Grants and Local History Services staff took a break from the hard work of a site visit at Rock County Historical Society in Luverne on February 24. Officially there to see the progress on a grant that funded the installation of collections storage shelving, they couldn't resist posing with the photo cutout board starring the locally-made car called the Luverne.
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.
APRIL Grants Open House
April 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 Webinar: Moving and Rehousing Collections
March 19 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: Planning a storage move or rehousing project for your collections? Join us to learn how to qualify for a Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grant. The webinar will cover the required attachments and application process, appropriate standards and materials for museum and archival storage, and planning information that you'll need to include in your application. You'll leave with a clear understanding of how to submit a successful proposal. Presented by Outreach Conservator Megan Brakob Narvey.
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 Chaska Historical Society Have a blog? Let us know!
From Clay Brick to Granite Curling Stones
I am a Winter Olympics fanatic. No matter which sport or event was broadcast, I turned on the television and found myself losing track of time in watching. If medals were awarded for consecutive hours spent on my sofa during the Olympics, I believe I could have been competitive! By far my favorite sport is Curling. For me, watching Olympic level players deliver a 42- to 44-pound granite stone down a sheet of pebbled ice half the length of a football field with the accuracy required to outscore their equally skilled opponents is mesmerizing. As many of us settled in to spectate the February 2026 Winter Olympics from our living rooms, the Chaska Curling Center and the Minnesota curling community was also celebrating our own unique connection to this worldwide sport.
This year we are celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Chaska Curling Center, Chaska Event Center, Crooked Pint Ale House, and the renovated Firemen’s Park. In doing so, it is also important to recognize some of the businesses that served this community and appreciate the evolution of this property on the corner of Hwy. 41 and Chaska Boulevard—from “Clay Brick to Granite Curling Stones.” Continue Reading »
This week's post is from the Blue Earth County 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.
Special Collections Cataloger - University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Summer Camp Counselor - The Bakken Museum, Minneapolis, MN
Summer Camp Educator - The Bakken Museum, Minneapolis, MN
Digital Asset Specialist - Best Buy, Richfield, MN
Staff Accountant II - Minnesota Children's Museum, Saint Paul, MN
Experience Associate - Cultural Heritage Center, South Dakota State Historical Society, Pierre, SD
Paintings/Objects Conservator & Assistant Conservator - Conrad Schmitt Studios, New Berlin, WI
Anderson Store Sales Associate - Ephraim Historical Foundation, Ephraim, WI
Chief of Business Enterprises - Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI
Administrative Assistant 1 - Terrace Hill, the Iowa Governor’s Residence and National Historic Landmark, Des Moines, IA
Library Special Collections & Archives Assistant - Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA
Iowa Women’s Archives Collections Archivist - University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Director of the Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry and Head of Education - Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Bilingual Field Trip Facilitator - The Field Museum, Chicago, IL
Environmental Programmer - Sommer Farm, Peoria Park District, Edwards, IL
Business Manager/Accountant - Midway Village & Museum Center, Rockford, IL
Communication and Sales Manager - Midway Village & Museum Center, Rockford, IL
Director of Museum Marketing & Communications - Peoria Riverfront Museum, Peoria, IL
Museum Assistant/Receptionist - Wheaton Park District, Wheaton, IL
Public Program Seasonal Support - Champaign County Forest Preserve District - Mahomet, IL
Special Collections Conservator - University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Grounds Technician - Newark Earthworks, Ohio History Connection, Heath, OH
Interpreter - Newark Earthworks and Flint Ridge, Ohio History Connection, Glenford, OH
Visitor Services Associate - Newark Earthworks and Flint Ridge, Ohio History Connection, Glenford, OH
Executive Director - Delaware County Historical Society, Delaware, OH
Museum Events & Operations Coordinator - Judy & Stanley Frankel Detroit Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI
Studio Lead - BioDesign Studio, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Digital Imaging Manager - Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA), Philadelphia, PA
Director and Curator of Public Engagement and Research - The Institute of Contemporary Art, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Tourism Guide - Chimney Rock and the Ethel S. & Christopher J. Abbott Visitor Center, Nebraska State Historical Society, Bayard, NE
Tourism Guide - Neligh Mill State Historic Site, Nebraska State Historical Society, Neligh, NE
Event Assistant - Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg, MB
Collection Assistant Volunteer/Intern - Grout Museum District, Waterloo, IA
Echoes Magazine Internship - Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH
Human Resources Internship - Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH
America 250-Ohio Commission Public History Internship - Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH
Internship - Adena Mansion and Gardens, Ohio History Connection, Chillicothe, OH
Internship - Newark Earthworks, Ohio History Connection, Heath, OH
Internship - National Afro American Museum and Cultural Center, Ohio History Connection, Wilberforce, OH
C.O. Miniger Education Fellow - National Museum of the Great Lakes, Toledo, OH
Collections Internship - American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, Lincoln, NE
Additional Job Postings in the Field »
Milaca High School 1914 girls' baseball team
Image used with permission. From the collections of the Milaca Historical Society.
