol Klitzke sat down as another batch of ice cream was completed and ready to serve up outside the Carlton County Historical Building on Sunday. She was in the midst of one of her favorite events at the society since she became director in 2021, the annual "Get Cranky" ice cream social. It gives people a glimpse of how the sweet treat is made the old-fashioned way - with hand cranking, lots of ice, and a freedom in choosing flavors. Continue reading »
Friends of the Historic Jail group taking next steps
Caledonia Argus - Five members of the Friends of the Historic Houston County Jail group met with the Board of Commissioners during the June 9, 2026 workgroup session. They presented updates and discussed the next steps for the preservation and future use of the historic jail structure in Caledonia, Minnesota. Continue reading »
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Featured BookMarie Louise Bottineau Baldwin: Political Pathfinder by Hema Erdrich Patel, Illustrated by Awanigiizhik Bruce. Minnesota Humanities Center. |
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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