Enjoy Springtime with the Minnesota Historical Society

ST. PAUL, Minn (March 28, 2025) – Tours, teas, and histories headline a spring full of programming at the Minnesota Historical Society's network of historic sites and museums! Be sure to mark April 26 on the calendar as Spring Free Admission Day, where visitors can access history free of cost. New events are being added all the time, so check out the events calendar for updates.

Maple, Music, & Phenology, Forest History Center, March 29

Experience traditional maple syrup with live music, nature hikes, and demonstrations on tapping trees and boiling sap. Enjoy the sounds of the past around the fire, and feel free to join in with your instrument, regardless of skill level. While waiting for the sap to boil, explore the woods on a guided hike and observe seasonal changes while seeing our draft horses in action.

Winter Lecture Series: Paul Bunyan's Footprints, Forest History Center, March 29

Discover the surprising number of Paul Bunyan statues in Minnesota and their role in shaping inaccurate narratives about Native Americans, loggers, and US history. Johnathon Jaeger will present his research on the iconic figures of Paul and Babe in public spaces, exploring their symbolic history and impact, followed by a Q&A. Jaeger, a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, specializes in historical identity, museum collections management, and public history.

Millers' Tour, Mill City Museum, March 30, April 6, 19

A tour of the Mill City Museum unlike what we usually see. Get a unique glimpse of the Washburn A Mill Complex through a flour-focused tour and learn about the lives of those who worked there. See all the nooks and crannies and all the museum has to offer. 

Exploration of Black Girlhood, Minnesota History Center, April 5

Dr. Lashon Daley, director of the National Center for Children's Literature hosts a talk on representations of Black girlhood in children's literature. Daley will explore how African American middle-grade and young adult authors portray Black girls as influential figures in the Black Lives Matter movement.

Photography & Art at the Rock, Split Rock Lighthouse, April 5

Every month, Split Rock Lighthouse displays different artists' work to showcase the landscape and wildlife photographers in the area. With a different artist every month, new perspectives and views of the lighthouse, the waters, the trees, and the wildlife are to be enjoyed. Thomas Anderson is April's Featured Photographer and will be on site April 5. The exhibits are included with the regular site admission to Split Rock. 

Peregrines of the North Shore, Split Rock Lighthouse, April 5

Join peregrine falcon researcher Jackie Fallon and her live birds for an up-close look at a peregrine falcon and other falcon species. Learn about the wildly successful recovery program that brought these fantastic predators back from the brink of extinction. Make sure to bring a camera!

100th Anniversary Reading of the Great Gatsby, Minnesota History Center, April 10

Join MNHS and the Friends of the St. Paul Library for a live reading of The Great Gatsby precisely 100 years after its publication. You can drop in for a page, a chapter, or the whole book. 

Minnesota Labor History Tour, Mill City Museum, April 12

Discover Minnesota's dramatic history of work and labor on this guided tour at Mill City Museum. Learn about workers' struggles and activism, including key events like the 1903 and 1917 flour milling strikes and the Truckers Strike of 1934, while exploring how labor was shaped by race, class, and gender. The tour, set in the historic Washburn A Mill, is best for ages 15 and up and includes up to 1 mile of moderately paced walking on uneven surfaces.

Asian American Histories of the United States, Minnesota History Center, April 12

Award-winning historian Catherine Ceniza Choy's Asian American Histories of the United States offers a nearly 200-year history of Asian migration, labor, and community formation in the United States. The book amplifies the voices and experiences of immigrants, refugees, US-born Asian Americans, and workers across various industries, highlighting both breakthroughs and the lack of understanding of Asian American history in American culture. 

Author Event: Brian Leehan, author of "Pale Horse at Plum Run," Historic Fort Snelling, April 12

Brian Leehan, author of Pale Horse at Plum Run, discusses the First Minnesota's pivotal role in the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. The First Minnesota's heroic stand against a Confederate assault resulted in nearly 70% of the regiment dead or dying, marking one of the most significant losses of any unit in the conflict. Leehan's Minnesota Book Award-winning work offers a detailed and meticulously researched account of this moment in history, with copies available for purchase and signing at the event.

David Thompson and the Night Sky, Snake River Fur Post, April 12

A discussion about David Thompson (1770–1857), a Canadian fur trader, explorer, and the "greatest land geographer ever lived," known for mapping 1.9 million square miles across North America. Learn about his extraordinary journeys, his use of celestial navigation, and the navigational techniques he employed to create accurate maps of western Canada and the northern US. After the discussion, weather permitting, enjoy a live planetarium show outside the Fur Post, where you can observe constellations and celestial objects through a telescope guided by astronomer Rich Schuler.

Minnesota Jazz Legends, Minnesota History Center, April 13

Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with a live music event honoring Minnesota's jazz legends, hosted by Jazz88's Patty Peterson, an award-winning vocalist. In partnership with Jazz88, the Minnesota History Center, and the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, Minnesota Jazz Legends will recognize the Twin Cities jazz scene pioneers with live performances and conversations. This special event celebrates four honorees: drummer Jay Epstein, pianist and Walker West Music Academy founder Grant West, Dixieland trombonist Art Katzman, and the late jazz vocalist Debbie Duncan.

Home Club Author Event, Mill City Museum, April 17

Celebrate the release of Home Club: Up-and-Comers and Comebacks at Acme Comedy Company with an evening of comedy and conversation. Hear the story of how Louis Lee, a Chinese immigrant, turned a small, struggling comedy club into a Minneapolis landmark that has launched careers and made headlines. 

