Hennepin History Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 1938 |
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| Location | 2303 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States |
The Hennepin History Museum is a cool place where you can learn all about the past of Hennepin County, Minnesota. This includes the stories of the people and communities who have lived there. The museum has awesome exhibits, fun history programs, and special events happening all year long.
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Where to Find the Museum
The Hennepin History Museum is in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis. It's inside a really old and beautiful house called the Christian Mansion. This mansion was built way back in 1919! The house is part of the Washburn-Fair Oaks Mansion District in Minneapolis. You can find it right next to Washburn-Fair Oaks Park. Famous architects named Hewitt and Brown designed this historic home.
Explore History Through Exhibits
The Hennepin History Museum has many different exhibits. Some exhibits are always there, showing off important items and documents. Other exhibits change regularly, so there's always something new to see! These exhibits tell the story of Hennepin County from its very first days until now.
What You Can Discover in Exhibits
When you visit, you can learn about many parts of local history, including:
- The history of Indigenous cultures
- How the area was first settled and grew
- Important industries and businesses
- Big social changes and local politics
- Local art and culture
Fun Programs and Events
The museum offers lots of public programs throughout the year. These include interesting talks, hands-on workshops, and special events for families. They also have guided tours. These programs are a great way for everyone to learn more about local history. You can also get to know the museum's amazing collections better.
Connecting with the Community
The museum hosts many different events. They have monthly "Fireside Chats" where experts talk about various history topics. They also hold social gatherings and author talks.
Spotlighting Different Cultures
The museum works hard to show off the many different communities in Hennepin County.
- In 2003, they teamed up with the Walker Art Museum. They worked with 30 high school students from East Africa. Together, they used letters and photos to create an exhibit about East African communities in Minneapolis.
- In 2009, students from the University of Minnesota helped too. They showed designs for homes that would be comfortable for Somali and Mexican immigrants.
The Museum Library
The museum has a special library that is open to everyone. It holds many important historical documents and records.
What You Can Find in the Library
The library has lots of helpful materials, such as:
- Old city directories
- Photos of houses and buildings
- Maps and atlases
- Resources to help you research your family history
- Files about the history of the city and local businesses
A professional archivist is usually there to help you find what you need.
Hennepin History Magazine
The museum publishes a magazine called Hennepin History Magazine three times a year. It was updated in 2017 and features interesting stories from all over Hennepin County. You can even read older versions of the magazine online! The Hennepin County Library Digital Collections has digital copies.
Stories About Local Companies
The magazine often explores the history of local companies. For example, one issue talked about "The Birth of Target." This article looked at the history of the Target Corporation and how it started with the Dayton family's department store, Daytons. Another issue from 2012 explored Northwest Airlines in the 1930s.
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