Conferences and Continuing Education

Sharpen your skills by attending training.

The following list is gathered by the Local History Services team. Please send updates as needed.

Sections
Workshops/Courses
On-Demand Workshops
Continuing Education Resources
Conferences/Meetings
Awards

Workshops/Courses

FREE Upcoming Midwest Art Conservation Center Workshop
Free to Minnesota Residents. Funds provided by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society.

In-Person Guidelines for Cleaning Collections Materials: Focus on Decorative Arts and Historic House Collections
July 20 & 21 @ 10 am to 5 pm day 1 / 9 am to 4 pm day 2 - Location: Gammelgården Museum of Scandia, Scandia, MN – This hands-on, two-day workshop (max 20 participants) covers ethics, hazards, and techniques for cleaning stable cultural artifacts including textiles, picture frames, ceramics, glass, silver, and iron. Features lectures, practical exercises, advanced topics like stabilizing historic iron, cleaning level selection, and volunteer management. Cost: Free for Minnesota residents/$600 general. Learn more »

In-Person Introduction to the Care of Paintings
September 16 @ 10 am to 4 pm - Location: American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, MN – This full-day, hands-on workshop will provide an overview of the methods and materials used in preservation of paintings. The workshop will begin with an introduction to different types of paintings and their supports, agents of deterioration, identification and understanding of common condition issues, forms of damage, and how to reduce or slow down the risk of deterioration. Discussion will cover handing, storage, and display guidelines, including lighting and environmental considerations. The second half of the day will comprise of demonstrations and hands-on sessions. The emphasis will be placed on safe handling and movement, surface dusting (as well as when it is or is not appropriate), and framing using appropriate materials. Options for backing boards, shims, hanging hardware, etc. will be demonstrated. Participants will also learn about proper handling and storage of rolled and unstretched canvases.
Cost: Free for Minnesota residents/$300 general. Learn more »

Free Community Media Preservation Workshop
June 17 @ 8:30 am to 4 pm - St. Paul: Minnesota Media Arts and St. Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN) - Free in-person workshop offering content, media digitization demonstrations, and discussion to help community makers understand risks to aging audiovisual recordings, gain deeper insight into the preservation process, and plan next steps for archiving. Part of a statewide initiative providing baseline surveys, practical webinars, and hands-on workshops to build sustainable archiving skills for safeguarding Minnesota's cultural legacy. This program has been financed in part with funds provided by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society. Location: SPNN Offices. Cost: Free (pre-registration required). Learn more »

iMPs and AI: "The Human-in-the-Loop"
May 29 @ 10 am (CT) - Online: Independent Museum Professionals – As museums adopt artificial intelligence to boost productivity, reduce costs, and reshape visitor experiences, Independent Museum Professionals face pressing questions about relevance and responsible client service. Join three practicing IMPs as they share real-world examples, strategies for staying valuable in an AI-forward marketplace, and guidance for ethically integrating AI into museum work. Learn more »

Turning Assessment Recommendations Into Actions: How To Make Practical Use Of Assessment Reports
May 29 @ 11 am (CT) - Online: Center for Conservation of Art and Historic Artifacts – Overview of assessment processes with real-world examples from organizations; learn to implement recommendations, stay organized, and leverage student/consultant help with guest speakers. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Minnesota Paid Leave for Employers
June 3 @ 1:30 - 2:30 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – Free update and compliance webinar on Minnesota’s Paid Leave program, covering new employer requirements and practical steps to implement and remain compliant. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Appraising Preservation Easements: Navigating IRS Guidelines and Valuation Challenges
June 3 @ 1 to 2:30 pm (CT) - Online: Preservation Leadership Training – Explore historic preservation easements as a tool for preserving historic properties, especially when combined with federal and state tax credits for rehabilitation. Learn common causes of IRS review concerns, the "before and after" valuation method, how to spot faulty appraisals with unrealistic assumptions, and lessons from the Tax Court case Corning Place Ohio, LLC vs. Commissioner that denied a multimillion-dollar deduction. Gain confidence to encourage easement donations as a key preservation strategy. Cost: $50. Learn more »

