Pince-nez eyeglasses worn by Minnesota Governor John A. Johnson. Pince-nez are eyeglasses clipped to the bridge of the nose. The lenses of these spectacles are joined at the center by a “C” shaped bridge. The spectacles are accompanied by a hinged sterling silver case lined with purple velvet. The case is engraved with a floral motif and the words “GOVERNOR / JOHN A. JOHNSON” on the front. John A. Johnson was the first Minnesota-born governor of the state and the first to die in office.

St. Patrick’s Day card featuring Jesse Ventura in a green leprechaun suit reads “After a glass of St. Patrick’s Day cheer”, inside reads “The streets of St. Paul become perfectly clear!” The sentiment of the card refers to Governor Ventura’s remarks on The Late Show with David Letterman in 1999, that the streets of St. Paul must have been laid out by drunken Irishmen, because the street grid made no sense. (There was a fair uproar after he said this.) Manufactured by Minnesota Moon, ca. 1999.

A round, bulbous gourd painted to resemble then-governor Jesse Ventura. Written on the front of the shirt is “I’m “Jesse” that’s why!”. Made by Leta H., circa 2000.

Hunting jacket worn by Governor Harold Stassen (1939 – 1943) when he won the 1925-1926 National Collegiate Rifle Association championship.

Learn More:

• Harold E. Stassen: Governors of Minnesota

This black silk top hat that belonged to Governor Floyd B. Olson (1931-36) was made by Dobbs 5th Ave. New York and sold by Malmstedt in Minneapolis. The governor’s initials are inside the hat’s crown. Circa 1930.

Learn More:

• Floyd B. Olson: Governors of Minnesota

Mark Dayton was inaugurated on January 3, 2011, as the 40^th governor of Minnesota. In honor of this event, the Minnesota Historical Society created this slideshow featuring unique items from the MHS collections related to four of Minnesota’s past governors: Alexander Ramsey, Knute Nelson, Floyd B. Olson and Harold Stassen. These are just a few of the many manuscripts and objects associated with Minnesota politics in the Historical Society’s vast collections.

Upon his death in 1923, this mask of Knute Nelson was cast. Death masks were common among high profile figures in the 18^th and early 19^th centuries, and Nelson’s is one of many in the Minnesota Historical Society’s collection. The mask is made of plaster of Paris and painted dark brown.

Learn More:

• Knute Nelson: Governors of Minnesota