Minneapolis - NUESTRO NORTE Premiere
2026-04-18 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | The Main Cinema, 115 SE Main St, Minneapolis, 55414, United States
Join us for the public premiere of NUESTRO NORTE during the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival – Collective Action Day.
NUESTRO NORTE is a cinematic portrait of five community leaders from across metro and greater Minnesota, their lived stories interwoven with symbolic fiction scenes and original musical performances. More than a documentary, the film seeks to offer a collective vision, celebrating Latine leadership while reflecting on history, diversity, community investment, innovation, and the strength of intergenerational ties.
This film was produced in collaboration with LatinoLEAD, Dual Studios, and the talented film director Martín Blanco with guidance from the project’s Task Force: Sandy Vargas, Elsa Vega, and Jessica Lopez Lyman.

Admission
SOLD OUT

Byron - Feed the Otters and Photos with Ellie the Otter
2026-04-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo, 5731 County Rd 105 NW, Byron, MN, 55920, United States
North American River Otters are a curious animal with many adaptations for hunting on land and fishing in the water. Come on out to learn about them, watch a staff member feed out live minnows, and take a picture with our special guest, Ellie the Otter, who is featured in our audio stories in the We Are Water MN exhibit.
This event is free to the public and for all ages.
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.
We are Water MN is funded by the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Cuyuna Lakes - Sketches of Minnesota
2026-04-18 17:00 - 20:30 | Clearwater Forest Camp and Retreat Center, 16595 Crooked Lake Rd, Deerwood, MN, 56444, United States
“Clear Lakes. Deep Woods. One Community.”
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, Danger Boat Productions, and Clearwater Forest Camp and Retreat Center for the Sketches of Minnesota civic improv comedy tour! These free events 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 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 listens in on the conversations, takes everything they heard from residents, and brings it to life on stage through entirely unscripted improv comedy theater.

5:00–6:00 PM: Doors open / Community hour
6:00–7:15 PM: Dinner
7:15–8:00 PM: Performances
8:00–8:30 PM: Talkback

Host Partner: Clearwater Forest Camp and Retreat Center
Community Partner:

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.

Byron - Meet a Bald Eagle
2026-04-19 10:00 - 13:00 | Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo, 5731 County Rd 105 NW, Byron, MN, 55920, United States
This is the final event for the We Are Water MN hosting in Byron. Please join the National Eagle Center at Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo for three live bald eagle programs: 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. Each program will last approximately 45 minutes and guests will learn about bald eagles, the challenges they face, and how we can help!
This event is free to the public and open to all ages. Meet in the Nature Center.
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.
We are Water MN is funded by the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

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

St. Paul - We Are Water MN
2026-04-23 - 2026-06-14 | Capitol Region Watershed District, 595 Aldine St, St. Paul, MN, 55104, 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: Capitol Region Watershed District
Stop two on the We Are Water MN 2026 tour brings us to the Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul, where the exhibit is hosted by Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD). CRWD is a local unit of government dedicated to protecting, managing and improving the water resources of the District, which includes parts of Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Maplewood, Roseville and Saint Paul. All the water in this district eventually flows to the Mississippi River, and being hosted at CRWD will offer a chance for visitors to learn more about ways their actions directly impact water in their local community. This hosting will also offer a unique opportunity to spend time in the CRWD offices, which use green building principles, including stormwater management and energy-saving practices, to conserve natural resources. The grounds include a watershed learning center, a pocket park, and interactive features designed to draw in neighbors and visitors.
Fun fact: Watershed Districts are unique parts of government, because they aren’t defined by political boundaries. Instead, they follow the water! Water flows naturally, so these districts cross city/county lines to provide holistic, science-based water management for areas draining to a common lake, stream, or river.
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

