St. Paul – Shakespeare in Our Parks: Twelfth Night
2024-07-14 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) is delighted to host Classical Actors Ensemble during their 10th season of Shakespeare in Our Parks! Join us on the MHC lawn as we cheer, laugh, and swoon at this year’s production: “Twelfth Night, or What You Will.” This romantic comedy presents the misadventures of shipwrecked twins who separately wash ashore in a distant land, each thinking the other dead, and soon become entangled in an unrequited love triangle of noble bon vivants.
Picnics, lawn chairs, sun umbrellas, and blankets are welcome. Note that the performance is in an open field with minimal shade. Please plan accordingly. Can’t make it on July 14? Check out Classical Actors Ensemble’s full calendar for other performances across the Twin Cities this summer.
From Classical Actors Ensemble: “The Theater is a sacred place. It is a public forum where actors and audience gather to contemplate what it means to be human. Shakespeare and his contemporaries grappled with that question in some of the English language’s best poetry, leaving behind a canon of compelling stories with universal themes that provide invigorating challenge for actors and an awe-inspiring legacy for audiences. Classical Actors Ensemble performs the plays of the English Renaissance as they were originally intended: as popular entertainment for everyone. By demonstrating why these works of art are considered classic, we freshly prove their relevance in today’s world.”
Registration
Registration is encouraged, but not required. There is no cost to attend.
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Glencoe - Sketches of Minnesota
2024-07-16 17:30 - 20:00 | Glencoe City Center, 1107 11th Street East, Glencoe, 55336, United States
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, Danger Boat Productions, and local host partners for the inaugural Sketches of Minnesota civic improv comedy tour! These free events will use laughter and comedy to celebrate Minnesota communities, promote dialogue, bridge divides, and help find ways to work constructively across differences in today’s political environment.
Beginning with a catered meal, these gatherings will invite audience members to share what makes their town great, what they think people get wrong about it, what local divisions concern them, and what future they imagine. An improv comedy troupe will listen in on the conversations, taking everything they heard from residents and bringing it to life on stage through entirely unscripted improv comedy theater.
This event is one of the first seven tour stops. A culminating performance will take place later in 2024, sharing stories from around the state. Visit host partner and/or venue site for details and registration specific to this event.
The work of the Minnesota Humanities Center is to create a stronger Minnesota by increasing our understanding of the beauty, wisdom and stories of its people. Through partnerships, we facilitate the spaces, like Sketches of Minnesota, that seek to build connections and deepen understanding of ourselves and our communities in pursuit of a more just society.
Host Partner: McLeod for Tomorrow
Registration
This event is free but registration is required.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Waite Park - Sketches of Minnesota
2024-07-25 17:30 - 20:00 | GREAT Theatre, 710 Sundial Drive, Waite Park, MN, 56387, United States
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, Danger Boat Productions, and local host partners for the inaugural Sketches of Minnesota civic improv comedy tour! These free events will use laughter and comedy to celebrate Minnesota communities, promote dialogue, bridge divides, and help find ways to work constructively across differences in today’s political environment.
Beginning with a catered meal, these gatherings will invite audience members to share what makes their town great, what they think people get wrong about it, what local divisions concern them, and what future they imagine. An improv comedy troupe will listen in on the conversations, taking everything they heard from residents and bringing it to life on stage through entirely unscripted improv comedy theater.
This event is one of the first seven tour stops. A culminating performance will take place later in 2024, sharing stories from around the state. Visit host partner and/or venue site for details and registration specific to this event.
The work of the Minnesota Humanities Center is to create a stronger Minnesota by increasing our understanding of the beauty, wisdom and stories of its people. Through partnerships, we facilitate the spaces, like Sketches of Minnesota, that seek to build connections and deepen understanding of ourselves and our communities in pursuit of a more just society.
Host Partner: Paramount Center for the Arts and GREAT Theatre
Registration
This event is free but registration is required.
