Field Note

The Grants Office held an in-person Open House event at the Meeker County Historical Society in Litchfield, MN as part of their ongoing series. Potential grantees had the opportunity to discuss their projects and ask questions directly to grants staff, enjoying a personal interaction free from AI interference. 

Heritage Preservation Grants

Did you excel in your Legacy Grant project?  Share your success with your community and prospective donors know. Nominate your project for an award!
Minnesota History Awards Nominations are open and accepted until January 14, 2026.	AASLH Leadership in History Awards Nominations are open and accepted until March 1, 2026.

On the Road: Grants Office Open Houses 
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)

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.

DECEMBER Online Grants Open House
December 4 - 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 »

From the Blog

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

Friends Remember Clay County Aviatrix Florence Klingensmith as a Daredevil
On August 27, 1927, Charles Lindbergh touched down at Hector Field in Fargo to thousands of cheering fans. These days it's hard to imagine the electrifying impact "Lindy's" solo flight over the Atlantic the previous spring had had on the country. For years afterwards the newspapers were filled daily with stories of daring aviators' exploits. Lindberg inspired hundreds of young Americans to become fliers, and not all of them were men. 

In the 1920s women made great strides in many previously all male vocations, even aviation. One young woman in the crowd that day at Hector was a gutsy former Clay County school girl named Florence Gunderson Klingensmith. Florence was born September 3, 1904, on her parents' small Oakport Township farm. She attended Oakmound School with her sister Myrtle, and brothers George and Roy. Her father, Gust, worked at Oakmound as a janitor and school bus driver. Continue Reading »

More MN Blog posts

• Resistance Against Japanese American Incarceration Camps - U of MN Libraries
• ‘Cap” Wigington and the Towering Achievements of America’s first Black Municipal Architect - 3D History Trek
• Firefighting in Blue Earth County - Blue Earth County Historical Society
• Part two of the Lincoln Elementary School series Memories from three former Lincoln School students - Jim Froemming/Hometown Focus
• Collections Spotlight: The Legacy of Bing & Grøndahl and Royal Copenhagen Christmas Plates - American Swedish Institute

From the Tube

This week's post is from the Douglas County Historical Society. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!

More MN Tube posts

• A Ghostly White Abandoned School Building, Comstock, Minnesota - Minnesota Bricks
• Our Home: The Tipi - Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
• 95th Annual Meeting with Featured Speaker Garrett Ebling - Brown County Historical Society
• Minnesota State Historic Preservation Review Board Meeting November 18, 2025 - Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office
• Hidden Histories of Unauthorized Migrations from Europe to the United States - Immigration History Research Center

Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »

Job Opportunities

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

MNHS

• Government Records Archivist - MN History Center
• Interpreter II - Jeffers Petroglyphs

LOCAL

• Inventory Specialist - Rice County Historical Society, Faribault, MN
• Director of Development - Great River Children's Museum, St. Cloud, MN
• Computational Literacy Specialist - The Bakken Museum, Minneapolis, MN

REGIONAL

• NAGPRA Specialist - Putnam Museum and Science Center, Davenport, IA
• Curatorial Assistant, Collections - South Dakota Art Museum, Brookings, SD
• Museum Facilities Assistant - Racine Art Museum, Racine, WI
• Museum Educator - Racine Art Museum, Racine, WI
• Associate Director of Records Management - Archdiocese of Milwaukee, St. Francis, WI
• Architectural Historian - Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, WI

