Minnesota Historical Society

Covid-19 Update

Now open!

We're pleased to announce that the Minnesota History Center Museum is now open to visitors. Details.

Support

Help history emerge strong

Your generosity will sustain us through a difficult period and be applied toward our greatest need during the COVID-19 pandemic. To discuss making a gift, contact Jennifer Pogatchnik at Jennifer.Pogatchnik@mnhs.org.

Collections Item of the Day

Letter from Samuel Woods to Franklin Steele

In this letter dated February 17, 1851, Samuel Woods informs Franklin Steele of his current affairs and business deals. In the first paragraph of the second page he mentions that a bill to sell Fort Snelling has passed and speculates that "our expectations will be realized" to buy the fort and surrounding land. The letter predates the eventual sale of the fort by six years, suggesting that Woods and Steele possessed insider knowledge. See whole letter and transcript here: https://bit.ly/3ayXbl6

History at Home

Explore online resources

Until we can welcome you back to our sites and museums, we invite you to continue to learn about history with us online.

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Featured Exhibits

Extraordinary Women exhibit, opens March 6.

Our Home Native Minnesota exhibit now on view.

Minnesota's greatest generation exhibit now on view.

Featured Event

Wed., Feb 24, 2021, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

"Funny Thing About Minnesota . . ." Virtual Book Launch

Join us for an insiders’ look at the land of ten thousand laughs—and how Minneapolis became a hot spot for comedy.

History is Now

We are living in a historic moment. Together, Minnesotans and MNHS are capturing and sharing history in real time. Join us in creating conversations that lead to real connection, deeper reflection, new questions, and purposeful action.

History Matters

Virtual History Matters Advocacy Day

Speak up for history during Virtual History Matters Advocacy Day on Thursday, February 25. This year's legislative session will be important for funding history initiatives, including Legacy Amendment funds. Plan to visit with your legislators remotely to let them know about the important work carried out with Legacy funds.

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History Matters

Show your support for history with our exclusive History Matters gear!

Storied

Storied & more videos

Discover the stories we share. Uncover the real people behind the dates with the Storied series, then go on to explore the rest of our educational, entertaining video content.

MNHS Press

Funny Thing About Minnesota...

An insiders’ look at the land of ten thousand laughs—how Minneapolis became a hot spot for comedy. A lively look back at the wild ’80s scene and the creative legacy it wrought.

Online Exhibit

Votes for Women

On the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, find your inspiration in these stories of Minnesota women. Learn how the landmark 19th Amendment was one step in the struggle to overturn barriers to voting rights that persist to this day.