New exhibit at the Minnesota History Center and other initiatives mark 150 years since the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862
Throughout this year, the Minnesota Historical Society will offer many new ways to learn about the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, how it shaped the state and the Upper Midwest, and how its bitter consequences are still felt today.
“No series of events in Minnesota history is as important as the chain of events that led to the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 and its terrible aftermath,” said Stephen Elliott, Minnesota Historical Society director and CEO. “These shocking events are central to the story of Minnesota. They produced historical traumas that still echo in those living today.”
With these new initiatives, funded in part by Minnesota’s Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, the society intends to encourage discussion and reflection about the war, its causes and aftermath.
The U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 Exhibit opening June 30, a new exhibit at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, will offer visitors the opportunity to view documents, images and artifacts relating to the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.
Exhibit development is one aspect of the “Truth Recovery Project,” a process through which exhibit staff members are meeting with descendants of those touched by the war. Meeting participants are taking an active role in shaping the exhibit by discussing the significance and interpretation of artifacts and primary sources from the Society’s collections.
The final exhibit will incorporate multiple points of view on the war, its causes and its aftermath. Visitors will be encouraged to look closely at the primary sources in the exhibit, to consider the society’s longstanding role in shaping public perception of these events and to draw their own conclusions about what happened and why. Throughout the exhibit, visitors will have opportunities to add their own comments and reactions to the ongoing interpretation of this critical point in Minnesota history.
To learn more, visit www.usdakotawar.org/exhibit.
