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 Workshops 
Free to Minnesota Residents. Funds provided by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society. Learn more »

Write or Update Your Emergency Plan
February 11, 18, & 25, 2026 @ 10 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: This 3-session online course covers emergency preparedness fundamentals, the essential components of an emergency plan, and how to develop and customize a plan for your organization. It addresses major and minor emergencies, extended closures, and emergencies within larger disasters. Participants work with an emergency plan template, complete a risk assessment, and draft a plan to share with their institution and board, with recommended independent work between sessions. Cost: Free for Minnesota residents/$400 for non-residents.

Write Your Long-Range Preservation Plan
March 11, 18, & 25, 2026 @ 10 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: This 3-session online course guides participants in drafting a Long-Range Preservation Plan (LRPP), focusing on preservation fundamentals, assessment, and prioritization of collections care goals. The course is designed especially for small institutions and includes group activities plus recommended independent work. Learn to use your LRPP for conservation goals and competitive grant proposals. Cost: Free for Minnesota residents/$400 for non-residents.

Part 2: The Ethics of AI: What’s the Harm?
February 12 @ 11 am (CT) - Online: National Council on Public History – Part of the Ethics, AI, and the Public Humanities Speaker Series, this session examines the real-world harms and ethical risks of artificial intelligence in public-facing work. Facilitated by Jessica Dauterive, with speakers Adio-Adet Dinika and Adrienne Williams from the Distributed Artificial Intelligence Research (DAIR) Institute, the program explores power, bias, accountability, and how humanists can respond. Cost: Pay what you can, $10–$30. Learn more »

2026 Student Summit: Now and Next!
February 13 @ 10:30 am to 4:30 pm (CT) - Online: Association of Academic Museums and Galleries – Undergraduate and graduate students nationwide connect for presentations, discussions, and networking with museum professionals. Build networks, share ideas, and explore the future of academic museums and galleries. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Getting Started with Obsolete Media
February 17 @ 11 am (CT) - Online: Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts – Gain essential skills for identifying, handling, and preserving obsolete media like audio tapes, film reels, and floppy disks in archives and collections. This beginner-friendly session covers assessment techniques, storage best practices, reformatting options, and risk mitigation strategies to safeguard irreplaceable cultural materials. Cost: Free. Learn more »

The 11th Agent of Deterioration in Collections: Incorrect Cultural Care
February 17 @ 5 pm (CT) - Online: National Council on Public History – Organized by NCPH’s Professional Development Committee, this session introduces “Incorrect Cultural Care” as a proposed 11th Agent of Deterioration alongside the Canadian Conservation Institute’s established ten. Speaker Melanie Deer will outline the project’s goals, explain how culturally inappropriate care practices can endanger collections, and lead an interactive discussion on integrating this lens into preservation work. Cost: Pay what you can, $5–$15. Learn more »

12 Golden Rules of Nonprofit Finance
February 18 @ 12 to 1 pm (CT) - Online: Propel Nonprofits – Demystify nonprofit financial health with 12 straightforward "Golden Rules" covering budgeting, operating reserves, and key indicators for sustainability. Perfect for newcomers, this webinar simplifies nuanced financial judgments into actionable guidelines to strengthen your organization's fiscal stability. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Getting to Action: Implementing Your Strategic Plan Amidst Uncertainty
February 18 @ 1 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – Join A17 Consulting to master practical approaches for activating your strategic plan, even amid uncertainty. Topics include identifying actionable items, prioritizing strategies, implementation planning, action steps, and knowing when to pivot course. Cost: $50 members/$70 nonmembers. Learn more »

More than Just Dusting: Collections Housekeeping, Mold Prevention, and Integrated Pest Management
February 19 @ 1 pm (CT) - Online: Artwork Archives - Dyani Feige, Director of Preservation at the Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts, will talk about the foundational housekeeping practices that protect and prolong the life of your collection, no matter its scale or scope. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Staying Agile: How to Translate Your Skills Beyond Traditional Audiences
February 23 @ 1 to 2 pm (CT) - Online: Independent Museum Professionals – Join career coaches Elin Filbey and Alli Schell to uncover your existing expertise, identify emerging opportunities in the museum field, and build a sustainable, financially rewarding portfolio beyond conventional audiences. This workshop helps independent professionals adapt skills meaningfully to new contexts. Cost: Free. Learn more »

The Art of Conflict Communication
February 24 @ 1:30 to 3:30 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – This interactive session introduces the Intercultural Conflict Style (ICS) framework to build awareness of how culture influences conflict approaches through direct/indirect and expressive/restrained styles. Participants reflect on personal tendencies, practice communication tools for navigating tension across differences, define conflict dynamics, and analyze hypothetical scenarios for constructive responses. Cost: $50 members/$70 nonmembers. Learn more »

Federal Preservation Priorities for 2026
February 25 @ 1 to 2 pm (CT) - Online: National Trust for Historic Preservation – Join the Government Relations Team and preservation community leaders for a briefing on 2026 federal legislative priorities, including supporting the Historic Preservation Fund, defending the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 106 process, strengthening the Historic Tax Credit, and protecting historic places and cultural landscapes. Gain insights into congressional dynamics, emerging challenges, advocacy strategies, and year-round opportunities to advance unified preservation efforts in Washington. Learn more »

