For students looking for high-quality, in-depth resources on a few specific topics, the University of Minnesota has several fascinating collections and centers that can provide excellent information. Here are a few that may spark their interest.

Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies. The CHGS is dedicated to education about the Holocaust and other genocides. The website includes some sources, featuring virtual exhibits, histories and narratives, and links and other references, but the collections at the center are more comprehensive. Students can visit the CHGS from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday - Friday or by appointment.

Immigration History Resource Center. The IHRC promotes research on international migration. Sources include recently digitized and translated immigrant letters, personal papers, records of immigrant organizations, and ethnic periodicals. Students can visit during regular hours or make an appointment.

Social Welfare History Archives. The SWHA collects information on social services and social reform organizations. Subjects addressed in their collections include the settlement house movement, the social work profession, sexuality-related issues such as birth control, child welfare, community planning, and health care. The library is open weekdays and Saturday mornings, and appointments are recommended.

Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Studies. The Tretter Collection covers GLBT topics from all time periods, and includes sources such as books, manuscripts, digital images, community newspapers, artifacts and more. The collection is open weekdays and Saturday morning, and appointments are recommended.

Upper Midwest Jewish Archives. The UMJA includes the holdings of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest. The collections include records of community organizations, synagogues, and women’s organizations, personal papers, and regional holdings.  Students must gain permission to use the archives. Archivist Susan Hoffman can guide students in the process of gaining permission.

Visit the Andersen Library website for information on other collections that may be helpful to a student’s research.

If you are looking to get your students into libraries, outside of school, to do research, History Day has a way!

The Council for Regional Public Library Service Administration (CRPLSA) has partnered with History Day to provide financial support for student research. Schools and libraries have the opportunity to receive reimbursement for travel and research-related expenses at public, academic or specialty libraries. These dollars can reimburse the following expenses:

• Bus/transportation expenses
• Substitute fees
• Teacher stipends (for weekend/evening work)

The dollars CANNOT reimburse the following expenses:

• Food
• Overnight hotel stays
• Field trip expenses not related to research

Schools should work in partnership with libraries to create the best possible research experience for students. Our expectations are that the research must be History Day related and that the majority of students taking advantage of this opportunity will follow this project to completion. Schools and libraries will need to complete an approval form; you can find the form online.

This is a excellent chance for students to gain access to a variety of resources and see the world of libraries beyond their school or public libraries. If you have any questions about this great opportunity, contact Naomi Peuse at 651-259-3435.

In addition to the half-dozen workshops History Day has scheduled throughout the fall at the Minnesota History Center, there are a few workshops in Greater Minnesota, or sponsored in St. Paul by other institutions, that History Day teachers may be interested in attending.

West Central Ultimate and Theme workshop
Otter Tail County Historical Society, Fergus Falls
Tues., Oct. 19, 2010. 9:00 a.m. - noon (ultimate) and 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. (theme)
Fee: Free, lunch included
E-mail Laura Zeccardi to register.

South Central Ultimate History Day workshop
South Central Service Cooperative, Mankato
Thurs., Oct. 28, 2010. 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fee: Free, lunch included
Visit the SCSC website to register.

Central Ultimate History Day workshop
Stearns History Museum, St. Cloud
Fri., Oct. 29, 2010. 8:00 a.m. - noon.
Fee: $30
E-mail Laura Zeccardi to register.

History Day @ Your Library
Minnesota History Center, St. Paul
Wed., Nov. 10, 2010. 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Fee: $40, lunch included
Visit the Metronet website to register.