NCPH Consultants Grumpy Hour
June 4 @ 6 pm (CT) - Online: NCPH Consultants Committee – Join public historians for a virtual evening of connection, support, and much-needed venting. Grumpy Hours (in contrast to "happy hours") are dedicated to commiseration and community for those working in or seeking a career in public history. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Demystifying AI for History Organizations
June 4 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) – Online: American Association for State and Local History – Presented by Robert Becker of the Keizer Heritage Museum, this webinar explores what AI is, how it can support administrative, research, and interpretive work, and where its limits lie. Learn practical, responsible approaches to using AI in history organizations while addressing concerns like bias, copyright, and environmental impact. Cost: $25 members / $45 nonmembers. Learn more »

Managing Cash Flow
June 9 @ 9 am to 11 am (CT) - Online: Propel Nonprofits - This workshop will help you anticipate and prepare for the ebb and flow of cash in your organization, covering tools and strategies to avoid and manage cash flow challenges. Cost: $70. Learn more »

Creating a Staff Safety Plan
June 9 @ 2 to 3:15 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History – Drawing on AASLH and NCPH Gender Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Task Force research, this webinar offers recommendations for embedding staff safety in policies, budgets, and culture at museums, historical societies, and sites. Led by Bethany Hawkins, EVP/COO, attendees receive a customizable Staff Safety Plan template and resources to foster secure workplaces. Cost: $25 members/$45 nonmembers. Learn more »

Succession Planning: Creating a Plan to Preserve Your Team’s Wisdom
June 9 @ 9 am (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – Explore strategies for identifying and preserving institutional knowledge during succession planning. Cost: $95 members/$135 nonmembers. Learn more »

Sustaining Engagement After Commemorations
June 11 @ 2 to 3:15 pm (CT) – Online: American Association for State and Local History – Presented by heritage tourism strategist Heidi Schlag, this webinar explores how to turn short-term commemorations into lasting community engagement. Learn practical strategies for sustaining partnerships, extending exhibit life, and building long-term impact beyond milestone anniversaries like the 250th. Cost: $25 members / $45 nonmembers. Learn more »

Nonprofit Compliance: Legal Requirements and Best Practices
June 11 @ 3 to 4 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits & LegalCORPS – Monthly one-hour presentation covering essential legal requirements and best practices for charitable organizations and private foundations in Minnesota. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Burnout, Boundaries, and Belonging
June 16 @ 1 to 2 pm (CT) - Online: Virginia Association of Museums – Explore practical, people-first strategies to build healthier boundaries, foster belonging, and support staff well-being. Gain actionable tools for making museum work more sustainable and human-centered. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Handling Photographs for Digitization
June 16 @ 11 am (CT) - Online: Center for Conservation of Art and Historic Artifacts – Digital Archives Specialist Kaitlyn Pettengill and Associate Photo Conservator Ivey Barker discuss practical strategies for digitizing a wide range of photographic materials, from cased photographs and glossy prints to slides. Learn how different formats and material vulnerabilities affect digitization setups, preservation considerations, and workflows so you can create an effective, safe digitization plan. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Handling Photographs for Digitization
June 16 @ 11 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: Center for Conservation of Art and Historic Artifacts – Digital Archives Specialist Kaitlyn Pettengill and Associate Photo Conservator Ivey Barker discuss unique challenges of digitizing photographs, including setup differences for cased photographs, glossy prints, and slides. Learn safe digitization setups based on your scale and budget, prioritize photo processes, and shape an effective strategy while minimizing handling damage. Submit questions in advance to shape the presentation. Cost: Free. Learn more »

STEPS Series | Financial Management
June 16 @ 2 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History – Free STEPS member zoom presentation and discussion on financial management; hear how the Kinney Pioneer Museum (Iowa) updated its financial policies through STEPS, covering conflicts of interest, separation of duties, and ethics for transparency and sustainability. Join Q&A and conversation with STEPS participants nationwide. Registration and STEPS enrollment required. Cost: Free. Learn more »

10 Practical Steps for Getting Started with Digital Preservation
June 23 @ 11:30 am to 12:30 pm (CT) - Online: Northeast Document Conservation Center – Learn introductory digital preservation concepts and 10 achievable tips for launching a program, including policy writing, developing intellectual control over digital collections, and storing and providing access to preserved files. Ideal for beginners establishing their first digital preservation program. Cost: $110. Learn more »