Register Now

Emily - Sketches of Minnesota
2024-07-26 17:30 - 20:00 | Emily City Hall, 44483 State Hwy 6, Emily, 56447, United States
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, Danger Boat Productions, and local host partners for the inaugural Sketches of Minnesota civic improv comedy tour! These free events will use laughter and comedy to celebrate Minnesota communities, promote dialogue, bridge divides, and help find ways to work constructively across differences in today’s political environment.
Beginning with a catered meal, these gatherings will invite audience members to share what makes their town great, what they think people get wrong about it, what local divisions concern them, and what future they imagine. An improv comedy troupe will listen in on the conversations, taking everything they heard from residents and bringing it to life on stage through entirely unscripted improv comedy theater.
This event is one of the first seven tour stops. A culminating performance will take place later in 2024, sharing stories from around the state. Visit host partner and/or venue site for details and registration specific to this event.
The work of the Minnesota Humanities Center is to create a stronger Minnesota by increasing our understanding of the beauty, wisdom and stories of its people. Through partnerships, we facilitate the spaces, like Sketches of Minnesota, that seek to build connections and deepen understanding of ourselves and our communities in pursuit of a more just society.
Host Partner: GoNorth MN
Registration
This event is free but registration is required.
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St. Paul – Headscarf Story Circle Gathering – The Nibi Walk
2024-07-28 13:00 - 16:30 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) is excited to host Headscarf Story Circle – a series of offerings that recognizes the strength and resiliency of women. Join us as we gather together through the shared connection of the headscarf and its complexity. 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.
The July 28 Headscarf Story Circle Gathering will feature the Nibi Walk and its healing connectedness to women. Join us for this remarkable immersive experience guided by Sharon Day, leader of Nibi Walks and Executive Director of the Indigenous People’s Task Force. This special Nibi Walk has been tailored to include a short physical walk from the Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) over to Lake Phalen where the water ritual will take place and then participants will return to MHC for reflections. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. The walk from MHC to Lake Phalen will be 5-8 minutes. To prepare and understand with greater respect, please visit the Nibi Walk website.
To learn more about Headscarf Story Circle, watch our program video.

Registration
There is no cost to attend this event, but registration is required.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Morris - Sketches of Minnesota
2024-08-08 17:30 - 20:00 | University of Minnesota Morris, 600 East 4th Street, Morris, MN, 56267, United States
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, Danger Boat Productions, and local host partners for the inaugural Sketches of Minnesota civic improv comedy tour! These free events will use laughter and comedy to celebrate Minnesota communities, promote dialogue, bridge divides, and help find ways to work constructively across differences in today’s political environment.
Beginning with a catered meal, these gatherings will invite audience members to share what makes their town great, what they think people get wrong about it, what local divisions concern them, and what future they imagine. An improv comedy troupe will listen in on the conversations, taking everything they heard from residents and bringing it to life on stage through entirely unscripted improv comedy theater.
This event is one of the first seven tour stops. A culminating performance will take place later in 2024, sharing stories from around the state. Visit host partner and/or venue site for details and registration specific to this event.
The work of the Minnesota Humanities Center is to create a stronger Minnesota by increasing our understanding of the beauty, wisdom and stories of its people. Through partnerships, we facilitate the spaces, like Sketches of Minnesota, that seek to build connections and deepen understanding of ourselves and our communities in pursuit of a more just society.
Host Partner: West Central Initiative Foundation and University of Minnesota Morris
Registration
This event is free but registration is required.
Register Now

St. Paul - Summer Book Fest & Little Free Library Opening
2024-08-17 11:00 - 14:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Join us for a summer celebration of books and storytelling as we open our new Little Free Library. Community partner Little Free Library (LFL) will be on hand to share more on how you can start your own LFL or bring your own books and participate in an LFL book share. Local authors Dr. Artika Tyner, Ty Chapman, and Monica Rojas will give readings of their children’s books; musician and storyteller Ms. Rose will lead a musical storytime; we’ll have story strolls, a scavenger hunt, book giveaways, prizes, and more! In addition, local favorite Eggroll Queen will be selling their treats and eats for you to enjoy. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy the magic of books together on MHC’s front lawn.
