Part of learning to appreciate Minnesota comes from learning about its history. The best place to start for historical information is The Minnesota Historical Society's website. From there you can check out the calender of events, learn what exhibits are going on and see upcoming events.
Minnesota's historical museums and sites have a lot to offer for everyone. For those who like to conduct their own research, the Library is a great place to start. Every Saturday morning there is a free class conducted to show people how to use the library and its resources. Not only can one learn all about Minnesota's history, but also their own at the library. Family records can be accessed and the library conducts classes for those interested in genealogy. While the intro course to the library is free, the other courses offered are not.
Be sure to click on the link to places from the MHS website. It will take you to a listing of the 26 historic sites and museums, most of which are open seasonally. There is also a link to a listing of all registered historic sites in MN, some of which are open to the public and most are still privately owned. If you are more interested in the geography of the area there is a site for that too. With the history behind place names and a brief history of each county.
The Minnesota History Center has something for everyone as well. They make history come alive with their history players. Actors who portray a specific person in Minnesota history, from a school teacher to a newspaper editor and even a WWII pilot. You can call ahead to find out which one will be performing before you arrive. There are also plenty of exhibits about MN History, Art, and Culture going on at the history center as well. You can even take in a show at the Museum's Theater.
Admission fees to visit most of the exhibits ranges from $5-$10 dollars with special events sometimes costing more. Be sure to check out the earlier post about Libraries, there is a special event going on where you can "checkout" and admission ticket for free at some twin cities libraries. Another way to cut cost would be to get a membership to the MHS. A family membership is $75, members get in free to exhibits and it is a worthwhile purchase for a family of 4 or larger who wish to visit the museums and historic sites more than twice in one year. Students and seniors receive discounts at many locations also.
So don't let cabin fever set in, Spring is on its way and there are plenty of indoor and outdoor opportunities to explore with the Minnesota Historical Society!
Showing posts with label Museums. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Museums. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
So Much to Love About Libraries
With more and more people using the virtual world to get their information it can be easy to forget about the resources available in the real world. These days libraries are just as crucial for information as ever before. The knowledge, entertainment, and resources they have to offer only continue to grow and change with the times. One of the best things that has not changed about libraries is their ability to offer their resources for free.
In the area of knowledge some classic aspects remain. Local libraries still schedule family story times and have reading programs for youth in the summer. Newspapers, magazines, and books can still be found. Since the way information is stored and communicated has changed, this is where libraries have learned to adapt. Many libraries now offer audio books that you can download onto your own computer and then load onto a compatible MP3 player. The book will only last as long as a regular checkout period and certain software or devices are required. It is best to check your local libraries website for instructions or to speak with a librarian. Requesting a hold on material, checking to see if a book is available, renewing materials and checking one's account can all be done online as well. In some cases you will need to set up your account with a librarian, but will then be able to access it at home.
For those looking more for recreation and less learning, the library is a great place to start. DVDs, CDs, audio books, magazines, can all be found at your local library. The variety available will vary depending on a library's size, but many offer recent movies and not all children's. Be sure to check the website or bulletin board at your local library for evening and weekend activities as well. Movie nights, book clubs, gardening, needlework and other activities meet and take place at the libraries. Be sure to check before hand if registration is required and what the recommended age group is if attending with children. For those who have a library card for a library that is a member of The Metropolitan Library Service Agency there is the chance to check out local museums, history and art centers for free. Presented by Macy's the Museum Adventure Pass allows library patrons to "check out" a free 2 or 4 person admission to participating locations. The passes can be checked out prior to being used, but be aware of the due date on the slip because they will expire after that date. Passes allotted to each library are limited and are only available for general admission. This program will continue until September 3, 2009.
With so many resources available at the library it can sometimes be overwhelming. Luckily the library is once again there to help. Many libraries offer workshops and classes on how to use the libraries resources and basic computer skills. The best place to start is at your local libraries website. Click through their FAQs, look at their events calendar, and check out their hours of operation. Because the best way to learn what a library has to offer is to visit it in person. This is one medium for information that still encourages face to face interaction. Remember librarians are there to help. When you go remember a few tips; use your "library voice", respect other patrons using the library and follow library policy. That way everyone can learn just how much there is to love about libraries.
In the area of knowledge some classic aspects remain. Local libraries still schedule family story times and have reading programs for youth in the summer. Newspapers, magazines, and books can still be found. Since the way information is stored and communicated has changed, this is where libraries have learned to adapt. Many libraries now offer audio books that you can download onto your own computer and then load onto a compatible MP3 player. The book will only last as long as a regular checkout period and certain software or devices are required. It is best to check your local libraries website for instructions or to speak with a librarian. Requesting a hold on material, checking to see if a book is available, renewing materials and checking one's account can all be done online as well. In some cases you will need to set up your account with a librarian, but will then be able to access it at home.
For those looking more for recreation and less learning, the library is a great place to start. DVDs, CDs, audio books, magazines, can all be found at your local library. The variety available will vary depending on a library's size, but many offer recent movies and not all children's. Be sure to check the website or bulletin board at your local library for evening and weekend activities as well. Movie nights, book clubs, gardening, needlework and other activities meet and take place at the libraries. Be sure to check before hand if registration is required and what the recommended age group is if attending with children. For those who have a library card for a library that is a member of The Metropolitan Library Service Agency there is the chance to check out local museums, history and art centers for free. Presented by Macy's the Museum Adventure Pass allows library patrons to "check out" a free 2 or 4 person admission to participating locations. The passes can be checked out prior to being used, but be aware of the due date on the slip because they will expire after that date. Passes allotted to each library are limited and are only available for general admission. This program will continue until September 3, 2009.
With so many resources available at the library it can sometimes be overwhelming. Luckily the library is once again there to help. Many libraries offer workshops and classes on how to use the libraries resources and basic computer skills. The best place to start is at your local libraries website. Click through their FAQs, look at their events calendar, and check out their hours of operation. Because the best way to learn what a library has to offer is to visit it in person. This is one medium for information that still encourages face to face interaction. Remember librarians are there to help. When you go remember a few tips; use your "library voice", respect other patrons using the library and follow library policy. That way everyone can learn just how much there is to love about libraries.
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