James J. Hill House

Holidays on the Hill

Experience Christmas, 1910—both upstairs and downstairs—in the sumptuous Gilded Age mansion of railroad titan James J. Hill.

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The 2024/2025 History Forum

Dive into American history with the nation’s top scholars.

Minnesota History Center

Girlhood (It's complicated)

See how girls have spoken up, challenged expectations, and been on the front lines of social change throughout US history. 

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Listen and learn

Journey into our state’s past with the new podcast from the Minnesota Historical Society.

Welcome to the Minnesota Historical Society

History shapes, inspires, and informs the present. We strive to bring forward, share, and preserve the diverse histories that make up Minnesota’s complex past. Experience Minnesota history through our network of historic sites, museums, and exhibitions, our extensive collections and research, and our thought-provoking educational programming. Join us! Cultivate your curiosity and experience powerful engagements with history today.
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    Get out and explore MNHS historic sites and museums around Minnesota.
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    Fife players in historic costume.
    View all MNHS programs and events.
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    Leather drawstring bag decorated with floral beadwork.
    Search a wealth of records and images from MNHS collections.
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    Delve into essential research tools, materials, and services.
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    Three teenagers sit at a table looking at papers and writing notes.
    Learn about field trips, the Northern Lights textbook, primary sources, and more.
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    MNHS preserves and protects the objects, documents, and places that make Minnesota home.
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    Following my spirit home book.
    MNHS Press is a leading publisher of books on the history and culture of Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.
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    Hotdish hot pads.
    Shop for books and gifts relating to the fascinating people, long history, and unique culture of Minnesota.

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Collections, stories, and more

Collections online

Search for photographs, three-dimensional and archaeological objects, artwork, oral histories, moving images, maps, and more.

Research your family history

Use our online resources and the Gale Family Library to research your past and understand the life we share today. Search our extensive database of birth and death certificates and the State Archives. 

MNopedia

Flooding in Carver County, 1965

In April 1965, the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers crested at record levels, flooding cities and towns across the Upper Midwest. The disaster was especially evident in Chaska and Carver, where the Minnesota River reached its highest-recorded local level on April 12.

MNHS Press

Record executive, producer, band manager, club DJ, booking advisor, record store manager—few people had as deep an impact on the Twin Cities alternative and indie rock scene as Peter Jesperson.

State Emblems Redesign Commission

Learn about the recently-adopted designs for a new state flag and state seal, which will go into effect on May 11, 2024. As outlined in state legislation, the Minnesota Historical Society provided administrative support to the State Emblems Redesign Commission.

Our Home, Limited Edition Product Series

MNHS is featuring Fond du Lac artist Sarah Agaton Howes of Heart Berry for this limited edition product series of clothing, mugs, bags, and stickers with traditional Ojibwe floral designs.

Upcoming

MNHS Events

Coffee Chats

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Historic Fort Snelling

Join us for a complimentary cup of coffee at this informal presentation and discussion, part of our "Coffee Chats"…

Free Thursday Nights at the History Center

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Minnesota History Center

Visit the Minnesota History Center on a Thursday night from 4 pm-8 pm, and get FREE admission and parking!

Winter Sleigh Rides

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Forest History Center

Experience winter with a horse-drawn ride.

Winter Free Admission Day

Please check the seasonal hours for each site at mnhs.org/visit.

Multiple locations

Free Admission Days are great opportunities to visit historic sites and museums at no cost to you.

Snow, Science, and Family Fun

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Forest History Center

Explore the science of snow and winter.

History Forum

The Girls Who Desegregated America’s Schools

Lectures at 11:00 am, in-person and virtual via Zoom

Minnesota History Center

A new history of school desegregation in America showing how Black girls led the fight for interracial education

Snapshot Saturdays

Preserving Historic Structures: The Lindbergh Ice House

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Charles Lindbergh House and Museum

Learn about the construction work done on the ice house in the past years.

All Ages Dance Party with DJ Sophia Eris

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Minnesota History Center

Come see the Girlhood (It's complicated) exhibit and stick around for a family friendly dance party with DJ Sophia Eris …

"Stonebreakers" Film Screening

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Minnesota History Center

Join us for a thought-provoking afternoon featuring a screening of Stonebreakers by Valerio Ciriaci.

26 locations
Unlimited history

MNHS historic sites and museums offer unique insights into Minnesota’s past and present.

Come explore the lives of lumberjacks, learn how Indigenous knowledge has shaped our history, step into the world of famous Minnesotans, or take in spectacular views!


Become a member

MNHS membership is the best way to create your very own historic adventure. Members get the best deal in history with free general admission and discounts on events, purchases, and more at our historic sites and museums for a full year.