MNHS visited the Gaytee-Palmer Stained Glass Studio in northeast Minneapolis on October 31 to learn about the progress of a grant to fund the restoration of the 1886 National Register-listed First Congregational Church of Minnesota's Decker Memorial Window, installed in 1888. The stained glass window is being disassembled, cleaned of decades of candle wax, soot, and other contaminants, and reassembled in order to be placed back in the church.
The Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums is still seeking session proposals for its Annual Conference and Meeting in Mankato from April 29-30, 2026. Deadline is this Friday, December 5!
The Grants Office and Local History Services staff are heading to the Anoka County Historical Society to chat about Legacy grants and answer YOUR questions! Open houses are office-hours style, so there will be no presentation and you are welcome to drop in anytime during the time listed below for a short or long chat with one of our specialists. Prospective applicants, current applicants, and grantees are all welcome!
December 4 @ 10:30 am to 12 pm
Anoka County Historical Society
2135 Third Ave, Anoka, MN (map)
December Grants ONLINE Open House
December 4 - Online: For those who can't make it to Anoka, 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: State Capital Projects Grants-in-Aid Program in 2026
December 18 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: Learn about opportunities, project requirements, deadlines, and more during this upcoming webinar to see how MNHS can help fund your construction project. No RSVP required. Presented by Design Reviewer John Beaty and Design Reviewer Ryan Maciej.
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, January 9, 2026. Contact the Grants Office with questions.
Grants Office YouTube Playlist »
This week's blog post is from the Winona County Historical Society. Have a blog? Let us know!
The Life of a Turkey Whisperer
As you pull up a chair to the Thanksgiving table, your mouth waters as you look as that golden, scrumptious turkey before you. It’s possible that you owe this serving of protein to the life of a turkey whisperer from Winona County. Leonard Roscoe Sullivan fine-tuned the production and processing of these holiday birds and helped make Minnesota the number-two turkey producer in the United States. Here’s our archivist Walter Bennick to tell you all about it:
Before the Birds
Leonard Roscoe Sullivan was born near Goldswaite, Mills County, Texas to Furdinard and Eva (Crawford) Sullivan on June 10, 1915. Leonard spent his early years in Goldswaite, but during the depression he and his family moved 11 times before he was in the eighth grade. Continue Reading »
This week's post is from the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!
Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »
Minnesota Historical Society's Job Announcement, Internship, Fellowship, and Volunteer Opportunity pages.
Additional Job Postings in the Field »
Wahl Candy Company, Duluth, Minnesota (1910-1920).
Image used with permission. From the collections of the St. Louis County Historical Society.
FAQ: How Can I Share My Event for the Local History News E-Newsletter?
Remember the Magic: A Look Back at Dayton's Holiday
December 4 @ 2 to 3:30 pm - St. Peter: Treaty Site History Center, Nicollet County Historical Society - Part of the Viewers Like Us Club, this program relives the treasured tradition of Dayton’s holiday shows, described as marvelous, memorable, and magical. Enjoy nostalgic stories and displays celebrating these iconic Minneapolis department store holiday traditions. Co-hosted with Saint Peter Community & Family Education. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Mayo Clinic Lecture Series: Our Father Taught Us: A Journey Towards Teamwork
December 4 @ 7 to 8:30 pm - Rochester: History Center of Olmsted County - Watch a special film exploring the childhood of Dr. Will and Dr. Charlie Mayo. Special guest Kerry Olsen recounts a pivotal operation where the Mayo brothers learned core values of compassion, teamwork, and dedication that shaped the Mayo Clinic’s foundation. Cost: Free members/$5 general. Learn more »
The Most Competitive Passenger Corridor: Chicago—Twin Cities
December 6 @ 10 am to 12 pm - Minneapolis: Linden Hills Study Group - Historian David Engelhart explores the fierce competition among seven railroads before WWI (four after WWII) that produced North America's finest passenger trains from the 1890s-1960s, including the Milwaukee Road's Hiawatha, Burlington's Zephyrs, and C&NW's Twin Cities 400. Location: St. John's Episcopal Church. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Merry & Bright: A Winona Stained Glass Driving Tour
December 6, 13, 20, & 27 @ 6 to 8 pm - Winona: Winona Arts Center - Enjoy a cozy evening drive to see Winona’s historic stained glass windows beautifully illuminated for the holidays. Visit locations including St. Stanislaus Basilica, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, and Winona County History Center, among others, showcasing the city’s rich history and artistic legacy through light and color. Location details and a printable map are available on Visit Winona’s website. Cost: Free. Learn more »
94 Stories Time Machine
December 7 @ 2 to 5 pm - St. Paul: Our Streets Minneapolis - A Saint Paul history variety show where residents living near the I-94 corridor share stories and creative presentations about how the freeway and surrounding built environment have shaped their neighborhoods. Community storytelling and archival tools help add local voices to public records and inform current decisions about the Rethinking I-94 project. Location: Springboard for the Arts. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Museum Makers Class - Holiday Edition
