Field Note

The Historic Resources Advisory Committee held its public meetings on November 6 and 7, 2025, in the 3M Auditorium at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul. The committee reviewed and discussed fiscal year 2026 Large Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grant applications to form funding recommendations.

Heritage Preservation Grants

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 Webinar: 2026 Heritage Partnership Grants can be a Project’s Second Chance
November 20 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: Once a year, the Heritage Partnership Grant program helps groups of two or more Minnesota organizations collaborate on history-oriented projects. This webinar will focus on how to repurpose previously unfunded applications for the Partnership program—a strategy that helped several applicants secure funding last year. We'll also cover the process of conceiving and applying for a Heritage Partnership Grant. Presented by 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 »

From the Blog

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

“Hey Mike, Do You Have Any Family In The Area?”
Having grown up in a community of less the 1000 people — Walker, MN to be precise, in neighboring Cass County — and at times feeling like I was related to almost 1/5 of them, I fully get the small-town phenomenon of when moving to a new community, the inevitable question arises: “So, do you have family in the area?”

In my case, the answer to that question after I moved to this area in 2018 was: “Kind of…”

When I was young, my mother would occasionally mention that we had family “buried in Little Falls.” Alas, I was young, and that type of information did not register and really mean much.

Flash forward a few years and I found myself working in the museum world – I spent nearly 26 years at the Cokato Museum & Historical Society before joining the staff of MCHS – helping countless people engage in genealogy work.

One day, I decided it was my own turn. Continue Reading »

More MN Blog posts

• The Wrecking Ball was a Huge Success! - Rethos
• American Swedish Institute’s 2026 Exhibition Schedule - American Swedish Institute
• Elementary schools throughout the history of Eveleth - Jim Froemming/Hometown Focus
• Halloween Friday History: KA’s Most Haunted Project - Kraus-Anderson 
• My Salem Witch Ancestor - Wright County Historical Society
• Västgöta Nations Manskör at Gammelgården - Gammelgården Museum of Scandia
• From the President - November 2025 - Danish American Center

From the Tube

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

More MN Tube posts

• The Story of the Streetcar around White Bear Lake! - White Bear Lake Area Historical Society
• Franz Brey Barn, Lafayette, Minnesota - Minnesota Bricks
• Who are we? The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County - Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County
• Community Bands of Brown County - Brown County Historical Society
• The Hatpin Panic: American Women Armed and Fashionable - Pipestone County Museum
• Exhibit Opening Program Featuring Dr. Christopher P. Lehman and Mary Moore Easter -
  Hennepin History Museum
• Fargo Spelemannslag Norwegian American Bicentennial Hardanger Fiddle Concert - Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County
• Riverbank Restoration Project: Week 3 - Morrison County Historical Society
• Double feature “Digitizing a Hot School Lunch” and “Life Cycles in Archives” - U of MN Libraries
• Somali Museum Award Ceremony 2025 - Somali Museum

Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »

Job Opportunities

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

MNHS

• Digitization Supervisor, Collections - Minnesota History Center

LOCAL

• Advancement Data Manager - Hill Museum & Manuscript Library (HMML), Collegeville, MN
• Curator - Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Tourist Center, Walnut Grove, MN
• Cataloging and Processing Archivist - St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
• Computational Literacy Specialist - The Bakken Museum, Minneapolis, MN
• Survey Associate - American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, MN
• Janitor, Night Shift - Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis, MN
• Vice President of Development - Great River Children's Museum, St. Cloud, MN
• Director of Development - National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition - Minnesota/Remote

REGIONAL

• Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center Interpretive Coordinator - State Historical Society of North Dakota, Washburn, ND
• Curatorial Assistant, Collections - Art Museum South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD
• Museum Aide - Siouxland Heritage Museums, Sioux City, SD
• Education and Community Programs Manager - Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass, Neenah, WI
• Advancement Officer - Dubuque Museum of Art, Dubuque, IA

