ST. PAUL, Minn (February 15, 2023) – The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) is asking supporters to advocate for history on March 6 during History Matters Day at the Capitol.

The 2023 legislative session will be an important year for funding history initiatives. MNHS is asking the state to show continued support for:

• The MNHS operating budget to preserve and maintain a statewide network of historic sites and museums and employ a talented staff who help Minnesotans learn about the past.
• Funding for history from the Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund which has touched all corners of the state by providing grants to preserve history across all 87 Minnesota counties, and has provided MNHS numerous opportunities to preserve and share our state’s important history.
• Asset preservation funding from the Capital Budget or "Bonding Bill" which is critical to maintaining over 150 structures across Minnesota's historic sites network.

For the first time, the public can get involved with History Matters Day at the Capitol in person or virtually. The day will begin with an information session in the L'Etoile du Nord Vault Room at the Minnesota State Capitol at 9 am. MNHS CEO Kent Whitworth and Director of Public Policy David Kelliher will give opening remarks which will also be streamed via Zoom.  Author and illustrator Patricia Bauer and David Geister will be in attendance to discuss their activity book, Making Minnesota, funded by the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment.

After the information session, meetings with legislators will take place, both in person and virtually. This is the public’s chance to thank the state’s elected officials for their commitment to history. It is also an opportunity to encourage their continued support and prioritization of history initiatives.

For those who cannot attend History Matters Day at the Capitol on March 6, there are more ways to get involved. From writing a letter or having a personal conversation to urge legislators to support MNHS, Legacy, or Capital Budget funding, to spreading the word on social media, advocates don’t need to wait until March 6 to speak up for history.

Supporters can learn more and get involved with History Matters Day at the Capitol 2023 at mnhs.org/historymatters. Those who plan on participating are asked to register by Tuesday, February 28.

About the Minnesota Historical Society
The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves, and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs, and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories, and connects people with history.