December 7 & 8 @ 1 to 3:30 pm - Winona: Winona County History Center - Create fabric tree ornaments and vintage-inspired holiday cards in this hands-on class led by local members Mary Nelson and Terri Lieder. Learn basic sewing skills and craft unique holiday decorations to take home. Pre-registration recommended due to limited space. Hot cocoa provided. Best for ages 10 and up. Cost: $15 members/$20 public. Learn more »
Holiday Home Tour
December 7 @ 1 to 4 pm - Marshall: Lyon County Historical Society - Featuring a tour of beautifully decorated holiday homes within the city of Marshall. The museum for cookies, refreshments, and holiday exhibits including the Christmas Tree Walk and Heritage Room display. Cost: $20. Learn more »
Feeding Our Souls: The Essence of Hotdish Wisdom
December 8 @ 11 am to 1:30 pm - Minneapolis: Minnesota Humanities Center - This immersive event features story circles where elders and students share cultural legacy stories and histories while enjoying five distinctive renditions of Minnesota's iconic comfort food, hotdish. Held at Sabathani Community Center, it celebrates community, tradition, and the social significance of hotdish in Midwest culture. Free and open to all. Location: Sabathani Community Center. Cost: Free. Learn more »
The Good Fight: The Great Minnesota Book Club
December 11 @ 6:30 to 8 pm - Maplewood: Bruentrup Heritage Farm, Maplewood Area Historical Society - Join The Great Minnesota Book Club for 25 in 2025 with a feature on The Good Fight: A Life in Liberal Politics by Walter F. Mondale and David Hage. This engaging program explores Mondale's legacy in American politics and liberal advocacy. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Immigration Studies in an Anti-Immigrant Moment: A Conversation with IHRC Director Llana Barber
December 12 @ 12 to 1:30 pm - Minneapolis: Immigration History Research Center, University of Minnesota - Join IHRC Director Llana Barber for a conversation focused on immigration studies in the current challenging political climate marked by anti-immigrant sentiment. The discussion will explore historical and contemporary aspects of immigration research and the importance of understanding migration to foster equity and justice. Location: 614 Social Sciences Building, University of Minnesota. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Community Conversation about Water & Environmental Justice
December 13 @ 1:30 to 3 pm - Minneapolis: Hennepin History Museum - Join this community discussion led by three women sharing their lifelong experiences as protectors of water, exploring environmental justice and the vital role of women in water stewardship across communities. Inspired by ongoing exhibits, the conversation highlights historical and cultural connections to water protection. Free and open to the public. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Community Conversation about Water & Environmental Justice
December 13 @ 1:30 to 3 pm - Minneapolis: Hennepin History Museum - Join this community discussion led by three women sharing their lifelong experiences as protectors of water, exploring environmental justice and the vital role of women in water stewardship across communities. Inspired by ongoing exhibits, the conversation highlights historical and cultural connections to water protection. Free and open to the public. Cost: Free. Learn more »
The Big Chill: Joe Numero and the Story of Thermo King
December 14 @ 1 to 2:30 pm - St. Paul: Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest - Film premiere about Joe Numero, founder of Thermo King, who revolutionized refrigerated transportation. The film delves into his early life, World War I service, and his partnership with inventor Fred McKinley Jones, highlighting their groundbreaking work in portable refrigeration units that transformed food transport and storage. Location: Minnesota Jewish Community Center. Cost: Free. Learn more »
The Fallen Washington County Service Members of Vietnam and How We Remember Them
December 17 @ 7 to 8 pm (CT) - Stillwater & Online: Washington County Heritage Center - Herb Reckinger, WCHS member and Vietnam Traveling Wall volunteer, presents stories of Washington County's fallen Vietnam soldiers with images from the Wall of Faces, highlighting personal histories and the monument's origin as a traveling replica. The free program honors local sacrifices and is available in-person or virtually via YouTube. Cost: Free. Learn more »
America's 250th: Article III – The Judicial Branch: Power of Judicial Review and a Look at Articles IV-VIII
December 18 @ 6 to 8 pm - South St. Paul: Lawshe Memorial Museum, Dakota County Historical Society - This program in the America's 250th series examines Article III of the U.S. Constitution, focusing on the power of judicial review and an overview of Articles IV-VIII, in preparation for the nation's semiquincentennial. Part of an ongoing educational series on constitutional history hosted at the society's museum sites. Cost: $5 members/$10 general. Learn more »
Paj Ntaub Guild Sewing Session
December 18 @ 6 to 8 pm - St. Paul: Hmong Museum - Paj ntaub enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels gather for hands-on sewing sessions to create traditional Hmong flower cloth embroidery, fostering community and cultural preservation. Registration preferred for headcount; materials and guidance provided in a welcoming environment. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Save Our Signs: National Parks, People Power, and the Power of Place
January 29, 2026 @ 1 to 3 pm - Minneapolis & Online: Liberal Arts Engagement Hub, University of Minnesota Libraries - Join the Save Our Signs (SOS) team—a constellation of librarians, public historians and data experts based out of the University of Minnesota Libraries—for a presentation and discussion event where they will explore how to connect institutional resources to people power in order to protect endangered cultural resources. Location: Liberal Arts Engagement Hub, Pillsbury Hall, University of Minnesota. 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: West Concord Historical Society Museum, West Concord, MN.
