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History Revealed: Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Katrina Phillips

Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Traditions & Celebrations Dr. Kate Phillips History Revealed Series Program Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 Video on YouTube In partnership with the East Side Freedom Library & Roseville Library The second Monday in October is a day to honor Native…

Grasshoppers in My Bed: Lillie Belle Gibbs, Minnesota Farm Girl 1877

Terry Swanson, Author and Peggy Stern, Illustrator

It is 1876—Christmas day—which just happens to be the eleventh birthday of Lillie Belle Gibbs. Her mother and father present her with a new journal. Now she must decide how to fill the pages. Grasshoppers in her bed, a smudge pot to keep the mosquitos at bay, the one-room schoolhouse…

Ramsey County History – Winter 2022: “‘We Learn What We Live and Live What We Learn:’ Growing Up at 1022 Rondo Avenue”

Marion Jones Kennon

“We Learn What We Live and Live What We Learn:” Growing Up at 1022 Rondo Avenue Author: Marion Jones Kennon When reflecting on our lives, our childhood memories often stand out with clarity. For St. Paul-native Marion Jones Kennon, it’s the remembrance of long-ago days growing up…

Ramsey County History – Summer 2021: “Growing Up Hmong in the Twin Cities: Gatherings from Before”

Kao Kalia Yang

Growing Up Hmong in the Twin Cities: Gatherings from Before Author: Kao Kalia Yang Large and extended family gatherings are a steadfast tradition for members of the Hmong community in the Twin Cities area. St. Paul writer Kao Kalia Yang reflects on these familial celebrations where aunties and…

Ramsey County History – Summer 2019: “One Hundred Years Serving New Americans: The Centennial of the International Institute of Minnesota”

Krista Finstad Hanson

One Hundred Years Serving New Americans: The Centennial of the International Institute of Minnesota Author: Krista Finstad Hanson 2020 Co-Winner of the Ramsey County Historical Society Virginia B. Kunz Award As visitors and clients open the doors to the International Institute of Minnesota in St. Paul, they…

Ramsey County History – Spring 2014: “The Birth of the Ramsey County Fair”

James Lindner

The Birth of the Ramsey County Fair Author: James Lindner The person credited with the concept of the original county fair is Elkanah Watson, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, who, in 1810, started the Berkshire County Fair. Watson wanted to promote ways to improve farm productivity through education, “personal ambition,” and…

Ramsey County History – Summer 2013: “Fine Art Exhibits at the Minnesota State Fair, 1885–1914”

Leo J. Harris

Fine Art Exhibits at the Minnesota State Fair, 1885–1914 Author: Leo J. Harris The first Minnesota art exhibit was held in St. Paul at the 1857 territorial fair. From that year until 1884, few art exhibits were displayed at the fair, partly because the location Fair moved to different…

Ramsey County History – Fall 2011: “Living la Vida en Ramsey County: A Journey through Ramsey County’s Mexican Past”

Leila Renee Albert

Living la Vida en Ramsey County: A Journey through Ramsey County’s Mexican Past Author: Leila Renee Albert In September 2011, the Ramsey County Historical Society (RCHs) opened an exhibit in its gallery space in the Landmark Center focused on Ramsey County’s Mexican past titled, “Living la Vida en Ramsey…

Ramsey County History – Fall 2009: “St. Paul’s Biggest Party: The Grand Army of the Republic’s 1896 National Encampment”

Moira F. Harris and Leo J. Harris

St. Paul’s Biggest Party: The Grand Army of the Republic’s 1896 National Encampment Authors: Moira F. Harris and Leo J. Harris After the Civil War there had been annual Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) national conventions or “encampments” in many different cities. Between August 3 and September 4,…