St. Paul - Teaching Bdote Educator Workshop
2026-03-07 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
The Teaching Bdote Educator Workshop is designed for educators who have attended or plan to attend Learning from Place: Bdote and are preparing to incorporate the experience into their classroom or to lead their own classroom field trip. Whether you are looking for a refresher or preparing for your first teacher-led trip, this workshop will provide the guidance, resources, and confidence you need.
Offered in collaboration with Saint Paul Public Schools, this interactive, in-person session supports educators in aligning Bdote field trips with the 2021 Minnesota Social Studies Standards and the inquiry-based model of learning. Participants will also receive an overview of newly developed Bdote lesson plans, including a closer look at one lesson that is nearing completion and explicitly aligned to the standards. These lessons are designed to support classroom learning before and after a Bdote field trip.
The workshop will be facilitated by Saint Paul Public Schools and Minnesota Humanities Center staff and will address common questions and anxieties that non-Indigenous educators may experience when teaching Dakota history, grounding the work in Dakota voices and perspectives.
Ramona Kitto Stately (Santee Dakota) will share Dakota perspectives and guidance on teaching Dakota history with care. Participant reflections from classroom educators who have recently led Bdote field trips will be shared through short video segments from a previous Teaching Bdote session, offering candid insights and practical guidance grounded in real classroom experience.
Participants will:

Learn from recorded reflections and practical guidance from classroom educators on teaching Bdote, preparing students, and leading field trips.
Learn from Dakota perspectives on centering Indigenous knowledge and place-based histories.
Explore new and emerging Bdote lesson plans aligned to Minnesota Social Studies Standards.
Access resources and lesson materials to support both classroom learning and field trip planning.

Intended Audience: While all are welcome, this workshop is especially geared toward teachers in grades 4–7.
K-12 educators will receive 3 clock hours upon completion of the workshop.
Continental Breakfast will be provided.
Registration
Saint Paul Public School teachers: Register using discount code SPPS26 to waive the fee.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | Cancellation Policy
Register Now

Sartell - Social Studies Standards Workshop: 6-12 Educators and Leaders
2026-03-17 09:00 - 15:00 | Resource Training & Solution, 137 23rd Street S, Sartell, 56377, United States
We invite 6-12 teachers and school leaders to a one-day Social Studies workshop. Participants will engage in a structured examination of the 2021 social studies standards, focusing on key content shifts, vertical alignment across grade levels, and their impact on curriculum design. Throughout the workshop, collaborative teams will strengthen their understanding of high-quality instructional practices and the instructional shifts needed to support student learning.
This workshop is a collaboration between Resource Training and Solutions and the Minnesota Humanities Center, and will also feature Brittany Rawson-Haeg, Social Studies Content Lead for the Minnesota Department of Education.
Grade 6-12 educators will receive 5.25 clock hours upon completion the session.
Registration
Registration for this event is managed by Resource Training Solutions. Registration fee includes lunch. Registration closes Friday, March 13, 2026.
Registration Questions: info@resourcecoop-mn.gov
Register Now

Prior Lake - 41st Annual Minnesota Indian Education Association Conference
2026-03-18 08:00 - 2026-03-20 17:00 | Mystic Lake Center, 2400 Mystic Lake Boulevard NW, Prior Lake, MN, 55372, United States
The Minnesota Humanities Center will be at the annual Minnesota Indian Education Association (MIEA) Conference this year – stop by our table to connect with us, explore educator resources, and learn more about our work with educators.
You can also find us co-presenting at the following sessions:

Drop Everything and Read Indigenous with the Native American Lives Series
Story, Place, and Identity: An Educator Guide to Native Artists Featured in the Native American Lives Series
From Bdote to the Classroom: Teaching Dakota History through Place-Based Learning

About MIEA
The primary goal of MIEA is to create and uphold a robust communication network while fostering quality education and unity among American Indians. This objective serves to ensure the continuous flow of information and heightened awareness regarding both local and statewide educational endeavors. Specifically, MIEA is dedicated to persistent awareness and proactive efforts that cater to the distinct educational and culturally specific needs of American Indian students across the state. Through these concerted actions, MIEA aims to significantly contribute to the educational and cultural enrichment of American Indian communities.
Registration
The full MIEA Conference runs from March 18-20. Registration and payment through MIEA for the full conference are required to attend.
Registration Questions: info@minnesotaindianeducation.org
Register Now