Free to attend, no registration required. In case of inclement weather, events will take place inside the MHC event center.

Online - From Mountains to Lakes: Stories of Hmong Women
2024-08-22 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
In 2021, Minnesota Humanities Center collaborated with several institutions, scholars, and artists to host From Mountains to Lakes: Hmong Educational Forum. The event provided meaningful insight to include Hmong diaspora, health disparities, the importance of data disaggregation, identity and intersectionality. Videos of these presentations are available to view online.
Watch Now
This year, Minnesota Humanities Center is proud to collaborate with Hmong Women Achieving Together (HWAT) to host From Mountains to Lakes: Stories of Hmong Women. Our first event was held in October and aimed at recognizing the perseverance and contributions of Hmong women in Minnesota since arriving to the US nearly 50 years ago. Following the gathering, HWAT hosted several intergenerational listening groups to identify stories and themes that are critical for community growth and on-going resiliency. Join HWAT board member, Dr. MayKao Hang and MHC Chief Humanities Officer MayKao Fredericks as they share the report and offer reflections.
Registration
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
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Austin - Sketches of Minnesota
2024-09-16 17:30 - 20:00 | Hormel Historic Home, 208 4th Ave NW, Austin, MN, 55912, United States
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, Danger Boat Productions, and local host partners for the inaugural Sketches of Minnesota civic improv comedy tour! These free events will use laughter and comedy to celebrate Minnesota communities, promote dialogue, bridge divides, and help find ways to work constructively across differences in today’s political environment.
Beginning with a catered meal, these gatherings will invite audience members to share what makes their town great, what they think people get wrong about it, what local divisions concern them, and what future they imagine. An improv comedy troupe will listen in on the conversations, taking everything they heard from residents and bringing it to life on stage through entirely unscripted improv comedy theater.
Host Partner: Discover Austin
The work of the Minnesota Humanities Center is to create a stronger Minnesota by increasing our understanding of the beauty, wisdom and stories of its people. Through partnerships, we facilitate the spaces, like Sketches of Minnesota, that seek to build connections and deepen understanding of ourselves and our communities in pursuit of a more just society.
Registration
This event is free but registration is required.
Register Now

International Falls - Sketches of Minnesota
2024-10-23 17:30 - 20:00 | Minnesota North College – Rainy River Campus, 1501 Highway 71, International Falls, MN, 56649, United States
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, Danger Boat Productions, and local host partners for the inaugural Sketches of Minnesota civic improv comedy tour! These free events will use laughter and comedy to celebrate Minnesota communities, promote dialogue, bridge divides, and help find ways to work constructively across differences in today’s political environment.
Beginning with a catered meal, these gatherings will invite audience members to share what makes their town great, what they think people get wrong about it, what local divisions concern them, and what future they imagine. An improv comedy troupe will listen in on the conversations, taking everything they heard from residents and bringing it to life on stage through entirely unscripted improv comedy theater.
The work of the Minnesota Humanities Center is to create a stronger Minnesota by increasing our understanding of the beauty, wisdom and stories of its people. Through partnerships, we facilitate the spaces, like Sketches of Minnesota, that seek to build connections and deepen understanding of ourselves and our communities in pursuit of a more just society.
If you have questions about accessibility or childcare for this event, please email Kristi Huffaker at kristi.huffaker@minnesotanorth.edu.
Registration
This event is free but registration is required.
Register Now

St. Paul - Minnesota Writers Off the Page: Marcie Rendon
2024-12-06 18:30 - 20:30 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Join us for a special evening with acclaimed author, poet, and playwright, Marcie Rendon, as she delves into her latest book, “Where They Last Saw Her” (Bantam Books, 2024). Marcie will be in conversation with Lisa Skjefte, Deputy Director at MIGIZI. Their conversation will explore crime novels, humor, resilience, and what it means to be an Indigenous woman in Minnesota today.