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

• Executive Director - Illinois Labor History Society, Chicago, IL
• Staff Accountant - DuSable Museum of African American History, Chicago, IL
• Exhibit Preparator, Part-time Temporary - Chicago Children's Museum, Chicago, IL
• Supervisor of Guest and Member Operations - Chicago Children's Museum, Chicago, IL
• Curatorial Assistant - IT (Part-Time) - Peoria Park District, Peoria, IL
• Studio (Makerspace) Specialist - New Lenox Public Library District, New Lenox, IL
• Consulting Archivist - Illinois Humanities, Chicago, IL
• Corporate and Museum Graphics Installer - Edwards Creative, Milan, IL
• Executive Director - Ellwood House Museum, DeKalb, IL
• Intermittent School Reservation Assistant - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN
• Intermittent Celebration Station Specialist - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN
• Development and Database Manager - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN
• Collections Manager (Museum Registrar), Archaeology - Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Bloomington, IN
• Regional Outreach Coordinator - Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial, Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH 
• Facilities Engineer - Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH 
• Executive Assistant, Organizational Advancement - Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH
• Assistant Site Superintendent - Ohio History Center/Ohio Village, Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH 
• Interpreter - Ohio History Center/Ohio Village, Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH 
• Director of Exhibits and Outreach - Law Reed Huss Farm Foundation, Uhrichsville, OH
• Interpretive Design Consultant - The Grosse Pointe War Memorial, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 
• 2026 Summer Seasonal Positions - Mackinac State Historic Parks, Mackinac, MI
• Director of Finance and Administration - Flint Institute of Arts, Flint, MI
• Head of Preservation, Conservation, and Digitization - Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
• Director of Development - The Athenaeum of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
• Development Coordinator - Saint Louis Art Museum, St Louis, MO
• Head of Paintings Conservation Lab - Ford Conservation Center, Nebraska State Historical Society, Omaha, NE
• Exhibits Manager - Nebraska State Historical Society, Lincoln, NE
• Exhibits Technician - Nebraska State Historical Society, Lincoln, NE
• Interpretive Program Developer, Public Programs - Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg, MB
• Finance Administrator - Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg, MB
• Prospect Research and Database Manager - Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg, MB
• Labour Relations Advisor - Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg, MB
• Curator - Bell Homestead, City of Brantford, Brantford, ON
• Lead Theatre Tech - Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton, AB
• Executive Director - Lacombe Museum, Lacombe, AB

INTERNSHIPS/VOLUNTEERS/FELLOWSHIPS

• Hybrid Education Internship - Minnesota Center For Book Arts, Minneapolis, MN

Additional Job Postings in the Field »

Do History Here

Postcard of four boys seated in front of a wigwam.
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?

Women’s Work: Shaping Healthcare in the Rural Midwest
Now through January 30, 2026 @ 9 am to 4:30 pm - Minneapolis: Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine, University of Minnesota - This exhibit highlights the vital roles women played in maintaining family health and educating on food safety during a time of rapidly changing knowledge about nutrition and healthcare in rural Midwest communities. Location: Phillips-Wangensteen Building, University of Minnesota. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Artistry of Lavona Keskey
Now through January 31, 2026 - Cokato: Cokato Museum - This exhibit features the work of Lavona Keskey, an acclaimed local artist known for her evocative paintings, drawings, and mixed-media that capture rural Minnesota landscapes, floral subjects, and cake decorating. Keskey, a lifelong regional resident, attended art school in Finland and gained recognition as an award-winning cake decorator. Learn more »

Hidden Histories of Unauthorized Migrations from Europe to the United States
November 12 @ 4 to 5:15 pm - Online: Immigration History Research Center at the University of Minnesota - Learn about overlooked migration stories and their impact on U.S. immigration history and policy. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Discovering Pioneer Ancestors in Washington County with Judith Stern
November 12 @ 7 to 8 pm - Stillwater: Washington County Heritage Center - Delve into the history of early settlers in Washington County with Judith Stern, a local historian and genealogist. The program guides participants through tracing their pioneer ancestors using local records and resources. Cost: Free. Learn more »

History of Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and Rotary Clubs’ Role in Eradicating Polio
November 13 @ 7 to 8 pm - Golden Valley: Golden Valley Historical Society - Learn about the significant contributions of the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and Rotary Clubs in fighting polio, from local roots in Golden Valley to international progress in eradicating the disease. The program includes a moderated Q&A to share experiences with polio. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Hmong American 50 Years of Progress Gala Celebration
November 15 @ 4 to 10 pm - St. Paul: Hmong Committee of 100 - This special community gala marks five decades since Hmong refugees arrived in the United States, honoring the journey, achievements, and resilience of Hmong Americans. Held in the Grand Ballroom at the RiverCentre, the event features distinguished speakers, cultural performances, and reflections on both heritage and progress. Attendees will enjoy a mix of traditional music, dance, and storytelling. Location: RiverCentre. Learn more »