Online Pedagogy Session – Era Seven: U.S. and the World
2026-03-19 16:00 - 17:30 | Online
Investigate how World War II, the Cold War, and global migrations transformed U.S. society and its role on the international stage. Using content and sources from Dr. Katharine Gerbner, Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Social Studies Specialist Brittany Rawson-Haeg and experienced classroom educators will lead this hands-on workshop supporting high school U.S. History teachers in designing inquiry-based, standards-aligned units.
All Pedagogy Sessions will be conducted via Zoom. Educators who participate in all Pedagogy Sessions will leave the year with a complete U.S. History course aligned to the new standards.
Educators are invited to participate in companion Content Sessions.
Registration
Pedagogy Sessions are designed for high school U.S. History teachers and may also be relevant for 5th and 7th grade educators. Educators are welcome to register for individual sessions that align with their interests and schedules. Join us for one or more sessions throughout the year.
This event is free but registration is required. Separate registration is required for each offering.
Registration Questions: Brittany.Rawson-Haeg@state.mn.us
Register Now
This offering is part of Navigating the U.S. History Eras: Content, Pedagogy, and Inquiry in the Classroom is a yearlong professional learning opportunity supporting implementation of Minnesota’s 2021 K–12 Academic Standards in Social Studies presented by MHC and MDE.

Online - Repeatable Routines: Building Formative Tasks for Social Studies, Session Three
2026-03-25 07:30 - 08:30 | https://www.mnhum.org/event/online-repeatable-routines-building-formative-tasks-for-social-studies-session-three/
Conclude the formative task series with a focus on sustainability. Participants will learn how to embed formative assessment routines into their teaching practice for long-term impact.
The Minnesota Department of Education, in partnership with the Minnesota Humanities Center, will host virtual and in-person sessions to support planning for and implementation of the 2021 K-12 Academic Standards in Social Studies, held monthly during the 2025–26 school year. These sessions are open to anyone with building or district-level responsibilities for curriculum planning and development in all social studies content areas, including curriculum directors, department leads, and teachers. Pre-registration is required for in-person sessions.
Virtual sessions will have content similar to in-person sessions, and whenever possible will feature the same speakers.
In-person sessions will be an hour longer than virtual sessions and will allow time for supported collaborative work and networking.
While districts are encouraged to have a representative at each monthly session, either in-person or virtual, participants do not need to commit to attending all nine sessions. Participants are also welcome to attend either session type throughout the year, as is best suited to their needs and schedule.
K-12 educators will receive 1 clock hour.
Registration
Registration Questions: brittany.rawson-haeg@state.mn.us
Register Now

Minneapolis - Repeatable Routines: Building Formative Tasks for Social Studies, Session Three
2026-03-26 09:00 - 11:00 | Minnesota Department of Education, 400 NE Stinson Blvd, Minneapolis, MN, 55413, United States
Conclude the formative task series with a focus on sustainability. Participants will learn how to embed formative assessment routines into their teaching practice for long-term impact.
The Minnesota Department of Education, in partnership with the Minnesota Humanities Center, will host virtual and in-person sessions to support planning for and implementation of the 2021 K-12 Academic Standards in Social Studies, held monthly during the 2025–26 school year. These sessions are open to anyone with building or district-level responsibilities for curriculum planning and development in all social studies content areas, including curriculum directors, department leads, and teachers. Pre-registration is required for in-person sessions.
Virtual sessions will have content similar to in-person sessions, and whenever possible will feature the same speakers.
In-person sessions will be an hour longer than virtual sessions and will allow time for supported collaborative work and networking.
While districts are encouraged to have a representative at each monthly session, either in-person or virtual, participants do not need to commit to attending all nine sessions. Participants are also welcome to attend either session type throughout the year, as is best suited to their needs and schedule.
K-12 educators will receive 2 clock hours.
Registration
Registration Questions: brittany.rawson-haeg@state.mn.us
Register Now

Online Content Session – Era Eight: Civil Rights Struggles
2026-04-02 16:00 - 17:30 | Online
Go beyond the 1960s to explore long civil rights movements, from the Great Migration to Black Power, and their relevance for students today. Led by Dr. Yohuru Williams and moderated by Dr. Katharine Gerbner, this session will provide deep historical context, source analysis, and thematic framing.