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 - Reading Without Words: Hidden Stories of Ethiopic Manuscripts
2026-04-23 15:30 - 17:30 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
For centuries, handwritten books have been part of everyday life in Ethiopia and Eritrea—used in homes, churches, mosques, and communities across the region. Created and cherished by both Orthodox Christian and Muslim communities, these manuscripts open a window onto more than 700 years of religious practice, daily routines, and artistic expression. But what if you can’t read Geʿez (Classical Ethiopic) or Arabic? Can these books still tell their stories? Absolutely.
In this illustrated, hands-on workshop, Dr. Jeremy R. Brown brings the world of Ethiopic manuscripts to life, showing how much we can learn simply by looking closely. Images, materials, layout, and decorations tell stories about how these books were used, who made them, and why they mattered. Participants will also have the rare opportunity to encounter Ethiopic manuscripts up close from the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library’s (HMML) remarkable collection. Following the discussion and workshop, participants are invited to enjoy refreshments.
About the Speaker
Dr. Jeremy R. Brown is the cataloger of Ethiopian Manuscripts at the HMML. He holds a BA in Biblical Studies from George Fox University in Oregon, a MA in Theological Studies from Portland Seminary in Oregon, and a Ph.D. in Semitic Languages and Literatures from the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. Prior to joining HMML, Brown was the Senior Researcher, Cataloger, & Translator for the Princeton Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Egyptian Miracles of Mary digital humanities project where he identified and translated miracles stories in manuscripts from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Egypt, Turkey, Iraq, and Syria.
This event is presented in partnership with the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library (HMML). Located on the campus of St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN, HMML preserves and shares the world’s handwritten past to inspire a deeper understanding of our present and future.
Above Image: Decorative Bible in Ge’ez on parchment. 15th–17th century(?). Collection of Addis Ababa University, Institute of Ethiopian Studies (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia), HMML project number IES 00721. Image courtesy of the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library.
Registration
This event is free. Registration through HMML is required.
Registration Questions: hmml@hmml.org
Register Now

St. Paul – We Are Water MN Opening Reception at Capitol Region Watershed District
2026-04-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Capitol Region Watershed District, 595 Aldine St, St. Paul, MN, 55104, United States
Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) invites you to the We Are Water MN Reception at our Watershed Learning Center. The We Are Water MN exhibit includes personal stories from 15 community members about their connection to water. We welcome our community storytellers and their families to experience their water stories in the exhibit for the first time and meet each other.
We are also debuting Confluence of Care, a vibrant new mural on our rainwater cistern created by artist Christina Vang. Christina will share her inspiration and process.
Brief remarks by CRWD and Christina Vang, followed by an introduction of our community storytellers, will begin at 5:30 PM.
Light appetizers will be provided.
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.
We are Water MN is funded by the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
Registration
This event is free, however registration with the Capitol Region Watershed District is required.
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 - Youth Poet Laureate Commencement Live Stream
2026-04-25 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.mnhum.org/event/online-youth-poet-laureate-commencement-live-stream/
Join us for the Youth Poet Laureate livestream, featuring current Youth Poet Laureates Chloe Chou (West/California), Malaya Ulan (Northeast/Philadelphia), Rishi Janakiraman (South/North Carolina), and Daniel Somotochukwu Umemezie (Midwest/Cedar Valley, IA).
The Minnesota Youth Poet Laureate will be announced, and you can watch with us as we celebrate this powerful moment for young voices across the country.
The National Youth Poet Laureate Commencement is presented this year by Urban Word and the Nebraska Writers Collective on Saturday, April 25 at 7pm CST (8pm EST). Tune in for an inspiring evening of poetry, culminating in the announcement of the 10th National Youth Poet Laureate, along with State Youth Poet Laureate winners from across the nation.
The Local Minnesota YOUTH POET LAUREATE® PROGRAM is a program of the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with Urban Word.

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 - Learning from Place: Little Africa Plaza
2026-05-01 15:00 - 18:00 | Little Africa Plaza, 678 Snelling Ave N, St. Paul, 55104, United States
Minnesota is home to a vibrant and growing African diaspora representing many countries, languages, and cultural traditions. In St. Paul, Little Africa has emerged as a cultural corridor where this diversity is expressed and rooted through entrepreneurship, community leadership, art, and food.
Participants will gather at Little Africa Plaza and hear from community leaders and culture bearers about the vision behind the new development and the role of African entrepreneurs in shaping the corridor. The experience will include an Ethiopian coffee ceremony and a cooking demonstration featuring injera, the traditional Ethiopian flatbread prepared by Mamas Market & Deli. Participants will then sample Afro fusion sandwiches and tour the market to learn about traditional foods and spices. Through this experience, participants will learn how food traditions carry stories of family, culture, and community.
Participants will also visit the African Museum, Art and Culture Center, where they will learn about ongoing efforts to elevate African art within the Little Africa cultural corridor and explore opportunities to support this vision through volunteer and event participation.
K-12 Educators will receive 3 clock hours upon completion of the event.
This experience is presented in collaboration with African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS), a non-profit organization that supports African immigrant entrepreneurs and has helped advance the vision for Little Africa Plaza and the surrounding cultural corridor.
Registration
To ensure that cost is not a barrier, we have a limited number of complimentary spaces available for Minnesota residents. If you would like to receive a complimentary spot, please register with the discount code FEEWAIVER.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy
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

