August has been unusually hot this year, to the point that the impact of “corn sweat” on humidity levels in Minnesota has been discussed on the porch and backyard on more than one occasion. The heat has given me the opportunity to catch up on good conversations, experiment with making…
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I can’t believe it’s been five years. When asked to reflect on my experience writing the first iteration of “Peggy Flanagan: Lieutenant Governor,” and my thoughts about its newest form, I realized it had been a half decade since this creation took life. Time seems to go by a lot faster the older you get.
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Summer has arrived in Minnesota and like most of you, we are attempting to make the most of the warm weather by keeping ourselves busy. We were so fortunate to have so many wonderful speakers, chefs, artists, and partners for our recent Juneteenth programming. The enthusiastic response to our…
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Since 1993, the small town of New York Mills has held “The Great American Think-off” (GATO). It is an annual philosophy essay contest and debate. I have been aware of it’s existence since thestart. I was amused that one of the early finalists thought they’d won a trip to New…
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2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the first Southeast Asian settling in Minnesota, making it home. It also marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Wars in Southeast Asia. The 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War or the American War in Vietnam. It’s also the…
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Welcome to June, the best time of year to live in Minnesota and the countdown to when we get to celebrate Juneteenth. We have been very busy planning events and programs, and would love to see you at one of our amazing offerings this year – there’s something for everyone.
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Last Friday, President Trump submitted his budget to Congress for the next federal fiscal year. The Administration’s budget calls for the elimination of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The rationale for eliminating NEH was that its work was unnecessary.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month and spotlights the consciousness needed on mental health and diagnosable conditions and disorders, while promoting support for anyone and everyone. We all deserve good mental health, so it’s also a reminder to embrace the importance of caring for ourselves and one another no matter what challenges we face.
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If someone asks why write? my answer is: it’s the poet’s job to discover the metaphors with which the universe speaks to us. It’s her job to make life, and the heaviness that comes with it, accessible. A bonus is that sometimes this discovery is therapy. To work through a…
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As Chair of the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC), I’ve seen firsthand the power of the humanities to bring people together. That’s why the recent actions by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are so concerning.
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