View Dr. Yohuru Williams’s Bio

Dr. Yohuru Williams is a Distinguished University Chair, Professor and the Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas. A noted scholar of the civil rights and black power movements, an education activist and frequent national commentator, he is an important voice on the topics of race and social justice.

Dr. Williams holds a joint appointment in the Department of History and the School of Law. As a Distinguished University Chair, he helps the university address equity and justice topics that are outside any one school or college and separate from the internal-facing portfolio of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Dr. Williams collaborates with people across the university already engaged in community work in order to leverage the full intellectual capacity of St. Thomas to be of even greater service to the community.

All Content Sessions will be conducted via Zoom and a Minnesota Department of Education (MDE)-hosted Canvas learning community. Each session’s lectures and discussions will be recorded and registered participants will receive access to the Canvas course with session recordings, curated resources, and collaborative planning tools.

High school U.S. History teachers and 5th and 7th grade educators are invited to participate in companion Pedagogy Sessions.

Registration
Content Sessions are open to all K–12 educators interested in historical content and source-based instruction. Educators are welcome to register for individual sessions that align with their interests and schedules. Join us for one or more sessions throughout the year.

This event is free but registration is required. Separate registration is required for each offering.

Registration Questions: Brittany.Rawson-Haeg@state.mn.us

Register Now

This offering is part of Navigating the U.S. History Eras: Content, Pedagogy, and Inquiry in the Classroom is a yearlong professional learning opportunity supporting implementation of Minnesota’s 2021 K–12 Academic Standards in Social Studies presented by MHC and MDE.

Online - From Page to Practice: The Native American Lives Series in the Classroom
2026-04-08 07:30 - 08:30 | https://www.mnhum.org/event/online-from-page-to-practice-the-native-american-lives-series-in-the-classroom/
Join us for an introductory professional development session on the Native American Lives Series—a vibrant new collection of biographies designed to support grades 1–8 educators in bringing Indigenous voices, histories, and perspectives into the classroom. This session will introduce the three newest titles in the series, “George Morrison: Modern Artist,” “Sharon Day: Water Walker,” and “Marie Louise Bottineau Baldwin: Political Pathfinder.” Developed with Native authors, illustrators, and editors, these books provide culturally grounded content that supports both literacy development and inclusive social studies instruction.
Educators will:

Gain an overview of the entire series
Learn about integrating indigenous content with current academic standards
Learn about classroom ready resources and educator guides
Receive 1 clock hour

Registration
This event is free, however registration is required.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

St. Paul - IFest: International Festival of Minnesota
2026-04-10 - 2026-04-11 | Saint Paul RiverCentre, 175 Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN, 55102, United States
After a multi-year hiatus, a cherished cultural tradition is coming back with new life, new leadership, and renewed purpose. The International Festival of Minnesota (IFest) will bring together representatives from more than 70 nations and ethnic communities to celebrate the vibrant diversity of Minnesota and the world.
With an expected 20,000 attendees, including 7,000 students, the festival will offer immersive experiences in global cuisine, music, dance, artisan crafts, storytelling, and cultural demonstrations.

