State Capitol Art Treasures Hunt

Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul MN

Dates: Nov. 21, 2009, Nov. 22, 2009, Nov. 28, 2009, Nov. 29, 2009, Dec. 5, 2009, Dec. 6, 2009, Dec. 12, 2009, Dec. 13, 2009, Dec. 19, 2009, Dec. 20, 2009, Dec. 26, 2009, Dec. 27, 2009, Jan. 2, 2010, Jan. 3, 2010, Feb. 6, 2010, Feb. 7, 2010, Feb. 13, 2010, Feb. 14, 2010, Feb. 20, 2010, Feb. 21, 2010, Feb. 27, 2010, Feb. 28, 2010, March 6, 2010, March 7, 2010, March 13, 2010, March 14, 2010, March 20, 2010, March 21, 2010, March 27, 2010, March 28, 2010, April 3, 2010, April 4, 2010, April 10, 2010, April 11, 2010, April 17, 2010, April 18, 2010, April 24, 2010, April 25, 2010, May 1, 2010, May 2, 2010, May 8, 2010, May 9, 2010, May 15, 2010, May 16, 2010, May 22, 2010, May 23, 2010, May 29, 2010, May 30, 2010, June 5, 2010, June 6, 2010, June 12, 2010, June 13, 2010, June 19, 2010, June 20, 2010, June 26, 2010, June 27, 2010

Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday

Fee: $2 per booklet.

Go on a self-guided scavenger hunt to discover 12 beautiful and important decorations in the State Capitol building. Each self-guided booklet includes a set of 12 gold stars that are placed next to the corresponding photographs when the item is discovered. At the end of the hunt, visitors are awarded a gold state seal, get Capitol architect Cass Gilbert's signature and become Junior Art Historians. The booklet is available at the Capitol's Information Desk.

Family Day: Railroads

Mill City Museum, Minneapolis MN

Dates: Nov. 21, 2009

Time: 1 to 4 p.m.

Fee: Programs included with museum admission of $10 adults, $8 seniors and college students, $5 children ages 6-17; free for MHS members.

Enjoy railroad-themed activities while learning about how railroads and Minneapolis grew up together. Build a paper boxcar like the 1879 St. Paul and Pacific boxcar on display in the museum’s Rail Corridor; taste foods from historical railroad dining cars in a cooking demo by Rae Katherine Eighmey, an award winning writer and cook; listen to storytelling about working the rails at the Minneapolis mills; take a mini building tour to see the remaining railroad features in the Washburn A Mill; go on a scavenger hunt to learn more about trains in Minneapolis history; use blocks to build a roman arch like those on Minneapolis’ Stone Arch Bridge; use the wooden trains, trucks, and boats of the "To Market to Market" exhibit to discover how wheat goes from field to table.

Harvest Bounty

Oliver H. Kelley Farm, Elk River MN

Dates: Nov. 22, 2009

Time: 2 to 4 p.m.

Fee: $6 per person; $4 for MHS members; free for children age 5 and under.

The barn is full of grain; the root cellar is packed with potatoes, rutabagas and carrots; the shed is stacked high with chopped wood and dried beans; and the house is filled with aromas suggesting a harvest celebration. Discover how farmers prepared for winter a 150 years ago. A costumed interpreter will lead a 75-minute guided tour of the farm and trails, highlighting the results of the fall harvest and the winter preparations. Dress for outdoor weather. Warm refreshments will follow the tour.

Franklin Family Days

Minnesota History Center, St. Paul MN

Dates: Nov. 27, 2009, Nov. 28, 2009, Nov. 29, 2009

Time: Noon to 4 p.m.

Fee: $10 adults, $8 seniors and college students, $5 children ages 6-17; free for children age 5 and under and MHS members.

Tour the new exhibit "Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World" with hands-on activities, music and performances about Franklin's electrifying past.

Craft Activities, daily, noon to 4 p.m.: Make a 2010 Almanack using a replica Franklin common press, a set of pipe-cleaner spectacles and a printer’s cap from folded newspaper.

Exhibit Activities, daily noon to 4 p.m.: Join a museum interpreter in the "Electricity Party" area for "circle shocks," a static shock transferred around a ring of joined hands, and demonstrations of how lightning works with "Franklin's Bells" and the "Thunder House."

Dance Party, daily 12:30 and 1:30 p.m.: Join costumed instructors Jane Peck and Judith Eisner of "Dance Revels Moving History" for a dance party and lesson in colonial-era dance moves.

Meet Ben Franklin, Friday, noon and 1:30 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.: Franklin, as portrayed by actors Christopher Lowell and Shawn Hoffman, will talk about his life and what made him tick.

Ben Franklin: "Still, Healthy Wealthy and Wise," Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m.: Head to the 3M Auditorium for Christopher Lowell's special theatrical presentation complete with audience Q & A.

Musical Experiments, Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m.: Douglas R. Ewart and the Inventions use a variety of objects including skis, tennis rackets, vinyl records and CDs to create music for this unique performance. Plus, learn about Franklin's own invention called a glass armonica, a musical instrument made of glass bowls.

Colonial Music Jam, Sunday, 2 p.m.: Join musician Judith Eisner and the "Moving History Ensemble" for a classical music performance using instruments from Franklin's day.

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A 1918 Christmas with the Lindberghs

Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site, Little Falls MN

Dates: Nov. 28, 2009, Dec. 5, 2009

Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fee: $7 adults, $6 seniors and college students, $5 children ages 6-17; free for children age 5 and under and MHS members.

After losing re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1917, Charles Lindbergh Sr. and his family spent their first Christmas in their Little Falls home in 1918. In this special program, living history characters will portray family members and hired workers readying the house for Christmas. Learn about the political and social landscape of Minnesota at the time, why Lindbergh Sr. left politics, and discover how the Lindberghs viewed the war in Europe and their hopes for the new year of 1919. The program includes a 45-minute tour of the home and admission to the Visitor Center exhibits. Visitors receive a 10-percent discount on gift shop purchases. Hot apple cider and cookies will be available.

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides

Alexander Ramsey House, St. Paul MN

Dates: Nov. 28, 2009, Dec. 5, 2009, Dec. 19, 2009

Time: 1 to 5 p.m.; rides leave every 15 minutes

Fee: $12, $10 for MHS members

Reservations: recommended, call 651-296-8760

Take a trip back to the 1870s to celebrate the holidays with a spin in a horse-drawn carriage around scenic Historic Irvine Park. Bring a camera, volunteers will be available to take your photo. Rides last 15 minutes.

A Logging Camp Christmas

Forest History Center, Grand Rapids MN

Dates: Dec. 5, 2009

Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fee: $8 adults, $6 seniors and college students, $5 children ages 6 to 17; free for children age 5 and under and MHS members.

Step back to the winter of 1900 and experience life as it might have been for north woods lumberjacks. See draft horses pulling sleighs, lumberjacks sawing wood and visit the cook shack where Christmas preparations are underway. Visit with Santa Claus, listen to music and storytelling and enjoy hot apple cider and cookies. The museum gift shop will be open for holiday shopping. Warm clothes and winter boots are advised. It is necessary to walk to the camp.

Hill House Holidays

James J. Hill House, St. Paul MN

Dates: Dec. 5, 2009, Dec. 6, 2009, Dec. 12, 2009, Dec. 13, 2009, Dec. 19, 2009, Dec. 20, 2009, Dec. 26, 2009, Dec. 27, 2009

Time: 1 to 3:30, groups begin every 30 minutes

Fee: $10 adults, $8 seniors and students, $6 children ages 6-17; $2 discount for MHS members.

Reservations: recommended, call 651-297-2555

The bustle and excitement of a Gilded Age Christmas is brought to life as costumed actors portray servants of the James J. Hill House preparing for the holidays. The one-hour program moves through the elegant first floor spaces and then to the basement servant work areas. The script is based on letters and oral histories of people who worked for the Hill family during the first decade of the twentieth century.

Sorry, library passes are not valid for this program.

Family Storytime

Mill City Museum, Minneapolis MN

Dates: Dec. 12, 2009, Jan. 16, 2010, Feb. 20, 2010

Time: 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Fee: Programs included with museum admission of $10 adults, $8 seniors and college students, $5 children ages 6-17; free for MHS members.

Museum storytellers will share classic tales, teach songs and lead a simple book-making project for recording the steps that wheat goes through from the field to the table. Families can also try grinding wheat into flour and taste freshly baked bread. The 30-minute program for preschoolers and their families will feature a reading and project based on "Winter is the Warmest Season" by author and illustrator Lauren Stringer.

