Minnesota History

More than a half-century after construction of I-94 tore through the predominantly-Black Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul, various community members are pitching redesigns meant to repair harm. The aging highway infrastructure is now in need of upgrades.
History exhibit features the untold stories of Rochester's Black elders
An exhibit at the History Center of Olmsted County shines a light on the development of the Black community in Rochester in the 1960s and 1970s. Pastor Andre Crockett told host Cathy Wurzer about the powerful stories Rochester’s Black elders shared with him for “Community Connections: African Americans in Rochester.”
On this day in MN history: Landmark decision protects Ojibwe hunting, fishing treaty rights
On Jan. 25, 1983, the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals confirmed the treaty rights of Lake Superior Ojibwe to hunt, fish and gather on off-reservation lands. Professor Anton Treuer looked back at the historic ruling — and the turmoil and violence surrounding it — with host Cathy Wurzer.
Remembering environmentalist Sigurd Olson, 40 years after his passing
Forty years ago, on Jan. 13, 1982, environmentalist icon Sigurd Olson passed away in Ely, Minn. To remember Olson, host Cathy Wurzer was joined by biographer David Backes, who recalled how Olson changed his life.
'Christmas of Swing' honors WWII veterans through letters and song
The U.S. entered World War II 80 years ago this month, and as Americans in the military went out to fight, they sent back letters to friends and family filled with stories. Now, the History Theatre in St. Paul is bringing some of those stories together on stage, including four people from the north side of Minneapolis whose parts in the war effort were different, but very important.
Photos: Handful of fire towers still stand sentinel over Minnesota bogs and forests
Two of the top three deadliest fires in U.S. history were in Minnesota. In response to the fires, the Minnesota forestry service was established in the early 1900s, creating the system of fire towers.