History

Vets preserve memories of war in their art
Every November, America honors its veterans with grand parades, speeches and tributes. But more than 350 veterans of Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan have turned to art to preserve more intimate and enduring memories of war, and more than 2,500 of their works have found a home at Chicago's National Veterans Art Museum.
To discuss the Battle of Antietam, the first fought on northern soil in the Civil War, MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Morning Edition historian, Annette Atkins. Professor Atkins teaches history at the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University.
Yellowstone Park's first leader, from St. Paul to the Wild West
If Yellowstone is part of your summer travel plans, you may be interested to hear that a Minnesotan played a key role in creation of the country's first national park. Nathaniel Pitt Langford of St. Paul was Yellowstone's first superintendent. But he was much more than that.
A Minneapolis art gallery is opening an exhibit by Native American artists reflecting on the 150th anniversary of the US-Dakota War of 1862.
Minnesota voices from the front lines of World War II
From MPR's Minnesota Sounds and Voices series come two accounts from Minnesotans caring for the wounded during World War II. Dr. John Linner was a Navy doctor and served in battles at both Normandy and Okinawa. Bloomington resident Avis Schorer talks about her harrowing experience as an Army nurse during the invasion of Anzio in Italy.
The story of Minnesota's protest tradition
MPR News presents two interviews from our Minnesota Voices series on the history of political protest in Minnesota. The program begins with a remembrance of anti-war protester and civil rights activist Marv Davidof who died recently. Reporter Dan Olson also interviews historian Rhoda Gilman, who's out with a new book, "Stand Up: the Story of Minnesota's Protest Tradition."
Little Crow was 'born to be a leader' in the Dakota War of 1862
Cathy Wurzer talks with historian Annette Atkins about the role of Dakota Indian leader Little Crow in the Dakota War of 1862.
The Dakota War, and Gov. Henry Sibley in retrospect
As we head into the somber commemoration of the Dakota War this year, we thought it appropriate to call in historian Annette Atkins to help us learn more about Gov. Henry Sibley and his times, and the events that laid the groundwork for the war.
US Archives unveils Magna Carta after repairs
A 715-year old copy of Magna Carta will soon return to public view at the National Archives after a conservation effort removed old patches and repaired weak spots in the English declaration of human rights that inspired the United States' founding documents.
White House Tapes: the secret phone recordings of three presidents
The last of the secret recordings President John F. Kennedy made while in office were just released to the public this week. Midday presents a 2003 American RadioWorks documentary about some of the secretly taped phone conversations of Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. "The President Calling" reveals the style and political skills of these three leaders through their conversations.