The Minnesota Historical Society Invites Minnesotans to Visit, Learn and Share for Preservation Month this May

The Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) is celebrating Preservation Month in May by encouraging Minnesotans to visit historic sites, to learn how to preserve family treasures and also to share favorite historic places in their communities on social media.

Across Minnesota, there are nearly 7,000 properties on the National Register of Historic Places and more than two dozen National Historic Landmarks. In fact, Sarah Sibley, the wife of the Minnesota’s first governor, is known as the state's "first lady of preservation” for her efforts to restore President George Washington's home, Mount Vernon.

Split Rock Lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark, then and now

This spring and summer, MHS encourages Minnesotans to explore and support our state’s landmarks and other sites of national historic significance. Visit nrhp.mnhs.org for listings and more information.

"Minnesota's historic sites and museums are wonderful destinations for an outing. Whether your interest is in archaeology, buildings or historic collections, visiting Minnesota's historic sites, museums and archives will provide an opportunity to connect with friends and family while connecting with our shared history." said Barbara Howard, MHS Head of Historic Preservation.

MHS will invite Minnesotans to share their preservation photos and stories on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest throughout the month of May. The conversation begins with the question, “What’s your favorite historic site/structure in your community?” Follow and use #presmonth on Twitter to join the national conversation on preservation.

Most Minnesotans have cherished family stories, letters, photos and/or other artifacts stored away for safekeeping. To help ensure those treasures are preserved for future generations, MHS conservators and curators offer helpful hints at http://www.mnhs.org/people/mngg/stories.

Since 2009, MHS has awarded more than 1,000 history and historic preservation grants statewide through the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants program, funded by the Legacy Amendment. The grants provide an unprecedented opportunity for non-profit and educational organizations, government units and tribal organizations to preserve and share Minnesota’s history and cultural heritage.

More preservation resources, including information on financial assistance for preservation projects and a listing of Minnesota preservation organizations, can be found at http://www.mnhs.org/shpo.

May is Minnesota Museums Month

Minnesota Museums Month is a statewide celebration of museums, their stories, and their communities. This May, visit a new museum in your community, take a road trip, or return to one of your favorites that you haven’t seen in a while. Museums of every type—art, historical, science, arboretums, zoos and more—are participating. For more information visit http://www.museumsmonth.org.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. The Society collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, the Society preserves our past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history.

The Minnesota Historical Society is supported in part by its Premier Partners: Xcel Energy and Explore Minnesota Tourism.