Shows / MN90: Minnesota History in 90 Seconds
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 Seconds
Daily dose of Minnesota history - MN90: Minnesota History in 90 Seconds" is a history program airing on Ampers stations in Minnesota. It is a co-production of Ampers and the Minnesota Historical Society. Made possible by funding from the Minnesota Art's and Cultural Heritage fund.
Episodes
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsThe Keys of K-Rations
In 1941, the U.S. Military had an assignment for Ancel Keys, University of Minnesota physiologist: Create a combat ration that packs a caloric punch yet fits…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsAIM Patrol and Indigenous Protectors Movement
Learn about AIM and The Indigenous Protectors and other contributors to Minnesota’s long history of community-led protection efforts. ----- Editor: Britt…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsMinnesota’s First Brewery
Minnesota's first brewery opened in 1848 from the hard work of German immigrant Anthony Yoerg. The Yoerg Brewery thrived for over a century, well known for its…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsGregory Corso’s Last Reading
Gregory Corso was a beat poet. He’d been born in New York and made his literary reputation. But, says Britt Aamodt, Corso’s last reading was recorded in…
- MN90: Minnesota History in 90 Seconds
MN90: Dave Frishberg’s Bill
1975 – St. Paul composer and lyricist Dave Frishberg was known for hits like "I’m Hip" and "Peel Me a Grape." Now he was being asking to write a song for a…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsMN90: The Hormel Strike on Film
Barbara Kopple won her first Oscar for a documentary about Kentucky coal workers. She won her second Oscar for a documentary about striking meat packers in…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsMN90: Moosylvania
In 1962, Jay Ward, co-creator of The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, leased an island on the Minnesota-Canada border. Britt Aamodt tells us how a nuclear standoff…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsA Minnesota State Symbol You Can Sautee with Butter
In 1984, Minnesota became the first state to name an official mushroom, the morel. ----- Editor: Britt Aamodt Producer: Katharine DeCelle Editorial support…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsMN90: Babbit
In 1920, Sauk Centre native Sinclair Lewis became a sensation with the publication of his novel Main Street. Now the pressure was on for a follow-up. Britt…
- MN90: Minnesota History in 90 Seconds
The Sugar Beet Fields
In the late 19th century, