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A century-old time capsule in Virginia, Minn., offers a glimpse into the town’s past

A century-old time capsule in Virginia, Minn., offers a glimpse into the town’s past

St. Louis County officials opened a time capsule that’s been sealed for more than 100 years. Workers found the small copper box in the cornerstone of an old building that was recently demolished.
by Dan Kraker

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Lindsay Chervinsky’s new book ‘Making the Presidency’ teaches us about the past and present

Lindsay Chervinsky’s new book ‘Making the Presidency’ teaches us about the past and present

Historian Lindsay Chervinsky’s new book, “Making the Presidency,” is a profile of John Adams. But it’s also an instructive examination of how the presidency has evolved to become what it is today.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Twin Cities Green Book sites were touchstones for Black travelers in the segregation era

Twin Cities Green Book sites were touchstones for Black travelers in the segregation era

During the era of Jim Crow laws and racial segregation, 87 locations in Minnesota were listed in the Green Book, which helped Black travelers find businesses that would serve them. But less than a quarter of these sites in Minnesota remain standing today.
by Nina Moini and Ellie Roth

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Researchers link a gene to the emergence of spoken language

Researchers link a gene to the emergence of spoken language

Why did humans start speaking? Scientists suggest genetics played a big role. They say the evolution of this singular ability has been key to our survival. A new study links a particular gene to the ancient origins of spoken language.
by The Associated Press

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YouTube turns 20 years old today

YouTube turns 20 years old today

Twenty years ago, three former PayPal employees activated the domain name “YouTube.com.” The first YouTube video followed soon after.
by Taylor Haney

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From territory to today: Mapping Minnesota’s Black history

From territory to today: Mapping Minnesota’s Black history

In celebration of Black History Month in February, MPR News is highlighting Black history throughout the state. From a fur trader believed to be one of the first African descendants in a territory that is now Minnesota, to streets and parks renamed in 2024 after Black community leaders, these sites span the state and the centuries.
by Lisa Ryan, Elisabeth Gawthrop, Kyra Miles and MPR News Staff

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Auschwitz holds observances on the 80th anniversary of the death camp's liberation

Auschwitz holds observances on the 80th anniversary of the death camp's liberation

Elderly camp survivors, some wearing striped scarves that recall their prison uniforms, walked to the the Death Wall, where prisoners were executed. Across Europe, officials were pausing to remember.
by The Associated Press

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Mapping Prejudice Project granted access to Stearns County property records

Mapping Prejudice Project granted access to Stearns County property records

Stearns County commissioners on Tuesday voted to approve a memorandum of understanding with the University of Minnesota Libraries so they could comb for racial covenants — clauses in property deeds that barred specific ethnic groups from owning homes or land.
by Cathy Wurzer and Gracie Stockton

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On the brink of the inauguration, historians reflect on America's trajectory

On the brink of the inauguration, historians reflect on America's trajectory

As Inauguration Day approaches, we ask historians who’ve written books about America’s past reflect on America’s future. Does this moment have a parallel, or are we truly in unprecedented times?
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Curator talks archiving Walz’s bid for VP, preserving political legacies

Curator talks archiving Walz’s bid for VP, preserving political legacies

While brief, Gov. Tim Walz’s bid for vice president will add another chapter to his legacy in politics, and the Minnesota Historical Society has gotten a jumpstart on preserving it.
by Cathy Wurzer and Gracie Stockton

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