Media Contacts: Jessica Kohen, 651-259-3148, jessica.kohen@mnhs.org or Lauren Peck, 651-259-3137, lauren.peck@mnhs.org

On Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015 from 5 to 8 p.m. the Minnesota History Center will host the first in a series of free monthly programs to jump-start newcomer and returnee inclusion to the Saint Paul community through a welcome ceremony that features the gift of a warm faux-fur-lined hat and a showcase of the city’s resources.

Organized by Saint Paul Hello, a partnership that celebrates and connects newcomers to the city of Saint Paul and the state of Minnesota, October’s inaugural Welcome Hat ceremony will feature Saint Paul Ward 4 Councilmember, Russ Stark and Ramsey County Commissioner, Toni Carter, who will officially welcome new residents by handing out the iconic winter hats.

Jun-Li Wang, Saint Paul Hello founder and Minnesota transplant, said, “It’s taken me over a decade to feel like this place is my home. Two winters ago, during the Polar Vortex, I purchased a faux-fur-lined hat, with ear flaps. This was the magic that no one had told me was the secret to surviving winter! I couldn’t be more excited that starting this October we can welcome other newcomers with warm hats and valuable connections—hopefully easing transitions and making Minnesota a place we can all call home.”

Each month the program showcases valuable community resources, provides light local samples and cash bar, and features live music. Participating community organizations include: St. Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN), The Growler Magazine, Rondo Avenue, Inc., Union Park District Council, Make It. MSP., St. Paul Smart Trips, Saint Paul Library and many more.

Future dates are Tuesday, Oct. 6, Nov. 10, Dec. 1, Jan. 5, Feb. 9 and March 8. Newcomers and returnees to Saint Paul (who've made the move within the last year) are invited to register online.

About Saint Paul Hello

Saint Paul Hello is presented in partnership with Jun-Li Wang, Curious Incident, Pollen, Minnesota Historical Society, Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, and Hamline Midway Coalition with generous support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Find out more atwww.stphello.com

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS 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, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history.

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