Hopkins - Minnesota Writers Off the Page: Kristin Collier
2026-05-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Cream & Amber, 1605 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN, 55343, United States
In her striking new memoir, “What Debt Demands: Family, Betrayal, and Precarity in a Broken System,” Grand Central Publishing (2025). Kristin Collier recounts the moment she discovered she owed $200,000—not from debt she incurred, but from loans her mother had taken out in her name without her knowledge. She reflects on the emotional and financial toll of this betrayal, and the lasting impact it has had on her life. Collier’s story also broadens into a powerful exploration of the collective burden of debt in today’s society. She will be joined in conversation by fellow writer Jennifer Eli Bowen, author of “The Book of Kin: On Absence, Love, and Being There.”
Following the discussion, audience members are invited to participate in a Q&A session and have further informal conversation with the featured speakers. Light refreshments will be provided, copies of “What Debt Demands: Family, Betrayal, and Precarity in a Broken System” will be available for purchase, and the evening will finish with a book signing.
About the Author
Kristin Collier is the author of “What Debt Demands: Family, Betrayal, and Precarity in a Broken System,” Grand Central Publishing (2025). She has received funding from the Minnesota State Arts Board, a Jack Hazard fellowship, and a Yaddo artist residency. Her writing has been published in journals such as the Los Angeles Review of Books, Oprah Daily, and Longreads. She is an organizer with the Debt Collective and a visiting scholar and TREC community engagement fellow at Metro State University.
About the Moderator
Jennifer Eli Bowen is a writer, arts instructor, and editor, whose most recent essay collection “The Book of Kin: On Absence, Love, and Being There,” Milkweed Press (2025) has been shortlisted for the MN Book Awards in the Memoir/Creative Non-fiction category. Her work has received a Pushcart Prize, The Arts and Letters Prize, The Tim McGinnis Award, and has appeared in The Sun, The Iowa Review, Orion, and Kenyon Review, among others. Jennifer is the Founding Artist Director of the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop. She teaches creative writing in prisons across the state of Minnesota, and occasionally at local colleges. She also edits creative prose and conducts interviews. Jen lives in St. Paul, a block in any direction from sidewalk poetry and snow.
This event is presented in partnership with Cream & Amber, a unique book store where reading and beer come together and people can connect with each other. This event is part of the Minnesota Writers Off the Page series, bringing the inspirational voices of Minnesota’s authors directly to readers.
Registration
This event is free, however registration is required.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
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Columbia Heights - NUESTRO NORTE Community Screening
2026-05-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Heights Theater, 3951 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN, 55421, United States
Join us for the public premiere and celebration of NUESTRO NORTE.
NUESTRO NORTE is a cinematic portrait of five community leaders from across metro and greater Minnesota, their lived stories interwoven with symbolic fiction scenes and original musical performances. More than a documentary, the film seeks to offer a collective vision, celebrating Latine leadership while reflecting on history, diversity, community investment, innovation, and the strength of intergenerational ties.
The evening will feature a panel reflection with cast members and special acknowledgements.
This project was produced in collaboration with LatinoLEAD, Dual Studios, and the talented film director Martín Blanco with guidance from the project’s Task Force: Sandy Vargas, Elsa Vega Perez, and Jessica Lopez Lyman.
To learn more about hosting a private screening, please contact MayKao Fredericks at maykao@mnhum.org.

Registration
Registration for this event has SOLD OUT.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Join the Waitlist

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.

St. Paul - Learning from Place: Little Mekong Cultural District
2026-05-29 15:00 - 18:00 | XIA Books & Cafe, 422 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN, 55103, United States
St. Paul’s Little Mekong Cultural District invites participants into a vibrant Southeast Asian cultural corridor shaped by migration, resilience, and entrepreneurship along University Avenue. Beginning at XIA Books & Cafe, participants are welcomed by community leader Va-Megn Thoj, who grounds the journey in the story of the Mekong River and its connection to identity and place, while guiding the group through the neighborhood. Along the walk, participants encounter the bold, colorful murals by local artist Kao Lee Thao, hear reflections on the Vietnamese refugee experience, and learn how community-rooted organizations continue to support families across generations. The experience comes alive through the sights and smells of a Lao owned local grocery store, where participants sample exotic fruits and learn about favorite rice and fish sauce brands, along with staple ingredients. At the Hmong Cultural Center, participants deepen their understanding of heritage through storytelling and the sound of the qeej, a traditional Hmong instrument whose breath and movement carry ancestral voice and ceremony. The journey continues through local Cambodian and Thai restaurants, where dishes such as somlaw kao kou, a savory Cambodian soup with green papaya, eggplant, and pumpkin, evoke memories, family traditions, and stories of food across generations and borders. The experience closes with group reflection, inviting participants to connect these sensory and human experiences to a deeper understanding of community, culture, and belonging.
K-12 Educators will receive 3 clock hours upon completion of the event.
This experience is presented in collaboration with Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA), a non-profit organization whose mission is to create economic and cultural opportunities for Twin Cities Asian American.
Registration
To ensure that cost is not a barrier, we have a limited number of complimentary spaces available for Minnesota residents. If you would like to receive a complimentary spot, please register with the discount code FEEWAIVER.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy
Register Now