The Minnesota Humanities Center is proud to serve as the Official Education & Community Learning Partner for IFest. We have developed accessible and meaningful resources for educators and students to go deeper into the important mission of IFest and strengthen their cultural knowledge and fluency. Check out our new student toolkit and stay tuned for additional resources.
Student Day: Friday, April 10 – 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Public Event: Friday, April 10 – 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 11 – 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Registration
Registration through the IFest website required.
Registration Questions: Contact IFest
Student Day Admission
Public Event Admission

Online Pedagogy Session – Era Eight: Civil Rights Struggles
2026-04-16 16:00 - 17:30 | Online
Go beyond the 1960s to explore long civil rights movements, from the Great Migration to Black Power, and their relevance for students today. Using content and sources from Dr. Yohuru Williams, Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Social Studies Specialist Brittany Rawson-Haeg and experienced classroom educators will lead this hands-on workshop supporting high school U.S. History teachers in designing inquiry-based, standards-aligned units.
All Pedagogy Sessions will be conducted via Zoom. Educators who participate in all Pedagogy Sessions will leave the year with a complete U.S. History course aligned to the new standards.
Educators are invited to participate in companion Content Sessions.
Registration
Pedagogy Sessions are designed for high school U.S. History teachers and may also be relevant for 5th and 7th grade educators. Educators are welcome to register for individual sessions that align with their interests and schedules. Join us for one or more sessions throughout the year.
This event is free but registration is required. Separate registration is required for each offering.
Registration Questions: Brittany.Rawson-Haeg@state.mn.us
Register Now
This offering is part of Navigating the U.S. History Eras: Content, Pedagogy, and Inquiry in the Classroom is a yearlong professional learning opportunity supporting implementation of Minnesota’s 2021 –12 Academic Standards in Social Studies presented by MHC and MDE.

St. Paul - Spring Metro Indian Education Gathering
2026-04-21 11:00 - 13:30 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Join us for the Spring Metro Indian Education Gathering hosted at the Minnesota Humanities Center. Anyone connected to American Indian Education and/or American Indian students is welcome to attend. Lunch will be served potluck style, with a main dish provided. Please register so we can plan accordingly and bring a side dish or dessert to share.
During this session, we will create space for small-group conversations around key topics, allowing time to connect, reflect on the year, plan for the year ahead, and identify shared needs to help inform our collective work moving forward.

About the Metro Indian Education Gathering
The Metro Indian Education Gathering is a group of urban American Indian Educators that come together on a regular basis, two times a year to share ideas and discuss challenges while celebrating successes. We create a space for networking and access to people who can help navigate the rules and regulations governing American Indian Education programs. This group has been meeting since January 2013.
Registration
This event is free, however registration is required.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Online - Taking Informed Action
2026-04-22 07:30 - 08:30 | https://www.mnhum.org/event/online-taking-informed-action/
Examine the final stage of the inquiry arc—taking informed action. This session will explore ways to empower students to apply their learning to real-world issues and civic engagement opportunities.
The Minnesota Department of Education, in partnership with the Minnesota Humanities Center, will host virtual and in-person sessions to support planning for and implementation of the 2021 K-12 Academic Standards in Social Studies, held monthly during the 2025–26 school year. These sessions are open to anyone with building or district-level responsibilities for curriculum planning and development in all social studies content areas, including curriculum directors, department leads, and teachers. Pre-registration is required for in-person sessions.
Virtual sessions will have content similar to in-person sessions, and whenever possible will feature the same speakers.
In-person sessions will be an hour longer than virtual sessions and will allow time for supported collaborative work and networking.
While districts are encouraged to have a representative at each monthly session, either in-person or virtual, participants do not need to commit to attending all nine sessions. Participants are also welcome to attend either session type throughout the year, as is best suited to their needs and schedule.
K-12 educators will receive 1 clock hour.
Registration
Registration Questions: brittany.rawson-haeg@state.mn.us
Register Now

Minneapolis - Taking Informed Action
2026-04-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Minnesota Department of Education, 400 NE Stinson Blvd, Minneapolis, MN, 55413, United States
Examine the final stage of the inquiry arc—taking informed action. This session will explore ways to empower students to apply their learning to real-world issues and civic engagement opportunities.
The Minnesota Department of Education, in partnership with the Minnesota Humanities Center, will host virtual and in-person sessions to support planning for and implementation of the 2021 K-12 Academic Standards in Social Studies, held monthly during the 2025–26 school year. These sessions are open to anyone with building or district-level responsibilities for curriculum planning and development in all social studies content areas, including curriculum directors, department leads, and teachers. Pre-registration is required for in-person sessions.
Virtual sessions will have content similar to in-person sessions, and whenever possible will feature the same speakers.
In-person sessions will be an hour longer than virtual sessions and will allow time for supported collaborative work and networking.
While districts are encouraged to have a representative at each monthly session, either in-person or virtual, participants do not need to commit to attending all nine sessions. Participants are also welcome to attend either session type throughout the year, as is best suited to their needs and schedule.
K-12 educators will receive 2 clock hours.
Registration
Registration Questions: brittany.rawson-haeg@state.mn.us
Register Now