Pedagogy Session – Era Three: Freedom, Unfreedom, and Revolution
November 13 @ 4 to 5:30 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Humanities Center - Explore strategies for teaching themes of freedom, unfreedom, and revolution in educational settings. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Civil War Roundtable: Colvill Smiled: The Legend of the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Regiment at Gettysburg with author Steve Hoffbeck
November 13 @ 1:30 pm - Litchfield: Meeker County Museum - Learn about Colonel William Colvill, a Minnesota hero of the Battle of Gettysburg, through an engaging presentation by author Steve Hoffbeck. Hoffbeck will have his book available for purchase, and a talk-back session follows. Cost: Free for members, $3 general admission. Learn more »

Why Do We Need a Queer Holocaust History?
November 13 @ 6:30 to 8 pm (CT) - Online: Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at the U of MN - Dr. Anna Hájková from the University of Warwick, a pioneer in queer Holocaust history, discusses her new book People without History are Dust: Queer Desire in the Holocaust. She explores the exclusion and marginalization of same-sex desire stories in Holocaust history and offers an inclusive and feminist perspective based on extensive archival research. Dr. Hájková will be in conversation with Kirby Taylor. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Fix-It Clinic
November 14 @ 4 to 7 pm - Becker: Stearns History Museum - Bring your textiles and household items for mending or repair at this free community event held in partnership with Reuse Minnesota. Skilled volunteers will assist with sewing, mending, and general repairs. Limit of 2 items per household; items accepted until 6:30 pm. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Children's Victorian Tea
November 15 @ 10:30 am and 1 pm - Owatonna: Steele County Historical Society - Kick off the holiday season with a special Victorian Tea for children ages 4 to 10, accompanied by an adult. Enjoy a festive lunch, holiday music, and the story of St. Nicholas at the historic Dunnell House. Children will also receive a special craft to take home. Cost: $20 per adult, $10 per child. Learn more »

History Book Club Sessions: The Things They Carried
November 15 @ 11 am to 12 pm - Mankato: Blue Earth County Historical Society - Program by Larry and Trixie Kortuem, who share their personal experiences related to the Vietnam War—one as a veteran and the other as someone who dated and later married the veteran. This session is part of a quarterly book club series reading The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, which honors significant anniversaries of the Vietnam War by exploring its social and historical context through readings, presentations, and discussions. Cost: $50 for the full series or $10 per session for non-book club members. Learn more »

Romanian Film Festival 2025 – “Between Shadow and Light”
November 15 & 16 @ various times - St. Paul: Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans in MN - Experience four critically acclaimed Romanian films in this evocative series that explores the tension between darkness and illumination—both literal and metaphorical—in Romanian cinema. The films navigate themes of truth and illusion, memory and myth, oppression and resilience, showcasing Romania’s cinematic mastery with stark realism and poetic nuance. Location: Landmark Center. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Annual Member Meeting
November 16 @ 11 am to 12 pm - St. Paul: Germanic-American Institute - Mark your calendar for the Annual Member Meeting featuring free Kaffee und Kuchen, a drawing for two tickets to Christmas in Germany, and a sneak peek at exciting upcoming plans and programs. Attendees can also explore the new exhibit about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the theologian, pastor, and Nazi resister. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Soup Festival – Fall’25
November 16 @ 10:30 am to 3 pm - Saint Paul: Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota (PACIM) - Celebrate the comfort, flavor, and tradition of Polish soups with a variety of homemade recipes prepared by PACIM members and friends. This family-friendly event features six traditional Polish soups, lively conversation, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Location: Landmark Center. Cost: $15 for a sampler of six soups plus Bigos. Learn more »

Meet the New Appellate Judiciary
November 18 @ 4:30 to 5:30 pm - Minneapolis: Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society - Meet the newest judges on the Minnesota Court of Appeals, Hon. Elizabeth Bentley and Hon. Rachel Bond. Learn about their legal backgrounds, paths to the bench, and judicial approaches. Location: Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. Cost: Free for MSCHS members, $25 for non-members. Learn more »