Federal Preservation Priorities for 2026
February 25 @ 1 to 2 pm (CT) - Online: National Trust for Historic Preservation – Get briefed on key 2026 federal legislative priorities, including the Historic Preservation Fund, National Historic Preservation Act, Historic Tax Credit, and protecting cultural landscapes. Led by the Government Relations Team, this webinar covers congressional dynamics, advocacy opportunities, and strategies for unified preservation efforts. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Flag Storage: A Time of Great Possibilities
February 26 @ 12 to 1 pm (CT) - Online: Connecting to Collections – Explore tailored storage solutions for historic flags of all sizes, materials, and conditions found in small to mid-sized institutions. This webinar covers low-tech to state-of-the-art methods, flat and rolled storage techniques, deterioration factors, previous treatments, and practical illustrations to preserve these artifacts effectively. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Real-World HR: Strategies That Strengthen Culture
February 26 @ 11 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: Southeastern Museums Conference – Learn practical, right-sized HR strategies to strengthen team culture and navigate people challenges in museum settings. This Legacy Forward program shares real-world examples from museums of different sizes, offering actionable tools for building healthier, more sustainable workplaces. Cost: Free members/$15 non-members. Learn more »

Designing Accessible Online and In-Person Presentations
February 26 @ 2 to 3:15 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History – Learn practical strategies for designing presentations that ensure accessibility for all audiences, whether online or in-person. This webinar covers inclusive design principles, tools for diverse learners, and best practices to make content engaging and equitable for history professionals. Cost: $25 members/$45 nonmembers. Learn more »

Save Our Signs: National Parks, People Power, and the Power of Place
February 26 @ 1 to 3 pm – Minneapolis: University of Minnesota – Explore how grassroots efforts and civic engagement have shaped the preservation of America’s national parks and cultural landmarks. Location: Pillsbury Hall, U of MN. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Ethics, AI, and the Public Humanities Series
January through March - National Council on Public History - In four parts, this series, presented by NCPH and the American Conservation Experience (ACE), will ask experts to help public historians and public humanitarians tackle questions like: what do we mean when we talk about gen AI? How do we recognize it, and what AI tools have potential use cases for the public humanities? How can we ethically engage with generative AI tools as public historians, museum practitioners, writers, archivists, and educators? Cost: Pay what you can. Learn more »

• Part 1: Defining and Demystifying “AI” and “Machine Learning” - January 29 @ 3 pm (CT)

• Part 2: The Ethics of AI: What's the Harm? - February 12 @ 11 am (CT)

• Part 3: Ethical AI Use in Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (GLAM) - February 26 @ 1 pm (CT)

• Part 4: AI and History Education - March 17 @ 1 pm (CT) 

Designing Accessible Online and In-Person Presentations
February 26 @ 2 to 3:15 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History - Learn practical strategies to make your slide decks, talks, and virtual or in-person programs more inclusive and accessible for all audiences. Cost: $25 members/$45 nonmembers. Learn more »

Workshop: NAGPRA Essentials for History Organizations
March 5 @ 12 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History – Designed for staff who feel overwhelmed or uncertain about Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) compliance, this small-group workshop (max 30 participants) offers a clear overview of the law and the 2024 regulatory updates. Bernstein & Associates NAGPRA Consultants use case studies and guided discussion to map out a practical roadmap to repatriation, clarify compliance steps, and support ethical, long-term relationships with Native communities. Cost: $100 members/$150 nonmembers. Learn more »

Workshop: Strengthening History Communication - Reframing the Value of History and Your Institution
March 12 @ 12 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History – This half-day virtual workshop equips history practitioners with research-backed strategies from AASLH’s Reframing History project to communicate their institution’s value more effectively to public audiences. Participants explore framing techniques for fundraising, advocacy, media, and websites, engage in national peer discussions on communication challenges, and practice crafting impactful messages to build broader societal understanding of history’s role. Cost: $100 members/$150 nonmembers. Learn more »

Call for Proposals: LSLS 2026 – Everything is (Not) Fine!
The Lake Superior Libraries Symposium invites proposals for breakout sessions at its 14th annual conference, taking place Friday, June 5, 2026, at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet, Minnesota. This year’s theme, “Everything is (Not) Fine!,” explores the evolving challenges of library work—from funding cuts and misinformation to the rise of artificial intelligence—and highlights how library professionals are finding creative, sustainable solutions. Presenters are encouraged to share stories, strategies, and innovations that foster resilience, advocacy, and connection across all types of libraries.

Proposals are welcome on a wide range of topics, including information literacy, staff development, community engagement, storytelling, work-life balance, and more—whether or not they fit neatly within the theme. Sessions last 60 minutes and include time for discussion. Accepted presenters receive free registration (with breakfast and lunch included). Submit your proposal by Friday, March 20. 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.

• Accessibility for Historical Organizations
• Creating Engaging Social Media Content for Historical Organizations
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for History Organizations
• Foundational Principles of LGBTQ+ Inclusion
• Introduction to Fundraising
• Introduction to Indigenous History
• Program Planning for Nonprofits 

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 Accessibility 101
• How AI Can Help, Not Hinder Your Work
• Podcasts Place in Tourism Marketing: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Multi-Cultural Diversity Advertising
• Outdoor Recreation for Economic Development
• Web Strategy That Works

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 »