Area historical organizations join to form the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society in Minnesota

I am happy to see this consolidation taking place this fall. The information is from a Minnesota Historical Society newsletter. Congratulations to the four organizations and the new Lake Minnetonka Historical Society. I’ve long thought this would make sense. Each has been effective and jointly, the history will be even more effective. For the full […]

County historical societies hold great wealth for genealogy research

How many of you have done research at a county historical society? Whether you have already done some or not, this is a good time to check out the website, blog, Facebook page, other social media, or newsletter related to some of your U.S. ancestral counties. You may find family files, county record books, newspaper […]

Searching for historical, cultural, and genealogical organizations in Minnesota

Looking for a county historical organization in Minnesota? How about a genealogical society in your ancestral areas? It’s easy to do a search for keyword phrases such as St. Louis County Historical Society and be directed to the website. Did you know about the Eveleth Heritage Committee or the Virginia Area Historical Society in the […]

Hennepin County, Minnesota ancestors? Hennepin History magazine now digitized!

From the Hennepin County Library system about a new addition to its special collections: “76 years of the magazine “Hennepin History,” the official publication of the Hennepin History Museum, are now online in the Hennepin County Library Digital Collections. The magazine has been published continuously since 1941. Articles range in length and scope, but cover […]

Old Settlers organizations and their records

One of the presentations I do, Genealogical Goldmine: The Records of Old Settlers’ Organizations, is one that produces awe at the records, memorials, biographies, membership applications, and other material that often exist today.  Some of these organizations evolved into county and state historical societies. These are generally  grassroots organizations or groups of old settlers of […]

Eden Prairie, Minnesota (Hennepin County) roots? Ongoing oral history project

Eden Prairie, Minnesota is a suburb of Minneapolis. It was once a rural area but has grown into a place with a large population and the stores and activities to match. I lived there for a couple years and my ex-husband worked there for many years. There isn’t an old main street with quaint stores, […]

Counties losing support for historical societies shows a lack of understanding

Today’s Star-Tribune in the Twin Cities carried an interesting article. Interesting but sad and covering something that occurs too frequently in many places. The article “As counties tighten their belts, local historical societies hold their breath” told the story of some Minnesota county historical societies that have lost support funding from county commissioners. One section […]

Recent accessions with a genealogy connection. Recent what?

Accessions? What is she talking about! I am talking about manuscripts, photos, books, maps, and other items recently or newly donated to or purchased by our great research repositories. These could be the county or state historical society, ethnic society, state archives, university special collections department or any other place we may go to do […]

Minnesota websites for genealogical and historical research: Part 3

This is Part 3 of an ongoing  series of posts about great online resources from historical societies and libraries around Minnesota. Don’t forget to check the websites of these organizations for lists, catalogs, and finding aids that tell you about the other extensive research resources that need to be used in person. Hennepin County Library, […]

Job for a Minnesota genealogist

Carver County Historical Society, Waconia, MN, is seeking a half time genealogist/researcher. Applications will be taken until April 25, 2014, with interviews to follow early May. Interns are encouraged to apply.  To apply please email cover letter with salary requirements, and resume. Email questions preferred. This is from the Minnesota Historical Society’s Local History News […]