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

• Education Associate - Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, Chicago, IL
• Senior IT Coordinator - Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, Chicago, IL
• Manager, Development Data - The Field Museum, Chicago, IL
• Head of Accounting - The Field Museum, Chicago, IL
• Senior Director of Financial Planning & Analysis - The Field Museum, Chicago, IL
• Grant Writer - Intuit Art Museum, Chicago, IL
• Lead Educator and Coordinator Art Studio - Chicago Children's Museum, Chicago, IL
• Assistant Project Manager - Chicago History Museum,  Chicago, IL
• Manager, Collections and Exhibitions - University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
• Seasonal Artifacts/Collections Pre-Professional - Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Oak Brook, IL
• Art Gallery and Collection Curator - William Rainey Harper College, Palatine, IL
• Assistant Director - Hegeler Carus Museum Campus, La Salle, IL
• Exhibit Fabricator/Carpenter - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN
• Central Regional Office Director - Indiana Landmarks, Indianapolis, IN
• Program Manager - Tippecanoe County Historical Association, Lafayette, IN
• Annual Giving and Fundraising Services Officer - Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH
• Interpretive Manager, Tour Services - Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Akron OH
• Chief Financial Officer - Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland, OH
• Interim Executive Director - Mac-A-Cheek Foundation for the Humanities, Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek, West Liberty, OH 
• Director of Marketing & Development - Henry Ford Estate, Dearborn, MI
• Director - Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, University Center, MI
• Director of Development - Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, MI 
• Lead Interpreter - The Historic Daniel Boone Home/Lindenwood Park, Defiance, MO
• Collections Coordinator - Lloydminster Museum + Archives, City of Lloydminster, Lloydminster, AB
• Content Coordinator - Remai Modern, Saskatoon, SK

INTERNSHIPS/VOLUNTEERS/FELLOWSHIPS

• Archives Intern - Legacy of the Plains Museum, Gering, NE
• Collections Intern - Legacy of the Plains Museum, Gering, NE

Additional Job Postings in the Field »

Do History Here

St. Vincent Elevator.
Image used with permission. From the collections of the Kittson County Historical Society.

FAQ: How Can I Share My Event for the Local History News E-Newsletter?

Exhibit: A Dream of the Future: 125 Years of Women's Hockey in Minnesota
Now open - South St. Paul: Dakota County Historical Society at Lawshe Memorial Museum - This exhibit celebrates over 125 years of women playing ice hockey in Minnesota, highlighting early games, university teams, Olympians, and the growth of youth and professional women's hockey. The exhibit features historic artifacts, including a 1915 hockey stick and memorabilia from U.S. women’s hockey Olympians. Cost: Free. Learn more »

The 13th Annual Indoor Christmas Tree Walk
Now through December 31 @ 11 am to 4 pm - Marshall: Lyon County Museum - Celebrate the holiday season with this festive event featuring beautifully decorated indoor Christmas trees in various creative themes. Visitors can enjoy the display while exploring the museum's other exhibits. Learn more »

A Mayowood Tradition: A 1951 Christmas Party
November 29 & 30 @ 4 to 5 pm - Rochester: Mayowood, Olmsted County Historical Society - Experience a nostalgic Christmas tour of the historic Mayowood home, decorated for the season as it was in 1951. Costumed interpreters portray Dr. Charlie and Edith Mayo guiding families through the festively decorated rooms, sharing stories of holiday traditions, and sampling Emma’s Cookies, a family favorite. Guided tours are $45 per person, with tickets available online. Cost: $45. Learn more »

Genealogy Club Meeting at the Lyon County Museum
December 1 @ 1:30 to 3 pm - Marshall: Lyon County Museum - Join this informal gathering open to anyone interested in family history research and genealogy. Share research tips, discuss resources, and connect with fellow family history enthusiasts. Light refreshments will be served. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Puerto Rico: A National History with Jorell Meléndez-Badillo
December 2 @ 5 to 8:30 pm - Minneapolis: Institute for the Study of Heritage and Race in the Americas (IHRC) and Katherine E. Nash Gallery - Join historian Jorell Meléndez-Badillo for a lecture on his book Puerto Rico: A National History. The presentation explores Puerto Rico’s complex history from pre-Columbian times through colonialism, indigenous resistance, and its present-day challenges and identity as a U.S. territory. Location: Hubert H. Humphrey Center, Cowles Auditorium, University of Minnesota. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Commemorate History at the 20th Annual Remembrance Dinner
December 4 @ 5 pm social hour, 6 pm dinner, 7 pm program - Duluth: St. Louis County Historical Society - Join this annual dinner event at the Great Hall of the St. Louis County Depot to honor and remember local history and community heritage. The evening includes a social hour, a delicious dinner, and a program focused on historical commemoration. Cost: $60. Learn more »