FAQ: How Can I Share My Event for the Local History News E-Newsletter?
Along the Paper Trail: Exploring Vital Records for Historical Research
March 19 @ 10 am - Bemidji: Beltrami County Historical Society - Leala Roth presents vital records access and demonstrates the public portal, while historian Lois Jenkins shows how birth, death, and marriage certificates trace family history; staff assist with lookups. Cost: Free. Location: Beltrami County Administration Building. For more information call 218-444-3376.
Enmity and Empathy: Japanese Americans During WWII with Dr. Ka Wong
March 19 @ 6 pm - Faribault: Rice County Historical Society - Dr. Ka Wong explores Japanese Americans who left WWII incarceration camps to rebuild lives in Minnesota, including the two colleges in Rice County, young men and women training at the Military Intelligence Service Language School at Camp Savage and then Fort Snelling, the US Cadet Nurse Corps serving in Rochester hospitals, and entrepreneurial families and individuals in the Twin Cities and beyond. For more information call 507-332-2121.
American Indians and the American Dream: an author talk by Dr. Kasey Keeler
March 21 @ 11 am to 12:30 pm - Minneapolis: Hennepin History Museum - Dr. Kasey R. Keeler discusses her book on the urbanization and suburbanization of American Indian communities in Minnesota, exploring dispossession of land, property rights struggles, federal policies moving people from homelands to urban/suburban areas, and her next project on American Indians and the Homestead Act. Cost: Pay as you can. Learn more »
Cold Climate Viticulture: Growing Wine Grapes in Minnesota
March 24 @ 6:30 to 8 pm - Hastings: Denmark Township Historical Society - Dr. Hassan Sahouani, founder of Hawk Meadow Vineyard and Winery, scientist, attorney, and Denmark Town Board supervisor, presents the history, challenges, and successes of cultivating wine and table grapes in Minnesota. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Warroad History Trivia
March 24 @ 6 to 8 pm - Warroad: Warroad Historical Society - Teams or individuals test their knowledge of Warroad and Lake of the Woods history across three rounds of trivia. Location: American Legion Post 25. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Fiber Arts with Terri Goenner
March 25 @ 1 to 4 pm - Becker: Sherburne History Center - Bring your spinning wheel or other fiber arts projects and spend the afternoon working on them in a group. Learn more »
The World That Produced the Declaration: Historical Context & Intellectual Foundations
March 26 @ 6 to 7 pm - Bemidji: Beltrami County History Center & Bemidji State University Department of Humanities - Bemidji State University professor Dr. John Ellis and instructor Caleb Curfman examine imperial conflicts, economic pressures, Enlightenment thought, and social hierarchies shaping the Declaration of Independence, followed by Q&A. Cost: Free. Learn more »
America's 250th Genealogy Series: Genealogy Resources Panel
March 26 @ 6 to 8 pm - South Saint Paul: Dakota County Historical Society - Panel discussion on genealogy resources as part of the America 250 series. Cost: Free ($5 donation suggested). Learn more »
Planning Your Spring Garden with a Master Gardener
March 26 @ 7 to 8:30 pm - Rochester: History Center of Olmsted County - Master Gardeners from the University of Minnesota Extension Program present practical tips for preparing spring gardens, from sustainable prairies to vegetable patches, suitable for farms or balcony planters. Cost: Free members/$5 nonmembers. Learn more »
Lighthouses of the Great Lakes: An Architect's Sketchbook with Jim Lammers
March 28 @ 11 am to 12 pm (CT) - Stillwater and Online: Washington County Heritage Center - Jim Lammers presents architectural sketches and stories of Great Lakes lighthouses. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Mystery Author Panel w/Buffalo Public Library
March 28 @ 10:30 to 11:30 am - Buffalo: Wright County Historical Society - Bestselling mystery authors Shannon Baker, Erica Ruth Neubauer, Jess Laurey, and Kristi Belcamino discuss building twists, tension, and characters in thrillers and whodunits, offering writing and publishing tips for mystery lovers, aspiring authors, and teens/adults. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Romanian Easter Egg Painting Workshop
March 29 @ 1 to 3 pm - St. Paul: Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans in Minnesota - Participants learn the symbolism, colors, and motifs of Romania's iconic decorated eggs through hands-on painting guided by traditional patterns passed down through generations. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Film Screening: The Dance is Not Over with Patrick Scully
March 29 @ 7 to 9 pm – Minneapolis: Quatrefoil Library – After-hours screening of the documentary on Minnesota dance legend Patrick Scully's 50-year career in contact improvisation, choreography, founding Patrick's Cabaret amid '90s culture wars, and homoerotic Walt Whitman performances, filmed during Guthrie Theater rehearsals in 4K, followed by Q&A with Scully. 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: Sam Brown Cabin operated by the Browns Valley Historical Society, Browns Valley, MN.