St. Paul - Learning from Place: Bdote for Educators
2026-04-25 08:30 - 15:30 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Learning from Place: Bdote is an immersive, place-based learning experience that brings participants to sites of deep significance to Dakota people in the Twin Cities. Through stories shared by Dakota community members, educators will engage with histories and perspectives that are often absent from our state’s narrative.
Sites Visited:

The Bdote at Fort Snelling State Park (ba-DOTE-tay)
Wicaḣapi (we-CHA-ha-pee; formerly Indian Mounds Regional Park)
Oȟéyawahe/Pilot Knob Preservation Site (oh-HAY-ya-wa-hee)

Co-Leads (click to expand/collapse)
Ramona Kitto Stately is an enrolled member of the Santee Sioux Dakhóta Nation. She has a BA in Dakota Art and Culture and a MAE in Teacher Leadership. She is Project Director for We Are Still Here Minnesota and serves as chairperson of the Minnesota Indian Education Association. Ramona was the recipient of the 2021 Ron McKinley Award from Minnesota Education Equity Partnership and the 2023 McKnight Culture Bearers Award. She currently serves on the Indigenous Elder Advisory Board for Carleton College.
Fern Naomi Renville is an artist, storyteller, enrolled citizen of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, and seventh-generation descendant of Chief Gabriel Renville. Born on the Lake Traverse Reservation in South Dakota, Fern currently lives and works in Saint Paul as an educator sharing music, story, and land-based learning to promote greater understanding and knowledge of Dakota people.

FAQs (click to expand/collapse)
Will we be outdoors for the entire experience?Yes. The experience takes place outdoors at both sites. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Will the experience be canceled if it rains?No — the experience is held rain or shine. In cases of severe weather, you will be contacted with any necessary adjustments.
What happens if the confluence site is flooded?
Flooding is a possibility, as the park is located in a flood zone. If the Bdote is inaccessible, you will be contacted with instructions to meet at an alternative location. In the past, this has included the Two Rivers Overlook on Shepard Road, which provides a scenic observation point.
How much walking will there be?You will walk no more than one mile over mostly flat terrain and have periods of standing. You are welcome to bring a small folding or camping chair for comfort. A small portion of the walk at Fort Snelling State Park is on an unpaved trail.
Is the experience accessible?
Parts of the experience may be challenging for individuals with limited mobility due to walking, standing, uneven terrain, and being outdoors for much of the day. Fort Snelling State Park has all-terrain track chairs that can be reserved in advance. If you have questions about accessibility or would like to discuss your needs, please contact Eden Bart (eden@mnhum.org).
What kind of content will be discussed?You will engage with Dakota history, including creation stories, lifeways, the U.S.–Dakota War of 1862, and contemporary Dakota perspectives. The day is thoughtfully facilitated by Dakota educators and includes reflection, conversation, and connection to place. Some of the content may bring up strong emotions.
Can I bring my child or children?This program is designed for adults and older teens. Younger children are not recommended due to the length of the day, the amount of standing and walking, and the seriousness of the content.
Are restrooms available?Yes — there are restrooms at each site.
Is photography allowed?Photography is allowed at the sites. To honor facilitator requests, video and audio recording of facilitators is not permitted.
Do you offer trips for student or other groups?Private Bdote experiences can be arranged for organizations committed to engaging deeply with Dakota perspectives. Please see the Private Bdote Trips section for details.