Historic Bemidji High School Sports Films Return to the Big Screen
December 6 @ 11 am - Bemidji: Beltrami County Historical Society - Join local sports broadcaster Joel Hoover for a special screening of digitized Bemidji High School sports films from 1947 to 1985, featuring football, hockey, and other memorable athletic events. The program includes live commentary, behind-the-scenes insights into film preservation, and an opportunity to reconnect with former athletes and coaches. Cost: free-will donation. Location: Historic Chief Theater. Cost: Free-will donation. Learn more »

The Most Competitive Passenger Corridor: Chicago—Twin Cities
December 6 @ 10 am to 12 pm - Minneapolis: Linden Hills Historical Society - Explore the history of renowned passenger trains that connected Chicago and the Twin Cities from the 1890s to the 1960s. Learn about the fierce competition among seven railroads before WWI, diminishing to four after WWII, giving rise to iconic trains like the Burlington's Zephyrs and the Milwaukee Road's Hiawatha. Discover how these trains set new standards for speed and luxury in North American rail travel. Location: St. John's Episcopal Church. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota Annual Membership Meeting
December 10 @ 6:30 to 9 pm - St. Paul: Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota (PACIM) - The annual membership meeting will include board elections and updates on the organization's activities to promote Polish-American culture, heritage, and community connections in Minnesota. This event is open to all members and guests interested in Polish culture. Location: Landmark Center, Chief Justice Room #430. Cost: Free. Learn more »​

Musician, Doctor, Survivor: An Overture of the Life of Werner Simon
December 11 @ 6 to 7:30 pm - Minneapolis: Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest - An evening of music and archival exploration celebrating Werner Simon, a Holocaust survivor who documented his escape from Nazi Germany. The program includes a presentation on Simon’s life, archival displays from his personal papers, and a musical performance featuring his Guadagnini violin. Cost: Free. Location: Elmer L. Andersen Library. Learn more »

Santa’s Sensory Friendly Train Shop
Weekends in December @ 10 am to 4 pm - St. Paul: Minnesota Transportation Museum - Enjoy a calm and welcoming holiday visit designed for guests of all ages and sensory sensitivities. Activities include meeting Santa on the North Pole Mail Train, Christmas caboose rides, holiday crafts, scavenger hunts, story time, and a Lego Village. Lighting and sounds are adjusted for a sensory-friendly environment. Location: Jackson Street Roundhouse. Cost: $10 to $25. 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: Westbrook Heritage House Museum, Westbrook, MN.
Photograph by McGhiever, distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

Call for Session Proposals Extended to December 5
Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums is still looking for session proposals for their Annual Conference & Meeting in Mankato from April 29-30, 2026.
They're especially interested in proposals:

• From organizations who haven't presented in the last few years, or at all
• From folks thinking about proposing a session that's not in the traditional presentation format
• That fall into the Historic Preservation & Building Maintenance audience track, and to a lesser degree: the Social Media & Marketing, Education & Outreach, & Organizational Leadership & Development tracks

Have an idea, but need a co-presenter? Check out the Session Brainstorming sheet. Still have questions? Please contact Liz Koele, Alliance Coordinator at liz@mnhistoryalliance.org. Learn more »

Record Lifecycle
December 8 @ 5 pm (CT) - Online: Backlog Archivists - This webinar explains the lifecycle of a record, focusing on how records evolve through four key stages: creation, active use, semi-active use, and final disposition. Understand why some records become part of an archive and others do not through this practical overview. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Event Planners Incubator
December 9 @ 11 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits - Join this free, lightly facilitated virtual gathering of nonprofit event planners to share ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and gain inspiration for planning successful events. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Youth250 and the Power of Teen Partnership in Cultural Spaces
December 11 @ 2 to 3:15 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) - This live webinar explores the Youth250 Teen Toolkit and innovative approaches for engaging teens in museums and cultural spaces. Learn how to build meaningful partnerships with young people to co-create programming, foster community connections, and amplify youth voices in your institution. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Strengthening History Communication: Reframing the Value of History and Your Institution
December 11 @ 12 pm to 3 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) - This half-day virtual workshop helps history practitioners improve how they communicate the importance and value of history to the public and media, focusing on effective messaging and engagement strategies. Cost: $100 members/$150 nonmembers. Learn more » 

