History

Historians Ed Ayers and Brian Balogh both say they entered the profession to have a better understanding of how the world we live in came to be. That's the driving force behind their scholarship, and the basis for their radio show. They join Midmorning to talk about the enduring lessons of American history.
Development plans underway for area near Fort Snelling
A tract of land near the old Fort Snelling is getting attention after standing largely neglected for decades. There are some new efforts to preserve and redevelop the historic site.
Tales from a socialist childhood
He grew up with the idea that the workers of America would one day rise up, overthrow capitalism, and create a new socialist society. His mother described it as a place where "all skateboards will be free." But author Said Sayrafiezadeh says all he really wanted was to be an average American kid.
Book by 8th graders follows James gang through Minnesota
For four years, students at Northfield Middle School wrote a book about a failed bank robbery in 1876 by outlaw Jesse James and his gang.
Remembering D-Day
June 6 marks the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the allied landing at Normandy, France in 1944. D-Day marked the first step in the long, allied campaign during World War II to liberate Europe from Nazi Germany's occupation. On Midday, we remember D-Day and the soldiers who fought on those beaches.
A great harvest of food movies screening in Minneapolis
Hundreds of people are expected tonight and tomorrow at Minneapolis screenings of a new movie called "Fresh." It's the first of a string of movies due for release this summer about food, and the debate over its place in our lives.
Bridge to Somewhere: Lessons from the New Deal
A new American RadioWorks documentary explores the lessons President Obama can learn from FDR's New Deal.
Historical Society revises budget cuts
The Minnesota Historical Society says it's planning for an 8.6 percent cut in its budget, even though it will receive a $20 million boost from a new sales tax.
New WWII exhibit at Minnesota Historical Society
The biggest single exhibit ever undertaken by the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul opens this weekend.
Quiet White Bear Lake was once a Minnesota vacation mecca
The quiet bedroom community hosting this weekend's fishing opener was once a hopping vacation destination for Twin Cities residents. One hundred years ago, lavish resorts, hotels, restaurants and even an ammusement park lined the shore.