Minneapolis, MN: We all know Hennepin County residents love their animals. Hennepin History Museum turns its focus towards the historic experience of local residents and their pets for a new exhibition opening March 26. Hennepin County Wags its Tail: 150 Years of People and their Pets will be on view at Hennepin History Museum March 26 through September 18, 2016.

According to a 2015-2016 survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association, 65% of American households, or 79.7 million families, own a pet. With the rise of doggie day cares, cat couture, and other signs of American's love for our "fur babies," not to mention our scaled or feathered family members, it's easy to imagine that this interest in pets reflects a new love for our animals. Hennepin County Wags its Tail shakes off that idea by placing contemporary pets and their owners in a historic context.

Featuring photographs, artifacts, and artwork related to local pets past and present, the exhibition shows a longtime local love for our pets. Dogs and cats are well covered, of course, but so too are other pets such as birds, fish, and even a beloved local lion. The stories of local organizations such as the Animal Humane Society and Pet Haven are also covered.

Hennepin County Wags its Tail is accompanied by a robust calendar of public programs and activities, including a May 22 Pet Fair. An opening event, free and open to the public, is scheduled for Saturday, March 26, from 1 to 4 pm. The Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society will be present with ten to twenty rabbits; weather permitting they will also host a rabbit agility course in the museum's front yard. A pet-themed egg hunt will commence at 2 pm. Please know that while we love pets of all kinds, only service animals are allowed in the museum.

About Hennepin History Museum: Founded in 1938 as the Hennepin County Historical Society, Minneapolis-based Hennepin History Museum is dedicated to bringing the diverse history of Hennepin County and its residents to life through exhibitions, library, collections, publications, and educational programs. For more information, visit hennepinhistory.org or call 612.870.1329.

Visiting Information: Hennepin History Museum, located at 2303 Third Avenue in Minneapolis, is open Tuesday 10-2, Wednesday 1-5, Thursday 1-8, and Friday through Sunday 1-5. Admission is $5; $3 for seniors and students. The first Thursday of the month is always free. Visiting the museum at this time does require the use of stairs

###