Advocate for History

Speak up for history! Contact your legislators and let them know why history matters to you.

History matters

The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) collects, preserves, and shares Minnesotans’ stories so they may be known and remembered. With the continued support of the State of Minnesota, through our elected leaders, we are able to share history with people across the state.

Let your legislators know why history matters to you and how their support of history has made a difference in your community.

Please continue to talk to your legislators about the importance of funding history initiatives in Minnesota. This includes Capital Budget funds to care for our state's most culturally significant buildings, museums, and trails. Keeping these facilities in the best possible condition allows us to share Minnesota history with visitors from across the state, country, and world.

Minnesota State Capitol.

Another priority in the 2025 legislative session is Legacy Amendment funding in the field of history. Thanks to over 3,000 grants that have been awarded to nearly 1,000 organizations, residents of all 87 counties have been able to engage with their communities’ heritage. MNHS administers Legacy funds and demand remains strong, with grant requests outweighing available funds by a 2.25:1 ratio.

Additionally, please encourage your legislators to provide strong funding for MNHS, so we can continue to share our state’s most important stories with future generations. With this funding, we are able to operate a statewide network of historic sites and museums while employing talented staff who help Minnesotans from all parts of the state engage with history.

Join us at 9 am in person in the L'Etoile du Nord Vault Room in the Minnesota State Capitol or remotely via Zoom for History Matters Day at the Capitol on February 27. MNHS CEO Kent Whitworth and MNHS Vice President of Public Policy and Government Relations David Kelliher will kick off the morning and share how to get involved.

Register to attend History Matters Day at the Capitol 

If you are not able to join us for History Matters Day at the Capitol, you can still help advocate for history! See the information below on how to become a desktop advocate.

Take action for history

In a few clicks you can easily email your elected leaders to help preserve the past!

Ask state leaders to support Capital Budget funding for history.

Ask state leaders to fund historic sites asset preservation

Ask Governor Walz and your state legislators to support funding for historic sites asset preservation.

Ask state leaders to support Legacy Amendment funding for History.

Ask state leaders to fund facilities improvements

Ask Governor Walz and your state legislators to preserve access to history by supporting funding for design for MNHS facilities improvements for collections care and visitor experience.

Ask state leaders to support funding for MNHS.

Ask state leaders to fund historic preservation

Ask Governor Walz and your state legislators to support funding for county and local historic preservation grants.

Whenever you speak up for history, you’re making a difference. Effective ways to speak up:

  • Send a message to your state representative, senator, and the governor
  • Have a Zoom or in-person meeting with your legislator
  • Write a personal letter to your legislator
  • Call your legislator
  • Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper
  • Tell your friends and colleagues
  • Use social media to spread the word about the importance of history

Preserving the past for future generations

Learn more about history organizations that carry out the work of preserving Minnesota's legacy. Read the 2025 MNHS Legacy Report.

These partner organizations work to preserve Minnesota’s history:

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