To participate in this special session, offered in partnership with Saint Paul Public Schools, you must be a 4th–7th grade teacher or district administrator. Space is limited.
Coach bus transportation will be provided, beginning and ending at the Minnesota Humanities Center. Participants need to bring their own lunch, beverages, and snacks.
The day will take place entirely outdoors and includes approximately 1.5 miles of walking, sometimes on unpaved paths, and standing for extended periods. Audio headsets will be provided for clear listening. For questions about accessibility, please contact Eden Bart at eden@mnhum.org or 651-772-4261.
K-12 educators will receive 5 clock hours.
Registration
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Online - Project Citizen Info Session
2026-04-29 16:00 - 17:00 | https://www.mnhum.org/event/online-project-citizen-info-session/
Curious about how students can engage directly with real-world civic issues? Join us for a Project Citizen Info Session to learn more about this nationally recognized program, now coordinated in Minnesota by the Minnesota Humanities Center.
This one-hour session is perfect for:

Educators interested in bringing Project Citizen to their classrooms in the next school year, as well as those returning after a few years
Potential judges or volunteers who want to learn more about student showcases
Community members interested in supporting student civic engagement

Participants will:

Hear about the Minnesota Humanities Center’s new role as state coordinator for Project Citizen
Learn about upcoming Project Citizen Student Showcases: our soft launch on May 5, 2026, and the larger showcase planned for May 4, 2027
Get an overview of the program from the national Center for Civic Education
Hear from a longtime participant and Minnesota teacher about her experience guiding students through the Project Citizen program

This session is your chance to ask questions, see how the program works, and learn how students move beyond simulations to truly shaping civic outcomes.
Learn More:
Visit the Minnesota Center for Civic Education program page for information about Project Citizen, upcoming info sessions, and future showcases.
Registration
This event is free, however registration is required.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Breezy Point - Minnesota Council of Teachers of English (MCTE) Spring Conference
2026-04-30 - 2026-05-01 | Breezy Point Resort, 9252 Breezy Point Drive, Breezy Point, 56472, United States
The Minnesota Humanities Center will be at the Minnesota Council of Teachers of English (MCTE) Conference this year. We will be presenting the following session:

Drop Everything and Read Indigenous with the Native American Lives Series

About the Conference
This year’s theme, Every Voice, invites us to embrace dialogue, diverse perspectives, inclusivity, and the joys and challenges of teaching ELA in this time—and what better place to do so than on the shores of Pelican Lake at Breezy Point Resort, where reflection and connection come naturally.
There will also be 30+ Breakout Sessions over this 2-day event—including topics such as writing, media literacy, diverse books, rural issues, and implementation of the standards and READ Act. Strands include elementary, middle level, high school, and college-level presentations on a variety of reading and literacy related topics each day. Come join in the fun!
Registration
The full MCTE Conference runs from April 30- May 1. Registration and payment through MCTE for the full conference are required to attend.
Register Now

North Mankato - Social Studies Standards Workshop Series
2026-04-30 09:00 - 15:00 | South Central Services Cooperative, 2075 Lookout Drive, North Mankato, 56003, United States
The Social Studies Standards Workshop Series is a two-day workshop series (February 23 and April 30, 2026) designed to equip K–12 teachers and school leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully implement the new social studies standards by the 2026–27 school year. Participants will engage in a guided exploration of the revised standards, including analysis of major content shifts, vertical alignment across grade levels, and implications for curriculum planning.
Throughout the workshop, teams will connect the updated standards to the C3 Framework, deepening their understanding of high-quality instructional practices and identifying necessary instructional shifts to support student learning.
K-12 educators will receive 5 clock hours for each session.
Registration
Registration for this event is managed by South Central Services Cooperative. Fee for Series ($200.00) includes lunch both days. Registration closes Monday, February 23, 2026.
Registration Questions: 507-389-1425
Register Now

St. Paul - Project Citizen Student Showcase
2026-05-05 09:00 - 13:00 | Justice & Democracy Center, Warren E. Burger Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 316 North Robert Street, St. Paul, 55101, United States
See Students Put Democracy into Action!
Join us for the first annual Project Citizen Student Showcase hosted by the Minnesota Humanities Center. For many years, Project Citizen and We the People were led in Minnesota by the Learning Law and Democracy organization, whose work helped build a strong foundation for civic education. This year’s showcase – which launches MHC’s leadership as the program’s state coordinator – is a smaller-scale pilot, highlighting how students engage in real-world public policy projects. Middle and high school teams will present issues that matter to them, proposing solutions and demonstrating how youth can participate meaningfully in democracy—beyond simulations or listening sessions.
Highlights of the Day:

