Mission, Vision, Values & Strategic Priorities

Our Mission

We serve all the people of Minnesota by creating powerful engagement with history to cultivate curiosity and foster a more inclusive, empathetic, and informed society.

Our Vision

The people of Minnesota will be grounded in their personal, community, and state history. They will understand how history shapes, inspires, and informs the present.  As a result they will be better citizens of their communities, their state, their country, and the world.

Strategic Imperatives

Transforming Access

Transform our programs and services to better leverage and incorporate technology, creating innovative technological programs that blend onsite and online experiences to engage existing audiences in more meaningful ways, attract new audiences, and remove barriers to accessing MNHS content and programming.

Reenvisioning Space

Push history to all corners of Minnesota, beyond the confines of our existing properties.

Expanding Authority and Expertise

Partner with communities and organizations to seek, acknowledge, elevate, and share hidden histories, diverse stories, and non-traditional expertise.

Creating a Sustainable Future

Build out and support the infrastructure needed to achieve programmatic objectives in alignment with our financial and human resources.

Our Mission Delivery

The Minnesota Historical Society is a dynamic and widely recognized educational organization that is a trusted resource for history. It is highly valued for its historical resources, educational impact, service, advocacy and leadership:

  • As a service-oriented and accessible repository of state archival, documentary, photographic, archaeological, and museum collections, and a center for research.
  • As an effective leader of and partner in educational initiatives and learning opportunities for all Minnesotans.
  • As the state’s premier presenter of history exhibitions and programs.
  • As the preserver and presenter of a compelling network of historic sites that make history meaningful for visitors and are supported by their local communities.
  • As a leading publisher of content about Minnesota and its history in traditional and digital media for a variety of audiences.
  • As a partner in expanding historic preservation and in providing professional field services, increasing the capacity of history and heritage organizations statewide.

Our Values

The Minnesota Historical Society exists to serve all the people of Minnesota. We hold ourselves to these shared values in our service:

Curiosity

We continuously pursue a deeper understanding of the past, search for additional evidence, and encourage dialogue and discovery.

Inclusion

We foster a sense of belonging by meeting constituents where they are, elevating underrepresented voices from the past, and leading with humility.  

Integrity

We engage in the historical process according to the professional principles of research, scholarship, and interpretation.

Stewardship

We care for the resources that have been entrusted to us responsibly and ethically to ensure preservation for future generations.