Women in Politics
November 18 @ 6 to 8 pm - Anoka: Anoka County Historical Society - Explore the impact of women on government and the challenges ahead through discussions of Until There is Justice and Her Honor: Rosalie Wahl and the Minnesota Women’s Movement. Rosalie Wahl was the first woman appointed to the Minnesota Supreme Court, serving from 1977 to 1994, and was a trailblazer for women’s rights and legal education in Minnesota. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Digitally Mapping the Alexander Faribault House
November 18 @ 10:30 am - Faribault: Rice County Historical Society - Carleton College students, led by Professor Austin Mason, present the results of digitally mapping the Alexander Faribault House, built in 1853 as the first wood-frame house in Rice County. This digital history project examines historic documents and architectural features to better understand the house's appearance during the Faribault family's residence. Cost: Free. For more information call 507-332-2121.

History of Medicine in New Prague
November 19 @ 6 to 8:30 pm - New Prague: New Prague Area Historical Society - Explore a century of medical history in New Prague from 1875 to 1975 in this detailed presentation. The program begins with a biographical summary of 11 physicians who practiced in the area, followed by a panel discussion with Dr. Michael Wilcox, Dr. John Cervenka, Paulette Cervenka, Sister Jean Juenemann, and Dennis Dvorak. Location: Giesenbräu Bier Co. Cost: Free. Learn more »

History Buff Book Chat: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
November 19 @ 12 to 1 pm - Winona: Winona County Historical Society - Discuss Mark Twain’s classic novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a landmark of American literature portraying the journey of a young boy and a runaway slave down the Mississippi River. The novel explores themes of freedom, friendship, and the moral dilemmas of its time. Cost: Free. Learn more »

History Break: Dakota Language Program
November 19 @ 12 to 1 pm - Red Wing: Goodhue County Historical Society - Join Dakota Language Specialist Dacia Lussier to learn about Prairie Island's efforts to revitalize the Dakota language in their community. Cost: Free. Learn more »

America's 250th: - Article II – The Executive Branch: Powers of the Presidency at Lawshe
November 20 @ 6 to 8 pm - South St. Paul: Lawshe Memorial Museum, Dakota County Historical Society - Explore the powers and role of the U.S. presidency as part of a series commemorating America's 250th anniversary. Cost: $10 per person, $5 for DCHS members. Learn more »

Explore Minnesota - State of MN's Tourism website
Listings: Museums & Galleries | Culture & Heritage | Attractions & Entertainment
Register for an Account »

Continuing Education

Highlighted Museum: Wayzata Depot, operated by the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, Wayzata, MN.
Photograph by Elkman, distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 license.

History Leadership Institute (HLI) Seminar
June 1 to 12, 2026 at the Mill City Museum, Minneapolis: History Leadership Institute-AASLH – Applications are open for this premier professional development program for mid-career history professionals. Since 1959, HLI has guided leaders from museums and historical organizations to strengthen their management skills and engage with pressing fieldwide issues. The 2026 seminar combines in-person and virtual sessions featuring expert-led workshops, discussions, and site visits. Applications are due December 31, 2025. Learn more »

From Outputs to Outcomes: The New Museum Professional 
November 13 @ 11:30 to 12:30 pm (CT) - Online: Museums and Change - This session explores the shift from measuring museum success by outputs like exhibitions and attendance to focusing on community outcomes—real progress in goals that matter to people. Learn how this new professional approach influences strategy, stakeholder engagement, and resource allocation, with insights from current practitioners. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Intro to A.I. for Museums and History
November 13 @ 10:30 am (CT) - Online: Indiana Historical Society Local History Services - Explore the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and its growing role in historical and museum work, from potential applications to current limitations shaping the field.
Cost: Free. Learn more »

Neurodiversity in Museums & Cultural Spaces
November 13 @ 1 pm (CT) - Online: Gaylord Archival - Learn what neurodiversity means, how it influences participation, and how museums can create inclusive environments through practical, low-cost strategies that support all visitors.
Cost: Free. Learn more »

Research, AI and Rights
November 14 @ 11 am (CT) - Online: Open Copyright Advisory Education Advisory Net (OCEAN) - Explore how shifting AI legal frameworks influence research practices and institutional policies. Presenters will address fair use, text and data mining, research integrity, liability, and privacy considerations.
Cost: Free. Learn more »