The Doll’s Victorian Christmas

Alexander Ramsey House, St. Paul MN

Dates: Dec. 16, 2009

Time: Tours leave at 6, 6:30 and 7 p.m.

Fee: $10 adults; $9 seniors and children ages 17 and under. $2 discount for MHS members.

Reservations: required, call 651-296-8760

The Ramsey collection includes many dolls and a special dollhouse built for the youngest granddaughter, Laura Furness. Take a special child's tour that features stories of dolls, the mansion decorated for Christmas, and hot cider and cookies. Participants are encouraged to bring a doll and dress in holiday attire. A holiday craft activity will be available in the Carriage House.

LEGO® Model of the State Capitol

Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul MN

Dates: Dec. 21, 2009, Dec. 22, 2009, Dec. 23, 2009, Dec. 24, 2009, Dec. 26, 2009, Dec. 27, 2009, Dec. 28, 2009, Dec. 29, 2009, Dec. 30, 2009, Dec. 31, 2009, Jan. 2, 2010, Jan. 3, 2010

Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday

Fee: Free

See a monumental and detailed model of the Minnesota State Capitol made entirely of LEGO® bricks. Built by LEGO® Ambassador Roy Cook, the six foot long, five foot wide and three foot high model is made up of more than 70,000 bricks and took more than 150 hours to build. A LEGO® model of the Cathedral of Saint Paul also is on public display in the Ryan Room of the Cathedral of Saint Paul.

Guided tours of the actual State Capitol take place at the top of each hour.

Kwanzaa Celebration

Minnesota History Center, St. Paul MN

Dates: Dec. 27, 2009

Time: Noon to 4 p.m.

Fee: $10 adults, $8 seniors and college students, $5 children ages 6-17; free for children age 5 and under and MHS members.

This year's annual family celebration takes place on the second day of Kwanzaa and focuses on the principle, Kujichagulia, a Swahili word meaning self-determination. The day is jam-packed with events. From noon to 4 p.m. families can participate in the History HiJinx art activity making West African inspired door panels out of cardboard, raffia and textured material. At 12:15 and 1:45 p.m. "Auntie Beverly" will introduce folk heroes, cultural tricksters and old tales in special storytelling sessions. At 1 p.m. Kenna Sarge and Voice of Culture will showcase West African rhythms and at 2 p.m. the African Global Roots group will present a fashion show of African inspired American designs. At 3 p.m. the Tiyumba Dance Company will perform an energetic dancing, singing and drumming set. Plus, throughout the day, families can shop in the Kwanzaa Market Place, for unique artisan crafted items, many representing West African countries.

A Story Time Tour

James J. Hill House, St. Paul MN

Dates: Dec. 29, 2009

Time: 10 a.m.

Fee: $5, $3 for MHS members

Reservations: recommended, call 651-297-2555

Take a special tour of the James J. Hill House designed for younger visitors while enjoying popular turn-of-the-century children's stories. Listen to well-known works such as "Twas the Night Before Christmas," and lesser-known stories like "Why Evergreens Never Lose Their Leaves." This one-hour program is designed for pre-school through 1st grade children accompanied by an adult.

Sorry, library passes are not valid for this program.

Art Explorers: Angels and Dragons

James J. Hill House, St. Paul MN

Dates: Dec. 29, 2009

Time: 1 p.m.

Fee: $6, $4 for MHS members. Library passes not accepted for this event.

Reservations: recommended, call 651-297-2555

Young artists and their families are invited to explore art in the Hill House, focusing on the many creatures found throughout the home, including cherubs, dragons and more. Following the tour, children will create their own artwork inspired by the creatures. The art work will be arranged into a show for participants to enjoy before bringing their completed artworks home. The tour is designed for children ages 7 to 12, accompanied by an adult. All supplies are included with admission.

Sorry, library passes are not valid for this program.

Ojibwe Winter Living Skills and Storytelling

Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, Onamia MN

Dates: Jan. 9, 2010, Jan. 10, 2010

Time: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday

Fee: $25; $20 MHS members and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members

Reservations: required, call 320-532-3632

Join museum staff to learn about essential skills the Ojibwe used to survive harsh winters. Topics include hunting and snaring, making and repairing warm clothing, preparing snow shoes and other hands on winter activities. Some activities will take place outdoors; dress accordingly. Preregistration required Jan. 10. Discount hotel rooms are available on Saturday night for all participants at Grand Casino Mille Lacs.