Trauma‑Informed Interviewing, Reckoning & Beyond: A Virtual Symposium
June 23–25 - Online: Oral History Association – Three-day virtual symposium on trauma‑informed oral history practice: Day 1 covers trauma‑informed project design, community engagement, and interview techniques; Day 2 examines ethical questions of reckoning, resiliency, healing, and accountability in trauma‑centered projects; Day 3 addresses post‑interview responsibilities—strategies for community impact, narrator/interviewer care, and public history uses of collected testimonies. Sessions will tackle core questions about reciprocity with communities, insider/outsider dynamics, timing and sensitivity of projects, avoiding reductive narratives, honoring cultural specificities of trauma, responsibilities to narrators versus narratives, and mobilizing oral histories for policy and justice. Cost: $25-$150. Learn more »

Strengthening History Communications: Reframing the Value of History and Your Institution
June 24 @ 12 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History – Drawing on research from AASLH’s Reframing History project, this workshop will help you communicate more effectively with public audiences and broaden understanding of the value of history organizations. Includes an overview of research findings, peer discussions, and time to craft your own communications materials. Cost: $100 members/$150 nonmembers. Learn more »

Fundamentals of Nonprofit Finance
June 24 @ 9 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: Propel Nonprofits – Designed for newcomers to the nonprofit sector or those new to nonprofit finance, this workshop covers essential financial principles for staff and board members. Cost: $95. Learn more »

Hidden Supports: The Art and Practice of Mountmaking
June 24 @ 12 to 1 pm (CT) - Online: Connecting to Collections Care – Webinar for staff at small and mid-sized cultural institutions covering the holistic process of mountmaking for object safety during exhibition. Learn basics from customizing standard mount blanks in-house to working with contract mountmakers, following the path from object list to install, including key questions to ask and standards to uphold. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Creating Great Working Boards
June 25 @ 2 to 3:15 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History – Learn to evaluate board gaps and fill them, develop best practices for working with boards of directors, prioritize relationships over transactions, and implement alignment activities. Participants receive a detailed toolkit including a board matrix activity, board commitment documents, and the North Star Reflection Form. Cost: $25 members/$45 nonmembers. Learn more »

Online Demand Courses

American Association for State and Local History - Arcus Leadership Program Courses
Specifically designed for emerging and mid-level professionals and volunteers, these self-paced courses help participants understand the most critical topics in the history field and incorporate that understanding into their work. Start these courses any time.

Museum Collections Documentation and Data Cleaning
Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) and the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN) - Provides essential museum documentation information for museum staff with all levels of knowledge. It begins with an introductory overview and ends with specific documentation issues. Learners can take the modules in order or choose a module or two that fits their needs. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Preservation Housekeeping for Heritage Sites and Small Museums
Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) and the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN) - Covers guidelines, best practices and resources for the regular upkeep of historic interiors and exteriors as well as the contents of historic buildings. This one- to two-hour self-paced course has been designed for those who work or volunteer in small museums or heritage sites and who have little to no training in conservation. Learn more »

Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference Breakout Session Recordings
View conference recordings from the February 26-27 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference Rochester.

Digital Stewardship Training Courses for Tribal Libraries, Archives, Museums, and Small Public Libraries
OCLC's WebJunction, in partnership with Washington State University's Center for Digital Scholarship and Curation, is creating a series of 10 free online courses for staff at tribal archives, libraries, museums (TALMs), and small public libraries on digital stewardship and community-centered curation of cultural collections. Learn more »

Finding New Sources of Funding in Challenging Times:
National Preservation Institute - This 45-minute on-demand course will help you think beyond traditional sources of financial support to fund cultural resource projects. Learn how to evaluate a cultural resource project for its value in serving broader community needs. Review traditional funding types versus alternative sources that can be redirected to meet project goals. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Document Conservation - Northeast Document Conservation Center has many webinar training programs on paper, books, and similar items and topics. Learn more »

Nonprofit Education - Propel Nonprofits and the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits feature local training.

Online continuing education

Interpreting African American History and Culture Resource Kit
The American Association for State and Local History's free "Interpreting African American History and Culture Resource Kit" is made up of AASLH conference sessions, webinars, History News, technical leaflets, and books that address topics such as working with descendant communities, celebrating Juneteenth, interpreting slavery for a variety of audiences, and the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement on museum practice. Check it out »

Free Collections Care webinars
Connecting to Collections Online Community offers a series of free, online courses about the preservation of archival and historical collections. Check their website for dates and upcoming programming.

Planning for Changes in the Archives: 12 steps for undertaking collection relocation
Recorded Webinar: Midwest Archives Conference - The presenter walks through the 12 steps so you’ll have a framework to follow for your project. This framework helps focus your plans and ensures you consider possible options. These steps have been honed through experience moving archives and special collections materials. Watch video »

Webinar Recording: Oral History at a Distance: Conducting Remote Interviews
Oral History Association - This timely webinar addresses the dynamics of conducting remote oral history interviews. It begins with an analysis of the pros and cons of conducting distance oral history interviews, then addresses aspects of interviewing in a distance environment, breaking down the interviewer and narrator experience in these exchanges, and offer direction on best approaches for interviewing at a distance. This session will cover best practices for recording archival-quality oral history interviews, then discuss in depth the tools and techniques available to enable the user to follow best practices in a remote setting. Listen »

Webinar Recording: Insurance 101: Practical Considerations for Protecting Institutional Collections and Loans
Connecting to Collections - This webinar recording is appropriate for all levels of experience from beginner to expert as an introduction and review of collections insurance basics and how they are an integral part of collections care. We will examine loss prevention, loss control and how to protect the collection through good housekeeping, landscaping, managing patrons, and during transport of objects. In addition, examples of recent claims and outcomes to illustrate how insurance responds to loss and damage will be presented. Watch the recording »

A Guide to Approaching Audiovisual Digitization
This paper was written through support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The information discussed in the paper is meant to help collection holders prepare their materials and their technology systems for a digitization initiative, as well as give a brief overview of digitization workflows. There is also a discussion of some of the updates made to the BAVC workflow over the last two years. This section may be of interest to those interested in the technical and procedural aspects of digitization workflows. Download paper »

Community Reflection on Black Lives and Archives
Recorded Webinar: Society of American Archivists - Society of American Archivists’ statement on Black Lives and Archives. The vitality of American archives depends on the safety of archives workers and an explicit commitment to social responsibility, justice, and anti-racism in the work that we do and the organizations we work within. As part of this the SAA Council convened a forum of reflection to move toward healing and understanding, of which a recording of this event is now available. Listen »

'Talking About Race' Is a New Online Resource by the National Museum of African American History
Last week, The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) released a new, online portal discussing race, racism, and racial identity. The new web portal, “Talking About Race,” was launched as a way to help everyone, including families and communities, talk about racism and racial identity and the way these forces shape every aspect of society, from the economy and politics to the broader American culture. Learn more »

Online information for exempt organizations
IRS Exempt Organizations has developed an educational website with an online version of their popular workshop for Small and Mid-Sized 501(c)(3) organizations, plus mini-courses on other topics of interest, including information on the redesigned Form 990.

Reflecting on Museum Labor
A course in the Museum Studies program at University of Illinois at Chicago, centered on public engagement, produced a magazine/newspaper-style publication containing useful information about labor rights, history, and museums/places associated with celebrating labor movements and history. It also has interviews with folks in the field and activities like a custom labor-themed cocktail list. Download PDF »

Cultural Institutions at Times of Social Unrest
Recording of Carla Hayden and Lonnie Bunch discussing the future of their institutions and how they remain accessible and relevant during a period of global pandemic coupled with nationwide protests against injustice. Watch webcast »

Preservation 101
Northeast Document Conservation Center offers a set of free online courses in the basics of caring for objects.