Following the discussion, audience members are invited to participate in a Q&A session, enjoy light refreshments, and have further informal conversation with the featured speakers. Copies of “Where They Last Saw Her,” along with other titles by Marcie Rendon, will be available for purchase from Moon Palace Books at the event and the evening will finish with a book signing.
This event is presented in partnership with MIGIZI, which supports the development of American Indian youth through academic, cultural, and career-building programs, and is part of the Minnesota Writers Off the Page series, bringing the inspirational voices of Minnesota’s authors directly to readers. While the event is free, registration is required to reserve your spot. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with one of Minnesota’s most compelling voices.
About the Book
Things are different now for Quill than when she was a lonely girl. Her friends Punk and Gaylyn are two women who don’t know what it means to quit; her loving husband, Crow, and their two beautiful children challenge her to be better every day. So when she hears a second woman has been stolen, she is determined to do something about it—starting with investigating the group of men working the pipeline construction just north of their homes.
As Quill closes in on the truth about the missing women, someone else disappears. In her quest to find justice for all of the women of the reservation, she is confronted with the hard truths of their home and the people who purport to serve them. When will she stop losing neighbors, friends, family? As Quill puts everything on the line to make a difference, the novel asks searing questions about bystander culture, the reverberations of even one act of crime, and the long-lasting trauma of being considered invisible. (Random House Publishing Group)
About the Author
Marcie R. Rendon, citizen of the White Earth Nation, is one of O: The Oprah Magazine’s 31 Native American Authors to Read Right Now and a McKnight Distinguished Artist Award winner. Her debut novel, “Murder on the Red River,” received the Pinckley Prize for Debut Novel Award and was a finalist for the Western Writers of America Spur Award, Contemporary Novel category, and her second novel, “Girl Gone Missing,” was nominated for the G. P. Putnam’s Sons Sue Grafton Memorial Award. Her script, “Say Their Names,” will be produced by Out of Hand Theater in Atlanta, Georgia. And her script “Sweet Revenge” had a staged reading at the Playwrights’ Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The creative mind of Raving Native Theater, she curated Twin Cities Public Television’s “Art Is . . . CreativeNativeResilience.” Rendon received the Loft Literary Center’s Spoken Word Immersion Fellowship with co-creator Diego Vazquez for their work with incarcerated women.
About the Moderator
Lisa Skjefte, Red Lake Nation Anishinaabe, joined MIGIZI in April of 2023 as our new Deputy Director. She was formerly the Vice President of Community Engagement and Impact at the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC). Prior to her work at MIWRC, Lisa worked at Children’s Minnesota where she specialized in systems change by partnering with and leading efforts to institutionalize health equity. While at Children’s Minnesota she co-created with the community two separate community and patient experience initiatives, The First Gift and the American Indian Volunteer Cohort. Lisa is also the co-founder of KWESTRONG, a grassroots movement centered around an annual Native Women’s Triathlon (RUN BIKE CANOE) at Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Minnesota, and is currently finishing up her Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Minnesota.
Registration
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
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The Great Northern Festival – Learning from Place: Bdote
2025-02-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Fort Snelling State Park, 101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul, MN, 55111, United States
Expand your understanding of the Twin Cities with a guided walk of sites with deep significance to Dakota people. Led by Dakota community members, participants will be encouraged to reconsider their relationship to land, water, sky, and all life—including other humans—through stories and perspectives that are often left out of our state’s history.
Bdote is a Dakota word that generally means “where two waters come together.” The bdote where Ȟaȟáwakpa (Mississippi River) and the Mnísota Wakpá (Minnesota River) come together is central to Dakota spirituality and history.
