Special events at the Sibley House Historic Site this summer draw on different eras of Mendota's rich history. Programs include a new Jazz in June outdoor music concert, guided tours that focus on Minnesota's territorial history and a family art day where guests can draw inspiration from the beauty of the surrounding site.

What: Jazz in June
When: June 22
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $10/$7 MHS members.
Reservations: recommended, register online

Visit Mendota for an evening of live jazz. Local jazz legend Butch Thompson will serve as bandleader and guest speaker, telling stories of Mendota's rich jazz history. Butch will be on piano and clarinet and will be joined by special guests Charlie DeVore on trumpet, Tom Andrews on drums, Steve Pikal on bass and guest vocalist Lee Engele. Bring a lawn chair, blanket and a picnic basket. Gourmet Solutions food truck will be on site selling food. Cash bar provided by Lucky's 13 Pub. This program is supported by Wells Piano and the Friends of the Sibley Historic Site.

What: Building Minnesota: From Territory to Statehood
When: Saturdays, July 6 and Aug. 3
Time: 2 and 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $7 adults, $6 seniors and college students, $5 children ages 6-17; free for children under 5 and MHS members.
Reservations: Required; register online.

Learn how Minnesota came into being. A guide from the Sibley House will take guests through restored buildings while discussing territorial history and statehood through the lens of Henry Sibley. Explore how these national and regional ambitions affected the lives of all Minnesotans and formed the state as we know it today.

What: Family Art Day
When: Saturday. July 13
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free

In the 1890s, Minnesota artist Burt Harwood taught a summer art school at the Sibley House property. Visit the same beautiful place that inspired him and create art as well as memories with family and friends. Try out different kinds of art, inspired by history and nature, at art stations around the site. Use watercolors, learn simple bookmaking and drawing and have your Victorian-style silhouette made to take home.

At 1:30 and 2:30 there will be 15-minute tours of the Sibley House - learn about the Sibley family and about the art they had in their home. Have a picnic, play old-fashioned games on the lawn and stay in Mendota for the Mendota Day festival and parade at noon. Cave Cafe food truck will be on site selling sandwiches, wraps and burgers.

About the Sibley House

The Minnesota Historical Society site is in Mendota at 1357 Sibley Memorial Hwy. (Hwy. 13). It features four original limestone buildings from the era when the American Fur Company operated a regional trade with the Dakota, between 1825 and 1853. The home of Henry Hastings Sibley is on the site, as is his office as first state governor. Call 651-452-1596 for more information.

Get the Minnesota Museums App

This summer explore more than 500 museums statewide with the free Minnesota Museums app, brought to you by the Minnesota Association of Museums and the Minnesota Historical Society. Browse Minnesota museums by name, category or location; create an itinerary, check off museums you've visited and upload favorite museum photos; plus the app will also suggest museums based on geographic location. The Minnesota Museums app is made possible by the Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Society’s calendar of events is posted online at www.mnhs.org/calendar. The website also has information about all of the Society’s programs, museums and historic sites.

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. The Society 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, the Society preserves our past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history.

The Minnesota Historical Society is supported in part by its Premier Partners: Xcel Energy and Explore Minnesota Tourism.