Core Issues Briefing Series - Webinar Bundle
January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4, 11, 2026 @ 2 pm to 3 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) - This series provides consolidated access to the latest research, insights, and guidance on pressing issues facing the history field. Weekly webinars cover topics such as the U.S. history sector, workforce challenges, political polarization, disaster preparedness, and strategies for engaging younger generations. Join your peers for in-depth sessions to strengthen your institution and advance your work.
Cost: $125 members/$250 nonmembers. Learn more » 
(Programs are also available individually)

TIPS & TOOLS

• A Holistic and People-Centered Approach to Accessible Exhibition Design: Walker Art Center Case Study - American Alliance of Museums

UPCOMING EVENTS & CONFERENCES

Additional Educational Opportunities »

Funding & Awards

Vadon Foundation Grants
The Vadon Foundation supports Indigenous-led initiatives focused on language revitalization and community leadership. Grants range broadly, typically from $5,000 to $285,000, and support organizations across the U.S., especially in the Western states. Interested applicants should first contact the foundation via email or phone to discuss their program and potential collaboration. No formal deadlines are listed. Learn more »

Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »

News

Vintage Museum Photo: Andrew J. Volstead House Museum, Granite Falls, 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.

What's New in MNHS Collections
Collections with additions or added digital content this month include the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners Grasshopper Bounty Certificate; the Education Department: Council on Quality Education Records; the Legislature: Council on the Economic Status of Women Sound Recordings of Meetings; the Minnesota Children's Museum Records; the Ancher Nelsen Papers; the Public Service Department Telecommunications Access for Communications-Impaired Persons Board Records; and the Secretary of State Session Laws.

In addition there are many newly encoded finding aids that are now available online for the first time. Learn more »

MN Digital Newspaper Hub - November 2025 content update
A content update to the Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub today added 3,340 new issues and 47,422 new newspaper pages.
New publicly available titles & date spans:

• Stillwater daily gazette (Stillwater, Minn.) 1937-1941 added
• St. Peter herald (St. Peter, Minn.) 1907-1921 added
• Beretning om det ordentlige Synodemøde (Decorah, Iowa) 1875-1913 added

New issues for the years 2004-2025 were also added to several existing current newspaper titles, available to view only in the MNHS Library. 

Anoka County Historical Society to Relocate
The Anoka County Historical Society will relocate after the City of Anoka announced it will redevelop the land at 2135 Third Avenue North and demolish the museum building in February 2027. ACHS is working with Acumen Realty to find new locations for its collection, research library, offices, volunteer workspaces, and exhibits. These services may move to separate sites throughout the county, leading to changes in operations. ACHS plans to explore more county-wide exhibits and digital resources, and will limit office hours, programming, and new acquisitions throughout the transition. Staff will share updates by email, newsletter, and their website. 

Cokato City Council greenlights landmark bid for Akerlund Studio; funds repairs, eyes school pipeline
Enterprise Dispatch - The Cokato City Council unanimously authorized the Cokato Historical Society to apply for a Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grant to pursue national landmark status for the Gus Akerlund Photography Studio, alongside approving several infrastructure and equipment initiatives throughout the city. Continue reading »

The Legacy of the Lakes Museum celebrates a record season
Alexandria Echo Press -  The Legacy of the Lakes Museum closed for the season on Friday, Oct. 31 after a season of record-breaking attendance at both the museum and museum events. This year, 7,031 people came through the museum in just over 5 months, over 1,300 more than the 2024 season, which set the previous record. Continue reading »

Featured Book A National Legacy: Fifty Years of Nongame Wildlife Conservation in Minnesota, by Carrol L. Henderson  Afton Historical Society Press.	Featured Article Minnesota History Curators present 25 objects to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Minnesota Historical Society Volume 69, Issue 4, 2024–25	Featured Article MNopedia Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ (Bassett Creek) Featured MNopedia Article	Minnesota Unraveled Beaver Tales: From Minnesota’s Ice Age to Today Episode 204

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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