Minnesota Historical Society

Who We Are
 The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849, making it older than the state itself! We serve all the people of Minnesota by cultivating curiosity and fostering a more inclusive, empathetic, and informed society. By preserving our shared past, we help Minnesotans connect with their roots and better understand the world today. 
What We Do
MNHS actively preserves Minnesota’s history, shares our state’s diverse stories, and connects people with the past through powerful, hands-on experiences. We manage an extensive research library, preserve millions of artifacts, publish books, support school curricula, and operate 26 historic sites and museums spread across every corner of the state.

Our 26 Historic Sites & Museums Across Minnesota

When you join MNHS, you join a statewide network of storytelling that spans these exact sites and cities:

Site Name | CityAlexander Ramsey House | Saint Paul
Birch Coulee Battlefield | Morton
Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site | Little Falls
Comstock House | Moorhead
Folsom House | Taylors Falls
Forest History Center | Grand Rapids
Fort Ridgely | Fairfax
Gale Family Library | Saint Paul
Harkin Store | New Ulm
Historic Forestville | Preston
Historic Fort Snelling | Saint Paul
James J. Hill House | Saint Paul
Jeffers Petroglyphs | Comfrey
Lac qui Parle Mission | Watson
Lower Sioux Agency | Morton
Marine Mill | Marine on St. Croix
Mill City Museum | Minneapolis
Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post | Onamia
Minnehaha Depot | Minneapolis
Minnesota History Center | Saint Paul
Minnesota State Capitol | Saint Paul
Oliver H. Kelley Farm | Elk River
Sibley Historic Site | Mendota
Snake River Fur Post | Pine City
Split Rock Lighthouse | Two Harbors
Traverse des Sioux | Saint Peter
W.W. Mayo House | Le Sueur

Highlights/Requirements
  • How Volunteers Make a Difference: Historic Engagement: Help tell the story of 19th-century farming, gardening, and domestic life. Modern Agriculture: Work with guests in our Farm Lab gardens to explore where our food comes from today. Special Events & Education: Support major community events, sheep-shearing demonstrations, or school field trips. Behind-the-Scenes Support: Assist with trail maintenance, livestock care, or agricultural projects.
Volunteer Opportunities
You Can Help!
You need to enter an email address or phone number.

An email address or phone number is required. Your information is used only to contact you regarding volunteer opportunities from organizations you express interest in and also from the United Way.

Thank you for your interest! We will reach out when there are specific openings available.

Contact Info

Anne Elliott-Thul
[email protected]
Website
651-259-3187

345 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul MN 55102

Office Hours

Because MNHS covers a vast geographic footprint, hours vary significantly by location.

  • Administrative Offices: Located at the Minnesota History Center in Saint Paul, typical business offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Oliver Kelley Farm Public Hours 

  • Spring (April 25 – June 13): Saturdays from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
  • Summer Peak (June 14 – Sept 5): Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.

  • Fall/Winter (Sept 6 – Dec 23): Saturdays from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.






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