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding about Dakota people’s relationship to the place we now call Minnesota and will be encouraged to put newfound knowledge into action and further learning.
Plan Your Experience: This event will begin at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center and primarily be outdoors, so dress accordingly. A Minnesota state parks vehicle permit is required (one-day permits are available for $7 and can be purchased online or at any Minnesota state park office).
Registration
Registration for this event must be made through the Great Northern Festival website.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Ortonville - We Are Water MN
2025-03-15 - 2025-04-21 | Ortonville High School, 200 Trojan Dr, Ortonville, MN, 56278, 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: Big Stone Arts Council
Want to know more about We Are Water MN?
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
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Rochester - Resistance, Voice, and Verse: A Latino Poetry Reading
2025-04-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Rochester Public Library, 101 2nd St SE, Rochester, 55904, United States
Join us for a special Poetry Month celebration of Latino poetry at the Rochester Public Library! This engaging event will feature readings of powerful poems, and opportunities for discussion and reflection. Students from Rochester Public Schools will read poems from the recently released anthology, “Latino Poetry: The Library of America Anthology” as well as their original work, and the event will be emceed by City of Rochester Poet Laureate, Jean Prokott.
Attendees will have a chance to win a copy of “Latino Poetry: Library of America Anthology” – come celebrate the rich tradition of Latino poetry, connect with fellow poetry lovers, and share in the beauty of language and storytelling. Free to attend, light refreshments provided. All are welcome!
Latino Poetry: Places We Call Home is a major public humanities initiative, planned for 2024–25, that celebrates and explores the multifaceted legacy of Latino poetry. It is directed by Library of America and funded with generous support from the National Endowment for the Humanities and Emerson Collective.
Latino Poetry: Places We Call Home es una iniciativa de gran alcance en el campo de las humanidades públicas que celebra el legado multifacético de la poesía latina. Esta iniciativa de realiza bajo el auspicio de Library of America con el generoso financiamiento del Fondo Nacional para las Humanidades y Emerson Collective.

Online - Let’s Animate! Poetry Craft Talk and Workshop with Heid E. Erdrich
2025-04-16 19:00 - 20:15 | https://www.mnhum.org/event/online-lets-animate-poetry-craft-talk-and-workshop-with-heid-e-erdrich/
Join us for an engaging and interactive online poetry craft talk and workshop! Featuring her most recent collection, “Verb Animate,” this workshop will be led by esteemed writer and the first poet laureate of the City of Minneapolis, Heid E. Erdrich.
In this session, participants will dip into creative activities using poems and prompts from “Verb Animate.” Heid will also read poems from this collection and share more about its creation; each poem included arose from a collaborative act with another poet or artist. Whether you are a seasoned poet or just beginning, don’t miss this opportunity to write and learn more about community centered, collaborative poetry.
About the Poet
Heid E. Erdrich is the author of a dozen books in both poetry and prose. She grew up in North Dakota and is Ojibwe, enrolled at Turtle Mountain. She curates art exhibits, teaches, researches, and collaborates with other artists. In 2024, Heid served as the Inaugural Minneapolis Poet Laureate. She is the 2025 James Welch Visiting Writer at University of Montana Missoula.
This event is presented in partnership with Trio House Press, publisher of “Verb Animate” and the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, which engages visitors and the community with great art inspired by water; don’t miss the opportunity to see their current exhibit “Once Upon A Shore,” curated by Heid E. Erdrich.
Registration
Registration cost includes a copy of “Verb Animate.” Please register by April 9, 2025 to allow time to mail a book to you — you won’t want to miss this great opportunity! By registering you’ll also have a chance to receive two (2) complimentary admission tickets to the MN Marine Art Museum, compliments of Minnesota Marine Art Museum. Drawing for the tickets will take place during the workshop.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Minneapolis - Minnesota Writers Off the Page: Tarik Dobbs
2025-04-23 18:00 - 20:00 | The Loft at Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, United States
Join us for a special Poetry Month event featuring poet Tarik Dobbs in conversation with Sagirah Shahid, discussing Dobbs’ powerful collection, “Nazar Boy.” This thought-provoking work explores themes of identity, surveillance, and the complexities of Arab American life through sharp, evocative verse.
