Minnesota History

50 years since the day the music died
Fifty years ago this week, one of the defining moments in rock and roll history occurred, when musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper were killed in a plane crash. Several events are planned to commemorate the anniversary in Clear Lake, Iowa, where they played their last concert.
Woman who donated Minn. Governor's Residence dies
Olivia Irvine Dodge, a philanthropist who donated the house that is now the Minnesota Governor's Residence, died Saturday at the age of 90.
New book tells John Beargrease's story
This weekend, teams of mushers will gather in Duluth for the annual John Beargrease Sled Dog marathon. A new book titled "John Beargrease: Legend of Minnesota's North Shore," tells the story of Beargrease's life.
The allure of the lake
White Bear Lake has been a vacation destination for decades. Locals and out-of-staters alike have built homes and resorts there, sailed boats and fished off her shores. Here's a look back.
Life as a Jewish partisan
The new film, "Defiance," tells the story of the Bielski brothers, who led a group of Jewish partisans living in the forests of Belarus during World War II. The film mirrors the experience of a Minnesota couple who fought in another Jewish partisan group in the same forest.
Twins owner Carl Pohlad dies
Minnesotans in business, sports and philanthropic circles are looking back on the life of Carl Pohlad, who died yesterday at the age of 93.
The end of an era at the Minneapolis Grain Exchange
After more than a century of shouts and gestures, the trading floor at the Minneapolis Grain Exchange goes silent Friday afternoon. Friday is the last day of open outcry futures trading on the floor of the exchange.
The Minnesota tradition of fair elections
Highlights from the University of Minnesota Humphrey Institute's panel on "The Minnesota Tradition of Fair Elections."
Sun sets on the Morning Show
MPR's Morning Show hosts Dale Connelly and Jim Ed Poole join Gary Eichten on the eve of their final program.
Life on the upper Mississippi
Author Patricia Hampl draws from literary sources far and wide to take listeners on a literary voyage down the Mississippi River. She reads from her own memoirs as well as the work of other poets, novelists, historians and essayists.