The Coldest Days on the Farm

Oliver H. Kelley Farm, Elk River MN

Dates: Jan. 10, 2010

Time: 2 to 4 p.m.

Fee: $6, $4 MHS members; free for children ages 5 and under.

The coldest days of winter were the hardest for farmers and their families 150 years ago. Discover how farmers, their animals and other wildlife worked and survived the winter. Visitors can help clear fields, hike the trails, chop wood and feed the animals. Then warm up with refreshments at a bonfire and enjoy a discussion about winter clothing in the Visitor Center. Guests should dress for the weather.

Winter Frolic

North West Company Fur Post, Pine City MN

Dates: Jan. 16, 2010

Time: Noon to 4:30 p.m.

Fee: $8 adults; $6 seniors, $5 children; $2 discount for MHS members.

Toss a curling stone on the ice, play a round of snow snake, try snowshoeing along the nature trails and learn about winter travel during the fur trade. A highlight of the festival features dogsled rides provided by New Moonshine Huskies of Pine City (weather permitting). Afterwards, warm yourself by blazing fires and sip a cup of cocoa.

History HiJinx: "I Have A Dream" Luminaries

Minnesota History Center, St. Paul MN

Dates: Jan. 18, 2010

Time: Noon to 4 p.m.

Fee: $10 adults, $8 seniors and college students, $5 children ages 6-17; free for children age 5 and under and MHS members.

Use colorful tissue paper and markers to write messages that reflect messages of mutual respect, tolerance and understanding and then make a collage by putting the opaque papers onto the luminary panels to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King. When assembled a candle will shed light on words to remember and live by.

Art Treasures Hunt in the Capitol

Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul MN

Dates: Jan. 23, 2010, Jan. 24, 2010, Jan. 25, 2010, Jan. 26, 2010, Jan. 27, 2010, Jan. 28, 2010, Jan. 29, 2010, Jan. 30, 2010, Jan. 31, 2010

Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Weekdays; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; 1-4 p.m. Sunday

Fee: $2 brochure fee.

In the spirit of the Winter Carnival, visitors of all ages can go on a scavenger hunt to discover 12 beautiful and important decorations in the State Capitol building. Each self-guided booklet includes a set of 12 gold stars that are placed next to the corresponding photographs when the item is discovered. At the end of the hunt, visitors are awarded a gold state seal, get Capitol architect Cass Gilbert's signature and become Junior Art Historians. The booklet is available at the Capitol's Information Desk.

Global Hotdish Variety Show: T. Mychael Rambo Hosts

Minnesota History Center, St. Paul MN

Dates: Jan. 23, 2010

Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Fee: $12 adults, $5 children ages 6 to 17; $2 discount for MHS member adult ticket only. Tickets include museum gallery admission.

Reservations: required, register online

This whimsical 90-minute variety show features multi-cultural, multi-generational artists performing and leading the crowd in music, dancing and sing-a-long entertainment. Host T. Mychael Rambo is joined by yo yo master Dazzling Dave; Maryam Yusefzadeh and Tim O'Keefe singing Persian song poems; Bob Walser and family performing Appalachian flat foot clogging; the fur trade fashions and a capella harmonies of The Sons of the Voyaguer; pre-teen vocal sensation and Minnesota State Fair talent winner Julius Andrews IV; and Beth Gilleland's Geo Pop Quiz & Great State Trivia TidBits. Music provided by Los Jefes. Arrive early for pre-show entertainment in the History Center Rotunda at 1:30 p.m.

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Winter Carnival Weekend Puppet Show and History HiJinx Craft Activity

Minnesota History Center, St. Paul MN

Dates: Jan. 23, 2010, Jan. 24, 2010, Jan. 30, 2010, Jan. 31, 2010

Time: Noon to 4 p.m.

Fee: $10 adults, $8 seniors and college students, $5 children ages 6-17; free for children age 5 and under and MHS members.

Meet Minnesota legends King Boreas and Vulcanus Rex, performed by Z Puppets Rosenschnoz' Shari Aronson and Christopher Griffith, for a comic overview of their royal origins through puppets and storytelling in "Beyond Boreas! A Puppet Show of Frozen Follies and Mythical Meltdowns" at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Families and children also can make a shimmering icicle crown and royal sceptor at a History HiJinx craft activity throughout the afternoon.

