Experience History in the Making at The Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota Historical Society presents free activity books, historical walking tours, and History-on-a-Schtick

For immediate release

Contacts

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (August 15, 2023) – History will take center stage at the Minnesota State Fair with educational and entertaining offerings from the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS). 

MNHS Booth 

The MNHS booth returns to the fair for the first time since 2019! Visitors can learn about Minnesota historic sites, win prizes, and take home a free copy of the Minnesota-themed activity book Making Minnesota at the MNHS booth at the Minnesota DNR building.

History-on-a-Schtick

Returning for its eighth year, History-on-a-Schtick is fun for the whole family! The laughs keep coming every day at 10 am and 11 am at the Schell’s Stage at Schilling Amphitheater. 

State Fair Historical Walking Tours

Anyone with walking shoes can take a self-guided tour to learn about the history of the Minnesota State Fair. This tour, in partnership with the State Fair Foundation, features five new stops this year and a mystery prize for those who complete the route.

The Great Get-Together, Weds., Aug. 30, 10 am - 2 pm

Step right up! Fair-goers can meet Blue Ribbon author Karlyn Coleman and illustrator Cori Doerrfeld of the delightful children’s book The Great Get-Together, published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press, on Aug. 30 in the Alphabet Forest (on the corner of Wright Ave. and Cosgrove St.). 

Coleman’s charming story guides young readers through the marvels of the fair—from tasty foods to adventurous rides, from animal antics to vegetable displays, from games of chance to marching bands. Doerrfeld’s lovely illustrations capture the fun and chaos of a busy day at the fair—and her playful, enticing scenes yield new delights with each closer look.

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.

About the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment

Funding for history programs is provided by the State of Minnesota's Legacy Amendment, through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008.