Fall Programs Support Extension of “WW1 America” Exhibit at Minnesota History Center

Due to popular demand, the “WW1 America” exhibit has been extended, and will now close on Veteran’s Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. All veterans and active military are admitted free of charge on the final day.

Explore the "WW1 America" exhibit and encounter extraordinary people and nation-shaking movements—from mass immigration, women's suffrage, racial politics and the Great Migration, to daily life and popular culture. A slate of new programs is being offered this fall in conjunction with the exhibit.

Fall programs at the Minnesota History Center:

• WW1 America Mural Project: Meet the Artist

Tue., Aug 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 6-8 p.m., Free
Watch as artist David Geister paints a 30-foot mural in front of visitors during the run of the WW1 America exhibit. The completed mural will be on view through Nov. 11.

• Forgotten Stories of WW1:

Explore forgotten WW1-era stories of the individuals and organizations who made modern America. This program is made possible by the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation.

• Minnesota State Fair & the Great War

Sat., Aug. 19, 10 a.m. $16/$12 MNHS members
Historian Mark Haidet will share Minnesota State Fair activities during WW1, including recruitment efforts, sporting contests and reenactments of Western Front battles.

• American Legion & Red Cross

Sat., Sept. 9, 10 a.m. $16/$12 MNHS members
Phil Hansen of the Minnesota Red Cross and Al Zdon of the Minnesota American Legion discuss the local and national relief efforts during and after WW1.

• 100 Who Made Modern America

Sat., Oct. 7, 10 a.m. $16/$12 MNHS members
Hear from artist David Geister about some of the most influential people of the WW1 era.

• 34th “Red Bull” Infantry Division

Sat., Nov. 11, 10 a.m. $16/$12 MNHS members
National Guard officers and experts will speak about the division’s 100 years of service and its WW1 stories.

• WW1 America Painting Workshop with David Geister

Sat., Oct 7, 1-5 p.m., $55/$44 MNHS members
Join artist David Geister for an intensive hands-on portrait painting workshop and learn how to apply oil paint, mix colors and add selective details.

• History Lounge: The Twin Cities African American Community in WW1

Tue., Oct. 10, 7 p.m., Free
Historian Peter J. DeCarlo will speak about how African American Minnesotans endured racism, strived for equal treatment, and proved their loyalty to the United States during WW1.

• Crucial Conversations:

Talk about the history that matters now in a dialogue facilitated by staff members trained by the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.

• An Equal Voice for Women

Sat., Oct 21, 10-11:30 a.m. & 1-2:30 p.m., Free, registration recommended
Explore the ideas that energized the early 20th-century women’s movement.

• A Nation of Nations

Sat., Nov. 18, 10-11:30 a.m. & 1-2:30 p.m., Free, registration recommended
Explore the first era of immigration restriction in the United States and exchange ideas about what it means to be "a nation of immigrants" today.

• Free Admission for Veterans, All MNHS historic sites & museums

Sat., Nov 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Free admission for veterans and active military
In honor of the contributions of our military service members, all veterans and active military can enjoy free admission at MNHS historic sites and museums on Veterans Day. Come to the History Center and view “WW1 America,” “AMVets Post #5,” “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation,” and other great exhibits for free!

Fall programs at MNHS historic sites:

• World War I Centennial Weekend, Historic Fort Snelling

Sat. & Sun., Aug. 19 & 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $6-12/free MNHS members, $2 discount veterans/active military

Visit with costumed interpreters, watch military demonstrations, crawl through a recreated WW1-style trench and experience what life was like for Minnesotans 100 years ago.

• Families on the Homefront Tour, Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site

Sat., Aug. 5, 19, Sept. 2, Tours run every 30 minutes, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $6-10/$2 discount MNHS members

Costumed interpreters portraying the Lindbergh family and neighbors will provide insights into the daily lives of Minnesotans at home during the Great War.

• Upper Post Walking Tour: World War 1, Historic Fort Snelling

Sun., Aug 20, 2017, 9-11 a.m., Free, $10 suggested donation. Advance tickets required.

Take a two-hour walking tour with a Fort Snelling Foundation guide and learn about Fort Snelling during WW1.