History Center Museum, Saint Paul, MN

The History Center Museum in Saint Paul, Minnesota is more commonly known as the Minnesota Historical Society. The center contains numerous collections from Native American heritage up to present day. The Historical Society has more than just the History Center Museum as part of its groupings. They also run a number of museums in the Saint Paul area.

The History Center is located at 345 Kellogg Boulevard West. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and college students, and $5 for children who are 6 to 17. To attend the museum visitors can come Tuesday 10am to 8pm, Wednesday through Saturday 10am to 5pm, and Sunday 12pm to 5pm. They are closed on Mondays unless there is a holiday such as Presidents Day. The library also has its own hours as part of the center. Those hours are Tuesday 12pm to 8pm, Wednesday through Friday 12pm to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 4pm, and Sunday 12pm to 4pm.

As with any museum there will be a variety of different exhibits which travel as well as those that are permanent. MN150 is a Minnesota exhibit that allows visitors to look at 150 people, places, and events that have to do with Minnesota and things beyond its borders. It was created for the sesquicentennial in 2008. Another exhibit is the Minnesota's Greatest Generation in which one can hear about the Great Depression and events during World War II. Open House is an exhibit that is based on the statement "if these walls could talk.'' It depicts what might have occurred inside the house they have on display.

Home Place Minnesota is a display of images, artifacts, and voices. People relate their life in Minnesota. Grainland is all about farming and it has a grain elevator which tends to be a favorite with children. One exhibit that is not necessarily about Minnesota is Benjamin Franklin. This exhibit discusses his impact on the United States, especially that of electricity.

The Museum Center has a theater in which they will show a variety of seasonal changes that have occurred in the state. It is considered the Minnesota theater of Seasons, and is available when weather permits.

The Historical Center Museum provides a huge archive in the library. The library is open to anyone who wishes to visit. In the library one can find general collection information as well as resources to research the history of Minnesota. Family history of Minnesotans is also kept in the Historical Society library. Classes regarding the library are offered for those who may wish to become librarians.

Also onsite at the museum are a few museum stores and the CafyMinnesota. Visitors can spend more than a whole day looking at everything on exhibit. There are also some exhibits that are no longer on display. For those artifacts one must look at their online site or be granted special permission into the collection archives. Groups are welcome to attend the museum with reservations and a guided tour is offered for groups.