Student Displays: See the research and proposals that students have prepared, highlighting issues that matter to them
Explore Exhibits: Visit the Justice & Democracy Center’s thought-provoking exhibits, including Justice Denied about the 1920 Duluth lynchings
Keynote Speaker: Hear from a civic leader who inspires and supports youth engagement
Lunch & Networking: Connect with educators, community members, and civic-minded guests

Who Should Attend:

Educators exploring ways to bring Project Citizen to their classrooms next school year
Potential judges and volunteers interested in supporting future showcases
Community members and stakeholders interested in civic education and student engagement

Learn More:
Visit the Minnesota Center for Civic Education program page for information about Project Citizen, upcoming info sessions, and future showcases.
Registration
This event is free, however registration is required. Space is limited for this pilot showcase, so early registration is strongly encouraged.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Online Content Session – Era Nine: Contested Freedoms
2026-05-05 16:00 - 17:30 | Online
Evaluate how recent U.S. history—1990s to present—shaped American debates over democracy, rights, and responses to global and domestic crises. Led by Dr. Walter Greason and moderated by Dr. Katharine Gerbner, this session will provide deep historical context, source analysis, and thematic framing.

View Dr. Walter Greason’s Bio

Walter Greason teaches American and world history, using media ecology, economics, and African diaspora studies. His areas of research include urban planning, Afrofuturism, and multimedia user experience design. He is an author, editor, and contributor to more than twenty books, mostly notably the award-winning books Suburban Erasure and The Black Reparations Project.  His work on the Timothy Thomas Fortune Cultural Center has garnered international acclaim for the innovative use of digital technology, leading to multiple urban revitalization projects in Minnesota, Florida, New Jersey, and Louisiana. He has written for or appeared as the feature guest on media outlets ranging from the Washington Post, USA Today, the Canadian Broadcast Channel, the Philadelphia Daily News, the Huffington Post, National Public Radio, Historians at the Movies, the New York Times Read Along, WURD Philadelphia, and Today with Dr. Kaye (WEEA, Baltimore). He was a Future Faculty Fellow at Temple University where he completed his Ph.D. in History and a Presidential Scholar at Villanova University where he studied History, English, Philosophy, Peace and Justice Studies, and Africana Studies. His most recent project, The Graphic History of Hip Hop, with Afrofuturist illustrator Tim Fielder, has been featured at the United Nations, the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum for African American History and Culture, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Schomburg Center in the New York Public Library system, and San Diego Comic-Con in 2024.

He is the Wallace Professor of History in the Department of History at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and holds research affiliate positions with Brandeis University’s Institute for Economic and Racial Equity, Rutgers University’s Institute for the Study of Global Racial Justice, the Center for New American History at the University of Richmond, and the University of Minnesota’s College of Design.

All Content Sessions will be conducted via Zoom and a Minnesota Department of Education (MDE)-hosted Canvas learning community. Each session’s lectures and discussions will be recorded and registered participants will receive access to the Canvas course with session recordings, curated resources, and collaborative planning tools.

High school U.S. History teachers and 5th and 7th grade educators are invited to participate in companion Pedagogy Sessions.

Registration
Content Sessions are open to all K–12 educators interested in historical content and source-based instruction. Educators are welcome to register for individual sessions that align with their interests and schedules. Join us for one or more sessions throughout the year.

This event is free but registration is required. Separate registration is required for each offering.

Registration Questions: Brittany.Rawson-Haeg@state.mn.us

Register Now

This offering is part of Navigating the U.S. History Eras: Content, Pedagogy, and Inquiry in the Classroom is a yearlong professional learning opportunity supporting implementation of Minnesota’s 2021 K–12 Academic Standards in Social Studies presented by MHC and MDE.

