Then Now Wow

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Then Now Wow

Dedicated entirely to Minnesota history, “Then Now Wow” is the largest exhibit ever created by the Minnesota History Center, with 14,000 square feet of gallery space. Designed primarily for children, visitors of all ages will enjoy exploring Minnesota’s distinctive places from the prairies and forests to the cities. Along the way they'll meet the people who have made their homes here. Step inside a prairie sod house; board a Twin Cities streetcar; don a headlamp to venture underground in an Iron Range mine; hitch a ride on a boxcar; sit in a modern tipi; and encounter artifacts and images unique to Minnesota’s diverse people and historic events.

From past to present, many “Wow!” moments have shaped this great state. Come learn about them in the largest exhibit ever created by the Minnesota Historical Society!

Explore Minnesota’s history in the prairies, forests and cities, interacting with the people and animals who have made their homes here. On your journey, you will:
 
  • Ride a Twin Cities streetcar and peek out the windows as different times and places go by. 
  • Descend underground into an Iron Range mine and drill the ore.
  • Learn about the story of Rondo, a thriving St. Paul African American community torn apart by I-94.
  • Sit in a modern tipi and learn about Dakota history and culture through Bobby Wilson’s poetry and visual art.
  • Visit a pioneer family and imagine what life was like in an 1870s sod house.
  • Hitch a ride on a Soo Line boxcar through Southwestern Minnesota and learn about the history of the area through original music by Charlie Parr.
  • Learn about the fur trade from the perspective of its main commodity, the beaver.
  • See the emergency exit door from the school bus involved in the I-35W bridge collapse signed by all the children and adults aboard the bus.
  • Encounter more artifacts and images unique to Minnesota’s diverse people and historic events.

“Then Now Wow,” is made possible by the Legacy Amendment through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008. Major support provided by the 3M Foundation, the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation, and the Katherine B. Andersen Fund of The Saint Paul Foundation. Additional support from the BNSF Foundation, Rosemary & David Good Family Foundation, Grotto Foundation, Hardenbergh Foundation, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council and the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation.

Extended Hours:

Thurs. Jan. 1, 2015, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Fri., Jan. 2, 2015, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 3, 2015, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sun., Jan. 4, 2015, Noon to 7 p.m.