Maplewood - Learning from Place: HmongTown Marketplace & Beyond
2026-06-05 15:00 - 18:00 | Pan Asian Center, 3001 White Bear Ave, Maplewood, 55109, United States
This Learning from Place experience offers a rare opportunity to witness the becoming of place through an inspiring vision of founder and CEO of HmongTown Marketplace and Pan Asian Center, Toua Xiong, who dreamed of having a place to call home. Beginning at the Pan Asian Center, participants are welcomed by Yao Yaj, Executive Director of HmongTown Connections who will share 50 years of Hmong resilience and economic contributions while traveling to the iconic HmongTown Marketplace. There, participants step into a vibrant marketplace rooted in culture and tradition, where many vendors and community members are from an older generation, carrying forward cultural knowledge and memories through everyday commerce. Participants experience rows of fresh herbs, traditional goods, and street foods like Hmong sausage, papaya salad, and steamed fish, while sampling exotic fruits and tri color dessert.
The journey returns to Pan Asian Center, where participants will have the opportunity to hear Toua Xiong share his inspiring story surviving the jungles of Laos to mastering English and the hard lessons navigating city codes and permits in his pursuit to create a place to call home. The program ends just in time for participants to experience the full flair of Asian Street Food Night Market.
Through this experience, participants gain tangible insight into how communities evolve over time, how cultural assets can drive economic development, and how investing in place can strengthen identity, expand opportunity, and shape the future for the next generation.
K-12 Educators will receive 3 clock hours upon completion of the event.
This experience is presented in collaboration with HmongTown Connections, whose mission is to create spaces where Hmong can live, work, and connect while preserving, teaching, and sharing Hmong history, languages and culture.
Registration
To ensure that cost is not a barrier, we have a limited number of complimentary spaces available for Minnesota residents. If you would like to receive a complimentary spot, please register with the discount code FEEWAIVER.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy
Register Now

Itasca - We Are Water MN
2026-06-18 - 2026-08-10 | Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN, 56470, 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: MN DNR Itasca State Park and U of M Itasca Biological Station
As we reach the height of summer in Minnesota, We Are Water MN travels north to a deeply significant site for water in our state: the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River! The water found at Lake Itasca begins here and flows on its winding way 2552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Join the thousands of visitors from all over the state, country, and world this summer and see the We Are Water MN exhibit next to the serenity and natural beauty of Lake Itasca, a national landmark.
This hosting will be within Itasca State Park, run by the DNR, and co-led by the U of M Itasca Biological Station, an active field station devoted to research and teaching on how ecosystems work, with an eye to cultivating an appreciation of their value and preservation for future generations. Itasca Station has been in operation since 1907 and is one of the oldest continuously operational field stations in the United States of America.
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

St. Paul - Learning from Place: Bdote
2026-06-23 08:30 - 14:30 | Fort Snelling State Park, 101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul, MN, 55111, United States
Learning from Place: Bdote is a place-based experience led by Dakota community members at sites of deep significance in the Twin Cities. Participants engage with Dakota history and contemporary perspectives through story, observation, and shared reflection.
This experience is open to the general public and is particularly beneficial for educators and others seeking to deepen their understanding of Minnesota history and Dakota perspectives. Due to the nature of the content and the length of the day, this experience is not recommended for young children.
For more information, visit the Learning from Place: Bdote program page.

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.

What to Expect (click to expand/collapse)

You will visit Bdote (Fort Snelling State Park)* in the morning and Wic̣aḣapi** in the afternoon, with a break for lunch on your own.

A Minnesota state park vehicle permit is required for Fort Snelling State Park. [Day passes can be purchased in advance.]
You will walk up to one mile over mostly flat terrain with periods of standing. You are welcome to bring a small folding or camping chair for comfort.
The experience takes place outdoors; please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Some of the content may bring up strong emotions.

