Explore

Listen and learn

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

Celebrate

Black History, Black Voices

Deepen your understanding of Black history and the contributions Black Americans have made to Minnesota.

Minnesota State Capitol

History Matters Day at the Capitol

Connect with your state legislators to speak up or history!

Explore

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. 

Explore

Listen and learn

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

Celebrate

Black History, Black Voices

Deepen your understanding of Black history and the contributions Black Americans have made to Minnesota.

Black History, Black VoicesHistory Matters Day at the CapitolThe 2024/2025 History ForumGirlhood (It's complicated)Listen and learn

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.

Explore

Collections, stories, and more

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.

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.

Collections online

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

Upcoming

MNHS Events

Millers' Tour

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Mill City Museum

Tour the National Historic Landmark Washburn A Mill Complex, the home of Mill City Museum.

KINTSUKUROI: Twin Cities Premiere Film Screening

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Minnesota History Center

Join us for the film screening premiere of KINTSUKUROI by Ikeibi Films.

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!

"That’s the Last Straw" Film Screening

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Minnesota History Center

Join us for a screening of That’s the Last Straw followed by a conversation with digital media archivist Joseph Larsen.

Sensory Friendly Morning at the Minnesota History Center

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Minnesota History Center

Join us at the Minnesota History Center to explore the Girlhood, (It’s complicated) exhibit and participate in a make-and-take…

History Forum

Citizens of a Stolen Land: A Conversation of Ho-Chunk History & Survivance

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

Minnesota History Center

Learn how the Ho-Chunk have been central to Civil War-era history and the upper Midwest, past and present

Early 19th Century Social Dance and Live Music

Two sessions starting at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm

Historic Fort Snelling

Learn the Mad Robin, a longways country dance!

Winter Sleigh Rides

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Forest History Center

Experience winter with a horse-drawn ride.

Winter Lecture Series: After the Burn

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Forest History Center

Beauty and Renewal on Isle Royale

Millers' Tour

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Mill City Museum

Tour the National Historic Landmark Washburn A Mill Complex, the home of Mill City Museum.

KINTSUKUROI: Twin Cities Premiere Film Screening

-
Minnesota History Center

Join us for the film screening premiere of KINTSUKUROI by Ikeibi Films.

Free Thursday Nights at the History Center

-
Minnesota History Center

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

"That’s the Last Straw" Film Screening

-
Minnesota History Center

Join us for a screening of That’s the Last Straw followed by a conversation with digital media archivist Joseph Larsen.

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.