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Create a More Connected Minnesota

Six historical paintings of Minnesotans fighting in the Civil War are 

They were removed during the Capitol's renovation, and Gov. Mark Dayton asked that they not come back to the Governor's Reception Room and anteroom.  He said they should be replaced with art that depicts more of the state's varied history. 

But the decision wasn't his to make. It was with the Minnesota Historical Society. They voted unanimously Thursday to return the paintings.  

MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Stephen Elliot, the director and CEO of the Minnesota Historical Society.

Click on the audio above to hear their conversation.

The decision Thursday by a Minnesota Historical Society panel ended what had been a skirmish over whose Minnesota history should be prominently displayed at the Capitol.

Six historical paintings of Minnesotans fighting in the civil war are returning to the state capitol, likely in the next month. They were removed during the capitol's renovation, and Gov. Mark Dayton asked that they not come back to Governor's Reception Room and anteroom.  He said they should be replaced with art that depicts more of the state's varied history. But the decision wasn't his to make. It was with the Minnesota Historical Society. They voted unanimously yesterday to return the paintings.

Historical status of art played role in decision on Capitol paintings

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