Minneapolis history and links

As Minneapolis marks it’s 150^th anniversary, historical activities and information are all around the city. Follow the links below to specific information, or visit the Minneapolis 150 calendar of events for more information on upcoming activities. If you have information or a link that you think we should add to this page, please e-mail it to 150@ci.minneapolis.mn.us.

(Photo: One of five bronze interpretive exhibits on the plaza walkway of the Federal Reserve Bank. Photograph provided by Patrick Nunnally.)

History around town

• Anniversaries: In addition to Minneapolis, the State of Minnesota and the Minneapolis Parks are celebrating anniversaries this year.

• 150th year of Statehood
• 125th Anniversary of the Minneapolis Park System

• Aquatennial: Learn Minneapolis Aquatennial history and trivia, as wall as the history of the Aquantennial Ambassadors.
• Ard Godfrey House: Take a tour of the Godfrey House, the oldest remaining wood frame house in Minneapolis.
• Birthplace: Are you interested in learning more about the birth of Minneapolis at St. Anthony Falls? Read an extensive research report, “The Minneapolis Riverfront as Birth Place and First Place,” from the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board.
• Early life: Learn more about life in early Minneapolis as recorded in the diary of Ezra Fitch Pabody, a teenager in 19^th century Minneapolis
• City Council: Listed below are some of the historic events in the history of the Minneapolis City Council and Office of the Mayor:

• 1961: Alderman Elsa Johnson is elected. She is the first woman to serve on the Minneapolis City Council.
• 1979: Council Member Van Freeman White is elected. He is the first African-American to serve on the Minneapolis City Council.
• 1983: Council Member Brian J. Coyle is elected. He is the first openly gay member to serve on the Minneapolis City Council.
• 1993: Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton is elected. She is the first woman and first African-American to serve as Mayor of Minneapolis.

• City Growth: See a map of how the City has grown during the past 150 years.
• City Hall: Minneapolis City Hall has been located at its present location (4^th Street between 3^rd and 4^th Avenues) since the late 19^th century. Find more information about Minneapolis City Hall on the Municipal Building Commission history page.
• Commerce: Learn about the history of supporting business growth and development from the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce.
• Convention Center: Learn about the history of the Minneapolis Convention Center.
• Depot: Learn about the history of the Old Milwaukee Road Depot.
• Federal Reserve: Read a historical overview of Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank.
• Firefighters Museum: Visit the Firefighters Hall and Museum in Northeast Minneapolis, a public museum dedicated to the education and enjoyment of visitors, young and adult.
• Guthrie Theater: Learn about the history of the Guthrie Theater.
• Hennepin Theatre District: Learn about the history of the Hennepin Theatre District, including the State, Orpheum and Pantages theaters.
• Historic overview: View “A History of Minneapolis,” an overview by staff at the Minneapolis Public Library, featuring historical photos and items from the collections of the Minneapolis Public Library, with contemporary photos from the Phototour of Minneapolis by Chris Gregerson.
• John H. Stevens House: Visit this historic house to see a display including photos and objects depicting the founding of the City of Minneapolis and the lives of the Stevens family.
• Landmarks: Minneapolis City Hall is one of almost 150 landmarks in the City. Visit the Heritage Preservation Commission Web page for a complete list of Minneapolis landmarks and historic districts.
• Library resources: Minneapolis Central Library has a list of Minneapolis history resources and books.
• Mayors: View a list of Minneapolis’ 46 mayors.
• Mill City Museum: Visit the Mill City Museum, an attraction for all ages that chronicles the flour milling industry that dominated world flour production for roughly a half-century and fueled the growth of Minneapolis, recognized across the nation and around the world as “Mill City.” Or, read about the history of the Mills District on the Mill City Web site.
• Minnesota Orcestra: Learn about the history of the Minnesota Orchestra.
• Northeast Arts District: Learn about the history of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District.
• Parks: View a brief history of Minneapolis Parks.
• Public Art: Use the Historic Minneapolis Public Art map as a guide to visit any of over 20 public art sites.
• Riverfront activities: For information about activities along the Riverfront, view the Minneapolis Riverfront “Birthplace & First Place” brochure.  
• Riverfront exhibits: The plaza walkway of the new Federal Reserve Bank includes the installation of five bronze interpretive exhibits that trace the history of the Mississippi riverfront.
• Schools: Learn about the history of Minneapolis Public Schools.
• Star Tribune: Learn about the history of the Star Tribune Newspaper.
• Timelines: View a timeline of Minneapolis history, as well as of the Minneapolis riverfront, from Meet Minneapolis, the City’s official convention and visitor’s association.
• Trivia: To read some Minneapolis Trivia, visit the National Night Out Web site.
• Uptown Art Fair: Learn about the history of the Uptown Art Fair.
• Walker Art Center: Learn about the history of the Walker Art Center and its Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

Last updated June 24, 2008