Minnesota Humanities Center

Byron - We Are Water MN
2026-02-24 - 2026-04-20 | Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo, 5731 County Rd 105 NW, Byron, MN, 55920, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo
We Are Water MN is thrilled to make its 2026 debut at our very first zoo host site! Please visit the exhibit at the newly-renovated Zollman Zoo & Nature Center, where you can learn more about water alongside the many animals that call it home. The Dr. Paul E. Zollman Zoo houses over 30 species of wild animals native to Minnesota, so be sure to leave time for a visit to the otters and eagles! This stop on our We Are Water MN is also a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the unique Karst Geology of the Olmstead County area–don’t miss out on the chance to learn more about this unique geography!
Want to make a day of out of your visit to the exhibit? Oxbow Park offers almost any outdoor enthusiast a chance to pursue their favorite activity such as hiking, fishing, snowshoeing, and more.
About We Are Water MN?
We are Water MN is a project of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension.
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
Learn More

Rochester - Sketches of Minnesota: Civic Community Comedy Tour
2026-03-13 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Rochester Civic Theatre, 30 Civic Center Drive SE Ste 100, Rochester, 55904, United States
MHC and the comedy team at Danger Boat Productions spent late summer and most of fall traveling to communities across Minnesota. They’ve taken stories from each town and put them into a hilarious sketch comedy revue. It’s like going along on the year-long Sketches of Minnesota road trip, but you get to enjoy the highlights from the comfort of a theater seat…without the backseat driving.
Sketches of Minnesota is a traveling program designed to increase understanding and encourage conversations among people who might not know each other or have differing viewpoints, by bringing neighbors together over a shared meal and improvisational comedy. These kinds of conversations are more crucial now than ever, and we think that the program can facilitate essential healing within our Minnesota communities.
Sketches of Minnesota is presented in partnership with Danger Boat Productions
Registration
This event is free, however registration is required.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
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

Rochester - Headscarf Story Circle Gathering
2026-03-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Rochester Cultural Center, 1515 US-14, Rochester, 55904, United States
The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) is excited to host Headscarf Story Circle – a series of offerings that recognize the strength and resiliency of women. Join us for our second of three offerings in Rochester as we gather together through the shared connection of the headscarf and its complexity. This event commemorates Women’s History Month’s theme “Sustainability” with “Sustaining Home, Health, and Joy.”
Guests are encouraged to wear a headscarf or head dress that is symbolic of anything from a fashion statement, cultural identity, health related, or memories, and beliefs.

Danielle Teal is a Senior Program Coordinator at Mayo Clinic with nearly two decades of experience supporting initiatives that strengthen organizations and the people within them. She holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL) and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Danielle is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Behavioral Health (DBH) with a management concentration, where her work focuses on the intersection of behavioral science, population health, and organizational well-being.
Her professional interests center on designing systems and experiences that help people, organizations and communities thrive. Danielle is especially motivated by initiatives that support employee well-being, foster joy at work, and bring a more human-centered approach to how work gets done.
In December 2025, Danielle was diagnosed with breast cancer, an experience that profoundly shaped her perspective and deepened her commitment to resilience, compassion, and living with intention. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys gardening, spending time outdoors, and dreaming up creative projects. One of her long-term aspirations is to travel cross-country performing intentional acts of kindness and eventually write a book about radical kindness.

Tawonda Burks of Rochester, Minnesota is the current Director of Operations at RAEDI (Rochester Area Economic Development Inc.). She is the founder and owner of ELOCINA, LLC, President-Elect of Southeast Minnesota BDPA, Board of Trustee member of the Jeremiah Program, Board Member of the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester, Leadership Table at Cradle 2 Career, and committee member with Center for Chronic Disease Reduction & Equity Promotion Across America.

Community Partner: Rochester Women Magazine.
Registration
This event is free, however registration is required.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now