Sartell - Social Studies Standards Workshop: K-5 Educators and Leaders
2026-05-06 09:00 - 15:00 | Resource Training & Solution, 137 23rd Street S, Sartell, 56377, United States
We invite K-5 teachers and school leaders to a one-day social studies workshop. Participants will engage in a structured examination of the 2021 social studies standards, focusing on key content shifts, vertical alignment across grade levels, and their impact on curriculum design. Throughout the workshop, collaborative teams will strengthen their understanding of high-quality instructional practices and the instructional shifts needed to support student learning.
This workshop is a collaboration between Resource Training and Solutions and the Minnesota Humanities Center, and will also feature Brittany Rawson-Haeg, Social Studies Content Lead for the Minnesota Department of Education.
K-5 educators will receive 5.25 clock hours upon completion the session.
Registration
Registration for this event is managed by Resource Training Solutions. Registration fee includes lunch. Registration closes Monday, May 4, 2026.
Registration Questions: info@resourcecoop-mn.gov
Register Now

Online - What’s Next? Looking Towards Implementation
2026-05-20 07:30 - 08:30 | https://www.mnhum.org/event/online-whats-next-looking-towards-implementation/
Join for conversation and brainstorming about next steps in social studies standards implementation. Spend time reflecting on the work done this year, and the changes anticipated for next school year.
The Minnesota Department of Education, in partnership with the Minnesota Humanities Center, will host virtual and in-person sessions to support planning for and implementation of the 2021 K-12 Academic Standards in Social Studies, held monthly during the 2025–26 school year. These sessions are open to anyone with building or district-level responsibilities for curriculum planning and development in all social studies content areas, including curriculum directors, department leads, and teachers. Pre-registration is required for in-person sessions.
Virtual sessions will have content similar to in-person sessions, and whenever possible will feature the same speakers.
In-person sessions will be an hour longer than virtual sessions and will allow time for supported collaborative work and networking.
While districts are encouraged to have a representative at each monthly session, either in-person or virtual, participants do not need to commit to attending all nine sessions. Participants are also welcome to attend either session type throughout the year, as is best suited to their needs and schedule.
K-12 educators will receive 1 clock hour.
Registration
Registration Questions: brittany.rawson-haeg@state.mn.us
Register Now

Online Pedagogy Session – Era Nine: Contested Freedoms
2026-05-21 16:00 - 17:30 | Online
Evaluate how recent U.S. history—1990s to present—shaped American debates over democracy, rights, and responses to global and domestic crises. Using content and sources from Dr. Walter Greason, Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Social Studies Specialist Brittany Rawson-Haeg and experienced classroom educators will lead this hands-on workshop supporting high school U.S. History teachers in designing inquiry-based, standards-aligned units.
All Pedagogy Sessions will be conducted via Zoom. Educators who participate in all Pedagogy Sessions will leave the year with a complete U.S. History course aligned to the new standards.
Educators are invited to participate in companion Content Sessions.
Registration
Pedagogy Sessions are designed for high school U.S. History teachers and may also be relevant for 5th and 7th grade educators. Educators are welcome to register for individual sessions that align with their interests and schedules. Join us for one or more sessions throughout the year.
This event is free but registration is required. Separate registration is required for each offering.
Registration Questions: Brittany.Rawson-Haeg@state.mn.us
Register Now
This offering is part of Navigating the U.S. History Eras: Content, Pedagogy, and Inquiry in the Classroom is a yearlong professional learning opportunity supporting implementation of Minnesota’s 2021 K–12 Academic Standards in Social Studies presented by MHC and MDE.

Save the Date! 2027 Project Citizen Showcase
2027-05-04 | MN
What happens when students investigate issues in their communities, research public policy solutions, and present their ideas to decision-makers?
Join us for the 2027 Project Citizen Student Showcase, where student teams from across Minnesota will share their civic engagement projects with educators, community members, and judges. This event will highlight the research, creativity, and civic leadership of young people learning how to engage in democracy by becoming active leaders in defining and implementing democratic public policy.
More details about participation and registration will be shared in the coming months.
Learn more about Project Citizen and upcoming opportunities on the Minnesota Center for Civic Education program page.