Following the discussion, audience members are invited to participate in a Q&A session, enjoy light refreshments, and have further informal conversation with the featured speakers. Copies of “Nazar Boy” will be available for purchase, and the evening will finish with a book signing.
About the Author
Tarik Dobbs (b. 1997, Dearborn, MI) is a writer, artist, and Poetry Foundation Ruth Lilly & Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellow. Dobbs holds an M.F.A. in creative writing from the University of Minnesota and an M.F.A. in art, theory, practice from Northwestern University. Dobbs is assistant professor of English in creative writing (poetry) at Southwest Minnesota State University. The debut poetry collections by Dobbs, Nazar Boy (2024) and Dearbornistan (2026), are from Haymarket Books.
About the Moderator
Sagirah Shahid is an African American Muslim poet, editor, arts administrator, and performance artist from Minneapolis, MN. She is a recipient of awards, fellowship, and residencies from the Loft Literary Center, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Twin Cities Media Alliance, Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art and Muslim Advocates, Strive Publishing, Wisdom Ways, Nicollet Lanterns, and 826 MSP. Sagirah’s prose and poetry have been published by Mizna, The Drinking Gourd, Insight News, Winter Tangerine, Pollen, Blue Minaret, Puerto Del Sol, Paper Darts, Juked, Walker Art Center, About Place Journal, the Saint Paul Almanac, and elsewhere.
This event is presented in partnership with New Arab American Theater Works, a Minnesota based collective of SWANA (Southwest Asian/North African) playwrights, musicians, and performing artists, and is part of the Minnesota Writers Off the Page series, bringing the inspirational voices of Minnesota’s authors directly to you.
Registration
This event is free, however registration is required.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Ely - We Are Water MN
2025-04-24 - 2025-06-16 | Ely Area Community Hub, 760 Miners Drive E, Ely, MN, 55731, 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: Ely Folk School
Want to know more about We Are Water MN?
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
Learn More

Ely - We Are Water MN Opening Celebration
2025-04-24 17:30 - 20:00 | Ely Area Community Hub, 760 Miners Drive E, Ely, MN, 55731, United States
Celebrate the opening night of the We Are Water MN exhibit at the Ely Area Community Hub by joining the Ely Folk School and Reflections Dance Company for this interactive performance! The exhibit will be open for guests to peruse and enjoy and will feature a “Water Bar” for folks to sample different drinking water from our area. After a brief introduction to the exhibit, Reflections Dance Company will perform several dances that will be featured in their August summer showcase; Water 2.0. Dancers will then lead interested participants in a brief movement exercise in understanding how dancers emulate and understand the movement of water in their performances.
Host Partner: Ely Folk School
Want to know more about We Are Water MN?
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
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St. Paul – Learning from Place: Bdote
2025-05-17 08:30 - 14:30 | Fort Snelling State Park, 101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul, MN, 55111, United States
Learning from Place: Bdote is an immersive experience that brings participants to sites of great significance to Dakota people in the Twin Cities. Participants will learn from Dakota community members through stories and histories that have often been left out of our state’s history. This experience is open to the public and is particularly beneficial for educators who want to include new perspectives in their history curriculum.
Learning from Place: Bdote will begin at Fort Snelling State Park (parking permit is required). After a break for “lunch on your own,” we will meet at Indian Mounds Regional Park, followed by a visit to the Pilot Knob Preservation Site. We will be outside the entire time. Participants need to provide their own transportation, lunch, snacks, and beverages.
Your co-leads: Ramona Kitto Stately and Fern Naomi Renville
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, currently serves as 2023’s Indigenous Elder in Residence for Carleton College, and McKnight Culture Bearers Award Recipient in March 2023.
