Minnesota History

Old buildings can carry a lot of meaning for some people. That's why a group in Homer Township near Winona, Minn. is organizing to save their old town hall building. Jeanne Nelson is a retired schoolteacher who lives in Homer. She joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about her efforts and why the building is so special to her.
On Madeline Island, residents aim to preserve their ferry lifeline
A warming climate and the gradual loss of the ice road on Lake Superior has made the Madeline Island Ferry an even more essential lifeline for residents and tourists. Now the town of La Pointe, Wis., is trying to buy the service to ensure it runs well into the future.
Vintage motel signs in south Minneapolis go up for auction
If you’re a fan of mid-century modern décor, you’ve got a chance to super-size your taste for nostalgia with two vintage Minneapolis motel signs up for auction.
Red Lake leader sets opioid crisis and land return as priorities for 2023
Red Lake Nation Chairman Darrell Seki Sr., said during his State of the Band address that one of the band's goals is to reestablish the original boundary of the reservation. He delivered the message as he laid out the tribal agenda for 2023. 
Lives of Hastings’ first Black residents source of inspiration for descendants
The first Black families who settled, worked and started businesses in Hastings, Minn., are an example of the city’s rich Black history. Many were barbers, farmers and mill workers. This history also exemplifies the triumph — not just the trauma — residents experienced.
'Deja vu all over': Two Harbors fights again over Lighthouse Point development
It’s been twenty years since residents of the small North Shore town waged a battle over a plan to build homes next to its historic lighthouse along the shore of Lake Superior. Some are again raising concerns about a new proposed development.
New app will help preserve and teach Dakota language one word at a time
“We're using modern technology to save our ancient languages. And it’s using the best of both to preserve our ancient knowledge,” said Šišókaduta, who was one of the leaders in the dictionary project.