Part 2 of the Museum Disaster Series
March 20 @ 12 to 1 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Alliance for Heritage Response – Hayes Scriven, Site Manager at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, shares firsthand experiences and critical lessons from a lightning strike and a wildfire threatening the historic lighthouse on Lake Superior's North Shore. This session in the Museum Disaster Series covers disaster response, operational continuity, and facility protection strategies for cultural sites. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Museums Share Experiences Participating in STEM Learning Ecosystems
March 31 @ 1 to 2 pm (CT) - Online: National Informal STEM Education Network – Hear directly from NISE Network partner museums at various stages about their roles in local STEM learning ecosystems, delivering community-relevant content that helps learners identify as science enthusiasts and pursue STEM careers. Whether you're established in an ecosystem, seeking entry points, or aiming to forge stronger partnerships, gain peer insights on fostering authentic, lifelong STEM engagement through collaborative community efforts. Cost: Free. Learn more »
Advocacy 101: Easy and Effective for All Nonprofits
April 8 @ 10 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – Nonprofits are valued experts policymakers rely on to shape good policy—discover low-barrier ways to share your organization’s knowledge through advocacy and lobbying, distinguishing it from politics, while building internal support among colleagues. Ideal for beginners dipping their toes or veterans honing skills to advance your mission and sector impact. Pay-what-you-can options available. Cost: $50 members/$70 nonmembers.
Learn more »
Strengthening the History Workforce: An AASLH Virtual Summit
April 13 & 14 @ 11 am to 4 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History – This two-day summit dives into 2025 National Survey of History Practitioners data from nearly 4,000 respondents, revealing workforce challenges like low pay despite advanced degrees, equity gaps, burnout, and limited advancement, alongside opportunities for a more sustainable field. Through keynotes, panels, and small-group discussions, practitioners and leaders will explore implications for careers and institutions, address systemic issues, and develop actionable strategies for an inclusive history profession. Cost: $65 members/$85 nonmembers. Learn more »
Conflict Management: Skill Development for Cultural and Natural Resource Managers
April 14 to 16 (3-day webinar) 12 to 4 pm (CT) - Online: National Preservation Institute - Consultation and participatory processes required by best practices, as well as laws and regulations, are often challenging and stressful. When cultural and natural resources and issues of identity and heritage are involved, passions can flare. Different perspectives, interests, and personalities can feed into frustrating interactions. Learn or brush up on conflict management, consultation, and negotiation skills through interactive exercises based on real situations involving cultural and natural resources. Gain insight into your personal conflict management styles and consider how to work better with others' styles. Cost: $600. Learn more »
Gettin’ To Know You: The Art of Networking
April 15 @ 1 to 2 pm (CT) - Online: American Alliance of Museums – In an era of tight budgets, political pressures, and shifting partnerships, this webinar redefines networking for museum and public history professionals with creative, authentic strategies beyond transactional connections. Through practical examples like informational interviews, participants build sustainable relationships for collaboration, resilience, and long-term career growth in an inclusive field. Cost: Free members/$40 nonmembers. Learn more »
Conference information | Session Schedule | Hotels & Venue Info | Register
Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums Annual Conference & Meeting
April 28 - 30, 2026, Mankato, MN
Don't miss the MALHM Annual Conference & Meeting—your chance to connect, learn, and share with colleagues from across the state.
Additional Educational Opportunities »
Building Common Ground: Fieldwork Program
Deadline - March 27, 2026: Building Common Ground - This new rural design program offers free design and planning support, alongside small project grants, for community-centered projects that amplify local history, culture, and identity. Learn more »
Diversity in Preservation Scholarship
Deadline - March 31, 2026: National Trust for Historic Preservation - Provides support for attendance to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 2026 National Summit (Washington, D.C., September 22-24, 2026). Learn more »
Culture & Legacy Scholarship
Deadline - March 30, 2026: National Museum of African American History and Culture’s Office of Strategic Partnerships - Provides registration and hotel for scholars seeking to attend the Annual Association of African American Museums Conference (Philadelphia, PA, August 19-21, 2026). Learn more »
Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »
Vintage Museum Photo: Sam Brown Museum, Browns Valley, MN. (1981). 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.
Book an Exhibit: Exhibits To Go!
Exhibits To Go! offers Coming of Age: 1968 and Fur Trade in Minnesota. The Minnesota Historical Society provides these traveling exhibits for Minnesota libraries, schools, historical societies, and cultural sites. Bookings occur for 2026 dates with no rental fees. Learn more »
The exhibit covers 1968 events in Minnesota. Topics include civil rights, Vietnam, assassinations, and local movements. Interactive elements cover artifacts, music, and narratives. Availability: October-December 2026 & January-April 2027. Learn more »
Fur Trade in Minnesota
The exhibit covers the 1800s fur trade along Great Lakes waterways. Native peoples, voyageurs, and traders exchange beaver pelts for goods. Stations test voyageur strength, show Ojibwe beadwork, and display furs, trade items, and media. Availability: January-April 2027. Learn more »
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Featured BookPearl’s Garden by Carolyn Olson. Minnesota Historical Society Press. Seed Starting Party Book 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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