Podcasts and Slideshows

Learn about the new exhibit Toys and about which iconic toys from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s were invented right here in Minnesota. Will your favorites be among them?

Learn More:

• Visit Toys of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s
• Search for more toys in Collections Online

Comments Off

From family reunions to the nightclub scene, there is no one who documented the Twin Cities Black community like Charles Chamblis. Affectionately called “The Pictureman,” he had a passion for photography and a knack for being everywhere at the right time. The Minnesota Historical Society is thrilled to have a collection of over 2,000 of his images documenting life in the 1970-1980s.

Sights, Sounds and Soul: Twin Cities Through the Lens of Charles Chamblis is a new exhibit of his work, opening at the Minnesota Historical Society on April 26, 2014.

And join us for Retrorama: a celebration of fashion of the 70-80s on May 16, 2014!

Comments Off

Joan Mondale, wife of former Senator and Vice-President Walter Mondale, passed away this week at the age of 83. She was a passionate arts advocate, partner in politics, potter, and mother.

Seen here are a selection of images from her personal papers and Mr. Mondale’s papers, both at the Minnesota Historical Society. These images show many aspects of her life in the public eye, but can only hint at her spirit.

Please see this document for specific information on the images.
Joan Mondale Slideshow photo info

Learn More:

• Joan Mondale’s personal papers
• Second Lady’s Office files
• Walter F. Mondale Collection

Comments Off

A look at the early days of the Great American Pastime in Minnesota, from its beginnings post-Civil War up to the arrival of the Minnesota Twins.

 Podcast Video [5:14m]: Download (415)
 Ebook: Download (175)

1 Comment »

Minnesota has a long history of transportation, but one of the most dramatic eras is that of the railroads. This video shows the beauty and excitement of trains, using film footage, photos, and objects from the Minnesota Historical Society’s Collection.

A longer version of this piece will be showing at the Northern Spark Festival in Lowertown, Saint Paul on June 8, 2013. Trains, romance and stories of riding the rails will be seen in the Minnesota Historical Society commissioned film “Arriving/Departing in Central Standard Time” by artists Michael and Abigail Mouw, showing at the Union Depot during the Festival.

4 Comments »

The Great Gatsby, now a new major motion picture, was written by a man with Minnesota roots. Discover St. Paul’s F. Scott Fitzgerald and stories you may not have heard.

Comments Off

Immigrants are an important part of the Minnesota story. This episode looks at immigration through what people brought with them to their new home. What was useful, what held memories, what shows why they had to leave?

 

 Podcast Video [3:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (399)
 Ebook: Download (120)

1 Comment »

Prisoner of war camps during the Civil War were often more dangerous than the battlefield. Watch to learn more about the system of prisoner exchanges and how circumstances deteriorated as the war dragged on. Andersonville is particularly noted, as many Minnesota soldiers spent time there.

 Podcast Video [3:59m]: Download (484)

Learn More:

• Civil War Daybook
• Civil War Collections
• Minnesota and the Civil War Exhibit

Comments Off

This episode features Victorian valentines from the Minnesota Historical Society’s collections, dating from 1840 to 1900. While the designs are vintage, the feelings expressed are timeless.

 Podcast Video [1:49m]: Download (372)

Produced by Lizzie Ehrenhalt

For more valentines, see Collections Online.

Comments Off

As Minnesotans, we love to talk about the weather. Talk about it, obsess over it, live in it, love it. Or love hating it, at least. Since the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and Crashed Ice start soon, we thought this a good time to look at a variety of winter weather from images and film in our Collection, including an Easter snowball fight, winter swimming, -20 degrees, and blizzards. Enjoy the misery of others and maybe watch it again come July!

 Podcast Video [3:09m]: Download (550)

Produced by Sondra Reierson

3 Comments »