*Fort Snelling State Park: 101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul – access is via Post Road, near the Mpls.-St. Paul Airport
**Wic̣aḣapi: Mounds Blvd and Earl St., St. Paul

Accessibility (click to expand/collapse)
For information about accessibility and physical considerations, please visit the FAQ section of the Learning from Place: Bdote program page. If you have additional questions or would like to discuss your needs, contact Eden Bart.

K-12 educators will receive 5 clock hours.
Participants provide their own transportation, lunch, snacks, and beverages.

Registration
Registration for this event will open on April 27, 2026.

Minneapolis - Learning from Place: Somali South Minneapolis
2026-07-16 15:00 - 18:00 | Somali Museum, 2950 Chicago Ave, Suite C, Minneapolis, 55407, United States
South Minneapolis is home to a vibrant corridor of Somali owned businesses, cultural institutions, and public art that reflect the community’s resilience, cultural pride, and contributions to Minneapolis. This Learning from Place experience begins at the Somali Museum, where participants will learn about Somali cultural heritage and, if scheduling allows, experience traditional dance. The group will then take a short walk to Hoyo Sambusa to sample sambusa and watch a cooking demonstration, where founder Mariam will share the story behind her social enterprise and the cultural significance of sambusa in Somali homes and gatherings.
Participants will continue along the Lake Street corridor with mural artist Guulsan, who will guide a mural walk and share the stories and inspiration behind his artwork, offering insight into how public art expresses community identity and shapes how stories of place are remembered and shared. Along the way, the group will visit Zizi Boutique, celebrating its 10-year anniversary, to learn about Somali fashion and clothing. The experience concludes at the bustling iconic Karmel Mall, a central marketplace for Somali businesses, where participants can explore the shops and continue reflection over warm chai.
K-12 Educators will receive 3 clock hours upon completion of the event.
This experience is curated by Yusra Mohamud, as a longtime connector within South Minneapolis’s East African community, Yusra brings a rare combination of deep cultural roots and a gift for storytelling that transforms corridors into living narratives of resilience, identity, and belonging.
Registration
To ensure that cost is not a barrier, we have a limited number of complimentary spaces available for Minnesota residents. If you would like to receive a complimentary spot, please register with the discount code FEEWAIVER.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy
Register Now

Minneapolis - Learning from Place: Exploring Minnesota’s Religious Landscapes
2026-08-06 09:00 - 14:00 | Temple Israel, 2323 Fremont Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55405, United States
This Learning from Place experience invites participants to explore Minnesota’s rich religious landscape through visits to three faith communities in the Twin Cities: Temple Israel, Masjid An-Nur (mosque), and The Basilica of St. Mary. Traveling together by bus, participants will engage in guided visits, storytelling, and facilitated dialogue that deepen understanding of how religious traditions shape the cultural, historical, and civic life of our state.
As participants move through each space, they will learn the significance these places hold and consider how identity, migration, and community life intersect in Minnesota.
Throughout the experience, facilitators will provide context and guide reflection, supporting participants in making connections across sites and considering the implications for their own roles in a pluralistic democracy. Time will also be set aside for a shared lunch and informal reflection.
Come ready to listen, reflect, and engage with curiosity and questions.
K-12 Educators will receive 5 clock hours upon completion of the event.
This experience is presented in collaboration with Minnesota Multifaith Network (MnMN), a non-profit organization committed to convening and connecting leaders, organizations, and individuals across religious, spiritual, and philosophical differences in Minnesota to cultivate understanding, advance justice, overcome fear, and build a more inclusive and compassionate community.
Registration
Registration coming soon!

Little Falls - We Are Water MN
2026-08-13 - 2026-10-05 | Great River Arts, 122 1st Street SE, Little Falls, MN, 56345, 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: Great River Arts
As the summer comes to a close and fall sets in, join We Are Water MN at Great River Arts (GRA) in Little Fall, where creativity meets community. GRA exists to enrich lives through the arts and become the art hub for the Morrison County area, playing a significant role in sustaining the community’s artistic and economic vibrancy. From live theater and music performances to continuous visual art exhibits, art classes for youth and adults, and now the We Are Water MN exhibit, come see how all of the wonderful things that happen when water and art meet!
We are especially excited that the exhibit will be in town during the annual and always highly anticipated Little Falls Arts and Crafts Fair, September 12-13. We look forward to bringing We Are Water MN to the thousands of art enthusiasts visiting the heart of downtown Little Falls.
For this hosting, Great River Arts is partnered with the City of Little Falls, the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, and the Morrison Soil & Water Conservation District.
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
