Minnesota Historical Society

Minnesota Unraveled is a new podcast that pulls on the threads of the past to reveal new perspectives and expand our knowledge of the history we share. Listen to the trailer and subscribe today to hear the first episode on November 7: mnhs.info/3AcipEW

Law Day is coming up!! Students can submit essays or creative projects based on the Law Day theme and winners will be evaluated and awarded. Check out this link for more information: mnhs.info/40ZmVRI #LawDayContest #MNStudies #MNHistory #MNLaw #MNTeachers

In 1905, St. Paul resident Fredrick McGhee was one of 32 men who began the Niagara Movement, calling for full civil liberties and a stop to racial discrimination. This movement pushed for the beginning of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

In January of 1905, Minnesota's third state capitol building opened to the public. After a fire destroyed the first capitol building and the second one was too small for the growing state government, there was a need for a larger and more fireproof building.

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is upon us! A tradition since 1886, the Winter Carnival is a celebration of our Minnesota winters. Festivities take place through February 2, with events around the city. Check out this float from the 1887 Saint Paul Winter Carnival.

Inspired by “Girlhood (It’s complicated)” now on view at the Minnesota History Center, this week’s episode of Minnesota Unraveled digs into the deep relationship between Native communities and basketball. Start listening: mnhs.info/3WtR4WN

Shake off the winter blues by heading outdoors. We invite you to join us at the Snake River Fur Post on January 25 for our Winter Frolic, a day of festivities, winter games, and history! mnhs.info/4asa1Pi

Today we recognize Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, dedicated to honoring the life and achievements of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In April of 1967, he gave a speech at the UofM St. Paul campus in front of Coffey Hall, speaking out against the Vietnam War.

Plan ahead if you are headed to downtown St. Paul this weekend! Saturday will be busy with the People’s March from St. Paul College to the Minnesota State Capitol. Please prepare for delays if you are visiting the Capitol or the Minnesota History Center.

A skating instructor and students skate at the Bloomington Ice Garden. Image: Skating instructor and students at Bloomington Ice Garden, Bloomington. Approximately 1970. Minnesota Historical Society. Saint Paul, MN.

#OnThisDay, January 14, 1938, The Hallie Q. Brown House, named for the African American civil rights advocate and suffragist, moved into its first permanent building in St. Paul. The community center was founded in 1929 to support the growing Black community of St. Paul.

This Saturday (Jan 11), we are hosting our Winter Free Admission Day. Enjoy the following historic sites and museums without cost! Please note that not all standard programming and tours will be available during free days. Register here: mnhs.info/4h5GpcO

Today, we are remembering Maude Kegg, or Naawakamigookwe (Middle of the Earth Woman), who was a renowned Ojibwe artist, writer, and cultural preservationist. Learn more about Maude Kegg and Ojibwe culture and history: mnhs.info/4j50nGu

Bringing bison back to MN - where they once roamed in the thousands - is not as easy as you might think. In this episode of Minnesota Unraveled, we dive into how the history of bison in our state holds a significance in bringing the species back home: mnhs.info/4gzYEag

Happy New Year's Eve! Check out this photo of a St. Paul New Year's Eve party from our collections. Image: Dobie, John. New Year's Even party at the home of Thomas M. McGill, 2203 Scudder, Saint Paul. 1935. Minnesota Historical Society. Saint Paul, MN.

We remember former President Jimmy Carter, who served as president from 1977 to 1981. Carter, along with his vice president Walter Mondale, are pictured in these commemorative inauguration envelopes from 1977 in our Collections.

Happy Hanukkah! This year, Hanukkah is celebrated from December 25 to January 2. On each night, one additional candle is lit on the menorah, until all eight candles are lit on the final night as depicted in this photograph from 1943.

Happy Kwanzaa! Today is the first day of Kwanzaa, an annual seven-day celebration of Black culture. Rose McGee, author of the MNHS Press children’s picture book “Can’t Nobody Make a Sweet Potato Pie Like Our Mama!” calls the sweet potato pie “the sacred dessert of Black culture.”

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the North Shore! Santa made a visit to @splitrocklighthouse earlier this month in our Santa at the Lighthouse event.

Thrilled be your host! Check out our first few episodes on muralismo, fallout shelters, better baby contests, and bison!

Dayton's, with their unique window displays, brought holiday joy to the city of Minneapolis. George Dayton, the department store owner, aimed to forge a bond between his store and the people of Minneapolis. We're looking back at several displays featured in the MNHS Collections.