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.
There will be about one mile of walking throughout the day, sometimes on unpaved paths, as well as standing for periods of time. We will provide audio headsets for amplification of the tour guides. For specific inquiries 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
Register Now
Want to know more about Learning from Place: Bdote?
Learn more about the Learning from Place: Bdote offering.

Learn More
Watch Learning from Place: Bdote, a video produced to celebrate 10 years of this powerful program.
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Minneapolis - We Are Water MN
2025-06-19 - 2025-08-11 | Nicollet Mall, 809 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, 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: Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District
Want to know more about We Are Water MN?
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
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Henderson - We Are Water MN
2025-08-14 - 2025-10-06 | Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, MN, 56044, 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: Ney Nature Center
Want to know more about We Are Water MN?
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
Learn More

St. Paul – Learning from Place: Bdote
2025-09-13 08:30 - 14:30 | Fort Snelling State Park, 101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul, MN, 55111, United States
Learning from Place: Bdote is an immersive experience that brings participants to sites of great significance to Dakota people in the Twin Cities. Participants will learn from Dakota community members through stories and histories that have often been left out of our state’s history. This experience is open to the public and is particularly beneficial for educators who want to include new perspectives in their history curriculum.
Learning from Place: Bdote will begin at Fort Snelling State Park (parking permit is required). After a break for “lunch on your own,” we will meet at Wicaḣapi (pronounced we-CHA-ha-pee; formerly Indian Mounds Regional Park), followed by a visit to the Oȟéyawahe/Pilot Knob Preservation Site (pronounced oh-HAY-ya-wa-hee). We will be outside the entire time. Participants need to provide their own transportation, lunch, snacks, and beverages.
There will be about 1.5 miles of walking throughout the day, sometimes on unpaved paths, as well as standing for periods of time. We will provide audio headsets for amplification of the tour guides. For specific inquiries about accessibility, please contact Eden Bart at eden@mnhum.org or 651-772-4261.
Your co-leads: Ramona Kitto Stately and Fern Naomi Renville
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, currently serves as 2023’s Indigenous Elder in Residence for Carleton College, and McKnight Culture Bearers Award Recipient in March 2023.
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.
K-12 educators will receive 5 clock hours.
Registration
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy
Registration for this event has SOLD OUT.
Join the Waitlist
Want to know more about Learning from Place: Bdote?
Learn more about the Learning from Place: Bdote offering.

Learn More
Watch Learning from Place: Bdote, a video produced to celebrate 10 years of this powerful program.
Watch Now

Bloomington - We Are Water MN
2025-11-22 - 2026-02-01 | Bloomington Education and Visitor Center, 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN, 55425, 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: Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Want to know more about We Are Water MN?
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
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Winona - Third Thursday MMAM and the Native American Lives Series - George Morrison: Modern Artist
2026-01-15 18:30 - 19:30 | Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Drive, Winona, 55987, United States
Join us at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum for a Third Thursday book event, featuring the Native American Lives Series title, “George Morrison: Modern Artist.” Author Staci Drouillard and illustrator Tashia Hart will share their stories about how this book project was created as well as shed light on the incredible career of George Morrison, Grand Portage Anishinaabe artist, the subject of a major solo exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Native American Lives Series, a joint publishing effort between the Minnesota Humanities Center and Lerner publishing, shares real life stories of Dakota and Ojibwe leaders, artists, activists, and elders who have been influential for their communities and have shaped Minnesota and national history. The series co-editors, Heid E. Erdrich and Gwen Nell Westerman share that “These children’s books are by, for, and about Dakota and Ojibwe people and will help Dakota, Ojibwe, and other Native American children imagine their own potential and help them see their cultures represented alongside biographies of American leaders in our society.”
Presented in partnership with the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.
Registration
Registration through the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. Students may attend for free, however registration is still required.
Registration Questions: hello@mmam.org
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