Minnesota Humanities Center

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

Empire - Learning from Place: Watt Munisotaram (Cambodian Temple)
2026-08-13 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Watt Munisotaram, 2925 220th St E, Empire, 55031, United States
What does it mean to learn from a place shaped by history, migration, and spiritual practice?
This Learning from Place experience invites participants to explore Watt Munisotaram, the largest Cambodian Buddhist temple in the United States, located in the countryside of Empire, Minnesota. Participants will engage with the temple as a living cultural and spiritual site, learning directly from community members, monks, and the landscape itself.
As we move through the temple grounds, we will explore Cambodia’s history and the experiences that brought Cambodian families to Minnesota – home to the fifth-largest Cambodian population in the United States. Through stories and guided exploration, participants will learn how Watt Munisotaram serves as a place of cultural continuity, community connection, and spiritual life.
Participants will hear from community members and Buddhist monks, explore the temple’s architecture and symbolism, enjoy traditional Cambodian foods, and participate in a brief guided meditation as a way to learn about a practice central to Cambodian Buddhist traditions.
K-12 Educators will receive 3 clock hours upon completion of the event.
This experience is presented in collaboration with Cambodian American Partnership (CAPMN), a non-profit organization committed to building a resilient community that honors Cambodian history by cultivating a sense of 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

St. Paul - Learning from Place: Bdote
2026-09-19 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 July 27, 2026.

Minneapolis - Learning from Place: Somali Cedar Riverside
2026-10-02 15:00 - 18:00 | Brian Coyle Neighborhood Center, 420 South 15th Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55454, United States
Cedar Riverside is the heart of the East African community in Minneapolis and home to one of the largest Somali populations in the United States. Over time, Somali Minnesotans have shaped the neighborhood into a vibrant cultural corridor filled with businesses, mosques, and gathering spaces where community life unfolds each day.
Participants will begin at Brian Coyle Community Center and hear from respected community leader Halimo Ainte, who will share reflections on Somali migration, community building, and the transformation of Cedar Riverside into a thriving East African neighborhood. Participants will also visit neighborhood spaces such as a local mosque and nearby businesses that serve as everyday gathering places.
The experience includes a Somali coffee ceremony that reflects the tradition of roasting spices as a vehicle for welcome, conversation, and connection. The learning tour concludes with Somali food samples and reflections.
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
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT.

Blaine - We Are Water MN
2026-10-08 - 2026-11-30 | Northtown Library, 711 County Hwy 10 NE, Blaine, MN, 55434, 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: Anoka County Library
We Are Water MN will round out its 2026 tour at the Northtown Library in Blaine! Anoka County Libraries exist to serve their communities and connect them to resources and learning, and We Are Water MN is no exception, bringing water education and engagement to the library. Fun fact: Anoka County is the 4th largest county in the state of Minnesota, comprised of over 360,000 residents! Libraries are naturally places people go to learn, and we look forward to seeing the many water related resources, books, book discussions, and beyond!
Though most of the programming at Northtown will happen indoors, the library also features beautiful outdoor grounds, with a pond and Shoreline Buffer Garden that are on library premises. Join us outside for nature programming!
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

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