Vanishing Landmarks at Sibley, Sibley Historic Site, April 18

Photographer and storyteller Doug Ohman takes us on a journey through Minnesota's back roads and small towns, sharing stories of historic buildings that are rapidly disappearing. With over 30 years of experience capturing the state's architecture and landscapes, Doug's work has been featured in books, magazines, and PBS programs, including Landmarks- Keeping History Alive. 

Breaking Barriers Thru-Paddling, Minnesota History Center, April 19

Educator and outdoor adventure guide Cory Maria Dack shares her incredible experience thru-paddling the Mississippi River from source to sea. An Indigenous Latina, Dack’s adventure highlights the need to bridge equity gaps in the outdoors for women of color. In this presentation, she will share stories from her journey, what she learned, and why decolonizing through paddling is essential to her. 

Mending 101 with Curiosity Studio, Minnesota History Center, April 24

Attend a workshop on how the items in your closet impact our planet and learn ways to help your clothes last longer. Discover valuable tips and stitches for repairing woven garments, with multiple demonstrations and time in between for practice and consultation. Participants are welcome to bring a garment for specific advice, and they can also make a patch to take home as a reminder of mending techniques. 

Minnesota State Band Spring Concert, Minnesota History Center, April 26

The Minnesota State Band holds their annual spring concert, "Past and Present." The program will include selections from the Band's repertoire from 100 years ago, the premiere of a brand new composition, and music from their "Mostly Marches and Overtures" winter tour. Don't miss another varied and entertaining program from the talented musicians of the Minnesota State Band, conducted by Keith Liuzzi and Evan Varns.

Back in the Saddle 3- Day trail Workshop, Historic Forestville, May 2- 4

Riders interested in enhancing their trail riding skills and managing obstacles will enjoy the "Back in the Saddle" workshop at Historic Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park. The workshop will include stationary instruction in a round pen and practical lessons on the park's trails. 

Season's Eatings: Spring, Mill City Museum, May 4

Strawberries, whipped cream, and shortcake—oh my! Join Mill City Museum staff in the Baking Lab for a delightful discussion on springtime in Minnesota and favorite seasonal recipes. Visitors can sample a strawberry shortcake recipe from The Gilded Age Cookbook by Becky Libourel Diamond. 

Warbler Walks, Forest History Center, May 7-31

Join Forest History Center staff for "Warbler Walks" during spring migration in Grand Rapids on Wednesdays and Saturdays in May. Bring your binoculars and field guides to enjoy informal walks along the trails, discovering returning birds suitable for birders of any skill level. Dress for the weather, as walks will take place rain or shine.

Springtime on the Farm, Oliver Kelley Farm, May 10

Get into the swing of Spring at Oliver Kelley Farm! Our friends from the Sherburne County Master Gardeners will host their annual plant sale in the Visitor Center, and the Historic Farm will be open for exploration. We’ll also celebrate moms on this Mother’s Day weekend, because moms get in free! 

Early 19th Century Social Dance and Live Music, Historic Fort Snelling, May 10

Bring your eagerness to learn and enthusiasm for dance to an unforgettable evening at Historic Fort Snelling! Join us for an evening of socializing and learning a longways country dance called the Mad Robin similar to those common at early 19th century social gatherings. We'll also try a dance called Mr. Beveridge's Maggot (but no actual maggots here)! Dancers will be accompanied by members of the Historic Fort Snelling Fifes and Drums.

Camp Savage and the Birth of US Military Language Intelligence: One Soldier's Story at Sibley, Sibley Historic Site, May 16

Dr. Karen Lucas gives a fascinating presentation about Minnesota's key role in the early development of US Military Language Intelligence during WWII. Dr. Lucas will share the experiences of her father, Walter Tanaka, as part of the first class at Camp Savage, where 6,000 Japanese linguists were trained, many of whom were Americans of Japanese descent. 

Jewish Girlhood in Minnesota Conversation, Minnesota History Center, May 22

Robin Doroshow of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest and Kate Dietrick of the Upper Midwest Jewish Archives at the University of Minnesota Libraries hold a conversation about the history of Jewish sororities, exploring both the necessity and the social fun they provide. 

Yoga in the Meadow, Historic Forestville, Beginning May 24

Join Lydia Lazzara from LL Coaching for a unique yoga practice combining Hatha and Kundalini styles to nurture strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Open to all experience levels and body types, the class requires the ability to get down to and up from the mat. A class fee includes daily admission to the historic site, valid during regular hours (10 am–4 pm).

Archival Footage Bingo, Minnesota History Center, May 29

A fun-filled night of archival footage and bingo, where we'll replace the bingo ball cage with a reel of gems from our MNHS collections! Enjoy short films, home videos, local news segments, and quirky clips from Minnesota's past that you won't see anywhere else. 

Book Event: Enmity and Empathy, Historic Fort Snelling, May 31

Celebrate the release of Enmity and Empathy: Japanese Americans in Minnesota During World War II with a panel discussion featuring author Ka Wong, Ms. Sally Sudo, and Dr. Karen Tanaka Lucas, followed by an audience Q&A. Dr. Wong's book, drawing on personal interviews and archival research, explores the struggles and triumphs of Japanese Americans who relocated to Minnesota during WWII. Join us at the event to learn more about these remarkable individuals and the history of Fort Snelling, where many of them trained, with copies of the book available for purchase and signing.

Funding for free admission and several events is made possible through the State of Minnesota's Legacy Amendment, voted on by Minnesotans on November 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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