Conferences in and around Minnesota

2025 North Star Genealogy Conference: Charting Your Ancestral Course
October 24-25 @ 9 am to 6 pm - Eagan: Minnesota Genealogical Society at Eagan Community Center - Join this two-day event featuring acclaimed genealogists David E. Rencher, Chief Genealogical Officer for FamilySearch, and J. H. “Jay” Fonkert, former MGS president. Gain insights on ancestral research and connect with fellow genealogists. Cost and registration details available on the Minnesota Genealogical Society website. Learn more »

Regional and National Conferences

Midwest Archaeological Conference and Plains Anthropological Society Joint Conference
October 29 to November 1 - Iowa City, IA: Connect with leading archaeologists and anthropologists, explore the latest research, and engage in dynamic workshops and networking events. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to collaborate, share discoveries, and celebrate the rich heritage of the Midwest and Plains regions. Learn more »

Lost Region Recovery Project Conference
November 15 @ 8 am to 6:45 pm - Sioux Falls: Middle West Review - This academic conference held at the Washington Pavilion brings scholars and community members together to address challenges facing Midwestern studies, foster open dialogue, and plant seeds for renewal and growth in the field. The schedule features short presentations on the region’s history, culture, and identity, and panel discussions on reviving scholarship and building community. Location: Schulte Room, Washington Pavilion. Cost: $40. Learn more »

American Historical Association 139th Annual Meeting - Call for Proposals
January 8 to 11, 2026 – Chicago: American Historical Association – Attend the AHA's largest yearly gathering of historians in the United States, featuring sessions on diverse historical topics, innovative methods, and the uses of history in public and academic venues. Historians and related scholars are encouraged to submit proposals for sessions and poster presentations. The event fosters lively interactions among participants and showcases the full diversity of historical scholarship. Cost: Varies by registration type. Learn more »

2026 MALHM Conference
April 28 to 30, 2026 - Save the date for the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums Annual Conference & Meeting in Mankato, Minnesota, which brings together local history professionals from across Minnesota for three days of sessions, networking, and learning with a full schedule of workshops and presentations focused on museum and historical society work. Attendees can connect with peers, exchange ideas, and discuss best practices in collections management, education, marketing, community engagement and more. This event provides a platform to expand skills and deepen connections within the local history community. MALHM offers scholarships for first-time attendees to support participation in the Annual Conference, covering all events, sessions, meals, and including a $300 stipend. Details available on the MALHM website »

Awards

Minnesota History Awards
Since 2009, the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums has recognized outstanding history work by local organizations at its Annual Meeting. A formal nomination process is conducted and reviewed by a panel of peers to determine award recipients. There are two award programs: the Minnesota History Awards and the Lifetime Achievement Awards. Learn more »

AASLH Leadership in History Awards
American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) bestows the Leadership in History Awards in recognition of excellence in the field of state and local history. Learn more »

Association of Midwest Museums Awards
Each year, the Association of Midwest Museums honors members throughout the Midwest region for leadership, career achievements, and best practices. Learn more »

Distinguished Career Award: honors individuals in mid- to late museum careers whose leadership, vision, and creativity have positively impacted staff and communities, leading to lasting change in their institutions.
Promising Leadership Award: recognizes individuals in the early stages of their museum careers (paid staff, interns, board members, and volunteers) who have demonstrated leadership through projects or service to teams/departments.
Best Practices Award: recognizes innovative projects or community collaborations by museums and cultural organizations that advance best practices or establish new ones to fulfill their missions.
Groundbreakers Award: honors museums or cultural organizations that have challenged conventions, confronted uncomfortable truths about their histories, and engaged in collaborative efforts for change.

Midwestern History Association Awards

Jon Gjerde Prize for best book on Midwestern history
January 15 - (Deadline): The Jon Gjerde Prize is given annually by the Midwestern History Association to the author(s) of the best book on Midwestern history published during the previous calendar year (2024). Learn more »
Dorothy Schwieder Prize for best article on Midwestern history
January 15 - (Deadline): The Dorothy Schwieder Prize is awarded annually for the best article on Midwestern history published during the previous calendar year (2024). All articles on Midwestern history that were published in peer-reviewed journals are eligible for the prize. Learn more »
Alice Smith Prize in Public History
January 15 - (Deadline): The Alice Smith Prize in Public History honors a public history project completed in the previous calendar year (2024) that contributes to broader public reflection and appreciation of the Midwestern past. Projects by individuals, groups, community organizations, businesses, or other organizations or work done in support of such projects may be nominated. Learn more »