TIPS & TOOLS

• Risk Management Basics: How to Protect Your Nonprofit - Nonprofit Learning Lab

UPCOMING EVENTS & CONFERENCES

Additional Educational Opportunities »

Funding & Awards

Minnesota Community IDEAS Grant Program
Applications reopen in January 2026: Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation - These grants support nonprofits that lead community-driven projects to create lasting, positive change across Minnesota. It offers $160,000 over three years to help test and spread innovative ideas that strengthen equity, agency, and solutions in diverse communities statewide.  Learn more »

Margaret T. G. Burroughs and Charles H. Wright Fellowships
Deadline - January 16, 2026: Association of African American Museums - Supports attendance at the 2026 AAAM Conference in Philadelphia. Covers registration, hotel, travel, and two-year AAAM membership. Awards for one senior-level student and one first-year museum professional. Learn more »

Grants Advance Environmental Learning and Action
Deadline - November 19: National Geographic Society - Future of Learning, Future of Our Planet program supports projects that build curiosity, environmental awareness, and action-oriented learning at all ages. Learn more »

Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »

News

Vintage Museum Photo: Olof Swensson Farmstead Barn, Granite Falls Township, MN (1974). 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.

 Advocacy Survey— Share your thoughts!
In a time of increasing threats to the public history field, the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums has assembled a new team to focus on advocacy. The Advocacy Team will work to promote the interests of the MALHM membership and the Minnesota local history community as a whole. As the team gets going, they are asking for your input:

• What should we prioritize in our advocacy?
• What resources can we provide to help make your work easier?

Fill out the following survey to share your thoughts and reach out with any additional questions or comments. Deadline: November 13, 2025.

How a project is encouraging veterans to share their stories
MinnPost - Tuesday is Veterans Day, and KAXE is sharing the story of how a traveling replica of a memorial honoring Vietnam veterans inspired a bigger project. As veterans started sharing their stories during the memorial’s visit, Operation: Service Story was born. “The oral history project is a partnership between United Way and the St. Louis County Historical Society. The aim is to gather stories of veterans and service members from the Iron Range and Koochiching and Lake of the Woods counties.” Continue Reading »

Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame marks 25 years
Morrison County Record - The Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame marked its 25th year in 2025, celebrating the anglers, innovators and organizations that helped make Minnesota a fishing state like no other. Continue Reading »

Restored 1949 locomotive rolls again at Minnesota museum
Star Tribune - A 1949 diesel locomotive that once hauled lumber and window frames through Andersen Corp.’s Bayport factory is running again after nearly a year of painstaking volunteer restoration at the Minnesota Transportation Museum in St. Paul. Continue Reading »

Medcalf: Museum exhibit about enslaved woman’s freedom fight inspires
Star Tribune - For Alyssa Thiede, the curator at Hennepin History Museum, her connection to a new exhibit about an enslaved woman freed through a controversial trial in 1860 is professional but also personal. Continue Reading »

Artist’s quest lands at Fagen Fighters Museum to tell stories of combat airmen
West Central Tribune - Minnesota artist Noel L. Dunn painted a collection of 100 works featuring combat warbirds, each autographed by those who flew them. Continue Reading »

Beltrami County Historical Society seeks community advisory committee members
Bemidji Pioneer - The BCHS is seeking community members to serve on an Exhibit Advisory Committee after receiving grant funding to redesign its permanent galleries. Those interested are encouraged to apply by Nov. 30. Continue reading »

Featured Book From Generation to Generation: From Lithuanian Shtetl to Freedom, Family and Future in the City of Lakes by Lynn Bolnick. Roundtable Press. Book Launch Event Date: November 13 @ 6 pm  Location: Beth El Synagogue, St Louis Park, MN	Featured Article Minnesota History The Alliance Party and the Minnesota Legislature of 1891 Volume 35, Issue 7, 1957	Featured Article MNopedia Jacob Henry Stewart (1829–1884) Featured MNopedia Article	Minnesota Unraveled Llewellyn Worldwide and New Age Religious Movements in the Twin Cities Episode 202

Minnesota History Organizations Directory  • County, Chapters, and Local • Statewide/Topical Historical • Regional History Coalitions • Professional Organizations	Minnesota Main Streets Reinvigorate your community's commercial district.	2026 Exhibits To Go! MNHS Traveling Exhibits Now accepting applications.	Preservation Specialists Directory Look up products or services.

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