Fall in Love with History Across the Twin Cities

ST. PAUL, Minn (September 26, 2024) – Fall is here, and there's no better way to get into the spirit of the season than by visiting the Minnesota Historical Society’s historic sites and museums across the Twin Cities. Many educational and entertaining activities and tours will be offered in the coming months. Events are being added all of the time, so stay up-to-date by keeping an eye on the events calendar.

Minnesota History Center, St. Paul

Girlhood (It's complicated) Musical Showcase, October 10

Enjoy a music recital highlighting the talent of girls throughout the Twin Cities and beyond. Come early to see the new Girlhood (It’s complicated), exhibit and stay to listen to several young talented musicians. This is a free event.

Twin Cities Hip Hop Day: A Conversation on Tradition, October 12

Join us for a community-led presentation and panel discussion featuring local Twin Cities hip-hop practitioners, facilitated by DJ Stage One. This event will focus on documenting and establishing a tradition for the Twin Cities hip-hop scene. This is a free event; pre-register to ensure your seat.

The Brothers of Rondo Premier Film Screening, October 13

The Brothers of Rondo chronicles the life stories of four men who grew up in the Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul, enrolled at Minnesota State University Moorhead, and went on to become leaders in their respective areas of work and study. Their stories demonstrate the importance of Black culture and community, and how the Rondo neighborhood -- and its destruction for the construction of I-94 -- were instrumental in laying a foundation of resilience in their lives. The event will include a film screening and panel discussion. This is a free event; pre-register to ensure your seat.

Girlhood (It's complicated) Book Club, October 17 

Calling all girls ages 8-12! The Minnesota History Center has partnered with the St. Paul Library to host a book club featuring Minnesota authors who write books about girls. The first featured book is Meet Me Halfway by Anika Farjado. This is a free event. Registration is required.

"Duluth for Mandela: A Northland Celebration" Film Screening, October 27

Join us for the Twin Cities premiere of Duluth for Mandela: A Northland Celebration at the Minnesota History Center, showcasing how Duluth honored Nelson Mandela’s centenary with music, art, and dance. After the film, producer/director Gerri Williams and Inclusion Specialist for St. Louis County Carl Crawford will participate in a panel discussion. This is a free event; pre-register to ensure your seat.

Don’t forget to visit the Minnesota History Center for Free Thursday Nights! Admission and parking is completely free every Thursday from 4pm-8pm. 

Historic Fort Snelling, St. Paul

MEA Days: Create Your Fort Experiences, October 17 and 18

Bring the family to Historic Fort Snelling during MEA days for a personalized adventure across our 22-acre site. Enjoy hands-on activities and visit the numerous buildings and exhibits at Historic Fort Snelling. This event is included with regular site admission. 

Fort by Firelight,  October 19, 26, and November 2

Experience this unique opportunity to visit the Historic Fort Snelling at night. Visit the barracks and take a look inside the Officers Quarters to see how the soldiers and officers would spend their evenings by firelight. Tickets are $24 per person, $20 for MNHS members.

Lifelong Learners: Hearth & Home, November 14

Enjoy a cup of coffee while we discuss the stories of those who lived in the early years of Fort Snelling. Visualize daily life in the early 19th century with the help of a presentation and objects that help paint a picture of the lives of the first Fort Snelling members. This event is included with regular site admission.

Explore Historic Fort Snelling with a tour on wheels! You can choose between History on Two Wheels: Inside Historic Fort Snelling and History a la Golf Cart Tour this fall.

Mill City Museum, Minneapolis

Disasters on the Riverfront Walking Tour, September 29

Explore the consequences of industrializing the Mississippi Riverfront, from accidents to environmental impacts. This two-mile walk features stops where we will discuss the industrialization and transformation of the area into a major flour milling hub. $20 per person; MNHS members save 20%

"Rising from the Ruins" Projection Performance, October 3, 4, and 5

Local artist Paul Herwig presents Rising from the Ruins, a projection performance set at the Mill City Museum Ruin Courtyard under the stars. This graphic novel-inspired journey features visuals and live music by local composer Ben Siems and Belgian artist Dirk Opstaele. Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at the door; MNHS members save 20%.

Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul

Shadows & Spirits of the State Capitol, October 17-19, 24-26

Enjoy a one-hour guided tour of the restored State Capitol through the shadowy rotunda, hallways, and chambers lit with the original early 1900s lighting. Along the way, visitors encounter historical “spirits” who tell stories of the Capitol’s past. Tickets run from $11 - $15.

Oliver Kelley Farm, Elk River

Prairie Sugar Day- September 28

Help our farmers harvest, press, and turn sorghum into syrup and try a sweet treat made with this unique sweetener. Learn the history of sorghum and how it replaced sugar during the Civil War Years. This event is included with regular site admission.

Harvest Days, October 17-19

Join us for the final days of the harvest during this three-day period at Oliver Kelley Farm. Help finish up the field work, retire the produce to the root cellar, and craft corn husk dolls. This event is included with regular site admission.

Halloween on the Farm, October 26

Dress up and take a trip out to visit Oliver Kelley Farm for a one-of-a-kind Halloween experience. Partake in family-friendly activities such as chicken jack o’ lantern carving, trick-or-treating, seasonal treats, and more. This event is included with regular site admission.

Alexander Ramsey House, St. Paul

Ramsey After Dark, October 11 and 25, November 8 and 22

Explore the hidden secrets of Victorian society in an evening tour. Topics change monthly. Tours last 75 minutes and are recommended for ages 18+. Cost is $18-$20.

Sibley Historic Site, Mendota

Fall River Walk Tour, October 5th

Enjoy a walk along the river and observe the environment. Hear stories of those who have traveled by river and learn how nature and humans can change the water and land that you will explore. Tickets are $15 or $10 for MNHS members, Dakota County Historical Society members, and Friends of Sibley Site members.

The Montreal Fur Trade and George Bonga of 1837, October 18

Join the Dakota County Historical Society and the Sibley Historic Site for Mendota After Hours: "The Montreal Fur Trade and George Bonga of 1837," featuring Joel Brown’s presentation on George Bonga, a mixed-race fur trader who connected multiple cultures during the fur trade era. Joel Brown, a cultural history interpreter with a focus on WWII and fur trade history, will discuss the Montreal Fur Trade and the Bongas' role in Caribbean and Northwest Territory history. Tickets are $20 or $15 for MNHS members, Dakota County Historical Society members, and Friends of Sibley Site members.

Mendota True Crime Walking Tour, October 25 and 26

Discover Mendota’s dark history of mysterious murders, robberies, and illegal activities on the Mendota True Crime Walking Tour at the Sibley Site. Tickets are $12 or $10 for MNHS members, Dakota County Historical Society members, and Friends of Sibley Site members.

It Took Courage: Eliza Winston's Quest for Freedom, November 15

Join the Dakota County Historical Society and the Sibley Historic Site For November’s Mendota After Hours: “It Took Courage: Eliza Winston’s Quest for Freedom.” Author Christopher Lehman will lead a discussion about Eliza's remarkable story and her 42-year struggle to gain freedom. Tickets are $20 or $15 for MNHS members, Dakota County Historical Society members, and Friends of Sibley Site members.

Funding for several events is provided by the State of Minnesota's Legacy Amendment, through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008, and our generous donors and members.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs, and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories, and connects people with history.

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