Minnesota History

Book explores history through the story of one family
In a new book Southwest State University historian Joseph Amato traces the story of his family across North America and Europe. In "Jacob's Well: A Case for Rethinking Family History," Amato talks about his ancestors and uses their stories to put a human face on historical events.
How the 1968 New Hampshire primary changed history
It's been 40 years since the 1968 New Hampshire primary that made Eugene McCarthy, a U.S. senator from Minnesota, a viable Democratic presidential candidate in a race that took down sitting President Lyndon B. Johnson. Midday explores this historic primary and how it changed history.
Walter Mondale reflects on 80 years
Walter Mondale, former vice president, U.S. senator and ambassador, and former Democratic presidential nominee, celebrates 80 years and looks to the future.
Former Wisconsin Gov. Lee Dreyfus, known for his red vest, dies at 81
Former Gov. Lee Sherman Dreyfus, who signed the nation's first statewide gay rights law in 1982, has died. He was 81. Dreyfus was chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1978, when he won the governor's office.
State's sesquicentennial bash is on tight budget
The state board created to direct the state's 150th birthday celebration has raised only about $1 million, only a quarter of what had been hoped for.
The Beatles' one-night stand in Bloomington
Bill Carlson was 17 years old when he got a press pass to photograph the Beatles during their one and only show in Minnesota. Few of those photos saw the light of day until recently, when Carlson decided to publish them in a book called "The Beatles! A One-Night Stand in the Heartland."
All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
A new production retelling the true story of the Christmas Truce of 1914 reminds us of the power of music to make peace, even in wartime.
Minnesota, land of 'Amber Waters'
The colorful evolution of beermaking in Minnesota is documented in a new book published by the University of Minnesota Press. "Land of Amber Waters: The History of Brewing in Minnesota" follows the changing industry as it goes from local to regional to national, and back again.
Arvonne Fraser reflects on life, politics, and the women's movement
Arvonne Fraser, a pioneer in the worldwide women's movement, looks back on her life as an activist and talks about the gains women have made in the workplace and in politics.