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.
Introducing the Magnetic Media Crisis Committee (MMCC)
December 12 @ 12 to 1 pm (CT) - Online: AIC & FAIC - This lecture introduces the Magnetic Media Crisis Committee (MMCC), a collaborative group addressing the preservation crisis of degrading magnetic media collections like tapes and films through knowledge-sharing, advocacy, and tool development. Cost: Free members/$20 nonmembers. Learn more »
Bringing Conservation to Younger Audiences: Holly Maxson Conservation Grantees on Outreach
December 12 @ 1 pm (CT) - Online: AIC & FAIC - Hear from Holly Maxson Conservation Grant recipients about innovative outreach strategies that introduce middle school through undergraduate students to conservation careers through hands-on projects, curriculum development, and STEAM-connected activities. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Where Does Governance Stop and Management Begin?
December 17 @ 12 to 1 pm (CT) - Online: Propel Nonprofits - Clarify the essential boundaries between board governance and staff management to strengthen collaboration and mission achievement in nonprofits. This webinar addresses common role overlaps and provides practical guidance for effective partnership. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Authentic and Timely Feedback
December 18 @ 10 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits - This virtual workshop teaches how to deliver feedback as a tool for growth rather than criticism, with strategies to tailor it effectively to individual team members and foster stronger relationships. Cost: $50 members/$70 nonmembers. Learn more »
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September 16 - 19, 2026 |
March 19 - 21, 2026 |
April 28 - 30, 2026 |
Additional Educational Opportunities »
Youth in Philanthropy Grants
Deadlines - January 1, April 1, and October 1, 2026: Northland Foundation - Awards up to $1,000 three times yearly to youth-led (7th-12th grade) school and community projects in northeast Minnesota counties or Superior, WI, written and implemented by children/youth with adult advisor support, via youth board decisions. Funds address community needs through after-school enrichment, STEM, environmental learning, and volunteerism; requires fiscal sponsor if needed. Learn more »
Northland Foundation Quarterly Grants
Deadlines - January 5, April 1, July 1, and October 1, 2026: Northland Foundation - Awards $10,000+ grants four times yearly to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, Tribal nations, school districts, and local governments serving northeast Minnesota (seven counties, five Native nations) for general operating or program-restricted support. Priorities include basic needs (food security, housing, health), belonging/equity, domestic/sexual violence prevention, early childhood care, and out-of-school time programs; emphasizes community-led efforts, DEI, collaboration, and systems change. Learn more »
Bruce MacDougal Advocacy Scholars Program
Deadline - January 5, 2026: Preservation Action Foundation - For students, young professionals, or mid-career shifters in historic preservation interested in policy and advocacy; includes complimentary registration and travel stipend for National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week (March 2-5, 2026) with policy briefings, trainings, congressional visits, and networking in Washington, D.C. Learn more »
Southwest Initiative Foundation Grants
Ongoing submissions: Southwest Initiative Foundation - Supports nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and fiscal partners in southwest Minnesota with community projects benefiting 18 counties and two Native nations; grants range from $1,000 to $20,000, covering up to 50% of costs. Funding criteria prioritize innovative, non-duplicative projects with local involvement, diverse populations, partnerships, measurable outcomes, and sustainability plans. Learn more »
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Minnesota History Awards |
AASLH Leadership in History Awards
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Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »
Vintage Museum Photo: St. Mark's Episcopal Church Museum, Tracy, Minnesota. It was operated by the Tracy Historical Society and the Lyons County Historical Society (1986). It is now relocated to the Wheels Across the Prairie Museum. 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.
Target’s corporate archivists preserve a century of Minnesota retail history
Star Tribune - Tucked inside a climate-controlled warehouse in northeast Minneapolis: a treasure trove of Target history. Boxes lined with acid-free tissue hold vintage Dayton’s packaging. A Marshall Field’s restaurant counter gleams under sterile lighting. And reams of old marketing materials and weekly ads fill the shelves. All are part of the big-box retailer’s corporate archive. Continue reading »
Carleton students present project digitally mapping Alexander Faribault House at RCHS
Faribault Daily News - Tuesday morning at the Rice County Historical Society, students from the class "Digital History, Public Heritage and Deep Mapping" presented their project, which digitally mapped the Alexander Faribault House. The class worked with their professor, Austin Mason, and alongside staff at the historical society to get access to records and learn more about the historic house. Continue reading »
Three groups outline visions for future of historic Rosenmeier House
Morrison County Record - The future of the historic Rosenmeier House came into focus Monday, Nov. 17, as three community groups outlined different visions for how the city-owned landmark could be preserved, restored or repurposed. Continue reading »
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Featured BookBecoming the Twin Cities: Swindles, Schemes, and Enduring Rivalries, by Drew M. Ross. Minnesota Historical Society 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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