Black History Month History HiJinx and Scavenger Hunt

Minnesota History Center, St. Paul MN

Dates: Feb. 6, 2010, Feb. 7, 2010, Feb. 13, 2010, Feb. 14, 2010, Feb. 20, 2010, Feb. 21, 2010, Feb. 27, 2010, Feb. 28, 2010

Time: Noon to 4 p.m.

Fee: $10 adults, $8 seniors and college students, $5 children ages 6-17; free for children age 5 and under and MHS members.

Explore the museum galleries and hunt for special cards to learn about African American men and women who made significant contributions to the state of Minnesota. Then use these images, as well as other collage materials, to create a “tunnel book," a three-dimensional souvenir popular in the 19th century used to document and recreate important places and historical events. A History Player portraying African American inventor Frederick McKinley Jones will give performances Sundays in February at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. in “MN150” exhibit.

History HiJinx: Lincoln Stove Pipe Hats

Minnesota History Center, St. Paul MN

Dates: Feb. 15, 2010

Time: Noon to 4 p.m.

Fee: $10 adults, $8 seniors and college students, $5 children ages 6-17; free for children age 5 and under and MHS members.

Make a stove pipe top hat to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday by using black and copper paper with giant copper pennies for decoration.

Teddy Bear Story Time

James J. Hill House, St. Paul MN

Dates: Feb. 16, 2010

Time: 10 a.m.

Fee: $5; $2 discount for MHS members. MELSA passes not accepted for this special event.

Reservations: recommended, call 651-297-2555

Young visitors are invited to bring their teddy bears to the Hill House in celebration of Presidents’ Day and the beloved toy named in honor of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president. An interactive tour of the house will be combined with favorite teddy bear stories. Teddy Roosevelt was one of several presidents that Mr. And Mrs. Hill knew personally and visited at the White House. This one-hour tour is designed for pre-school through first grade children accompanied by an adult.

Looking Toward Spring on the Farm

Oliver H. Kelley Farm, Elk River MN

Dates: Feb. 21, 2010

Time: 2 to 4 p.m.

Fee: $6, $4 for MHS members, free for children ages 5 and under.

See how families prepared for spring by helping to clean up the barn, sorting through the remaining preserved foods and crocks, feeding the animals, and checking on seed stock and on equipment repairs. Refreshments will follow in the Visitor Center. Visitors should dress for the weather.

Global Hotdish Variety Show: Pop Wagner Hosts

Minnesota History Center, St. Paul MN

Dates: Feb. 27, 2010

Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Fee: $12 adults, $5 children ages 6 to 17; $2 discount for MHS member adult ticket only. Tickets include museum gallery admission.

Reservations: required, register online

This whimsical 90-minute variety show features multi-cultural, multi-generational artists performing and leading the crowd in music, dancing and sing-a-long entertainment. Pop Wagner will host Mongolian foot juggling with Chimgee Haltarhuu and Anwar Hassouni; Ojibwe flute music with Darren Moose; faux French cooking with Z Puppets Rosenschnoz; African American step dancing with DelaSouljah Steppers and a Geo Pop Quiz and Great State Trivia TidBits with Beth Gilleland. Music provided by Dan Newton and the Café Accordion Orchestra.

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Global Hotdish Variety Show: Tou Ger Xiong Hosts

Minnesota History Center, St. Paul MN

Dates: March 27, 2010

Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Fee: $12 adults, $5 children ages 6 to 17; $2 discount for MHS member adult ticket only. Tickets include museum gallery admission.

Reservations: required, register online

This whimsical 90-minute variety show features multi-cultural, multi-generational artists performing and leading the crowd in music, dancing and sing-a-long entertainment. Hmong comedian Tou Ger Xiong hosts Wacky Chickens with Lloyd Brandt and Rosie Cole; exquisite choreography with the School of India for Languages and Culture; Austrian Alphorn music with Steve Ecklund, Vicki Wheeler and Becky Jyrkas; high kicks with the Satin Dolls and a Geo Pop Quiz and Great State Trivia Tidbits with Beth Gilleland. Music provided by Cyril Paul and the Calypso Monarchs.

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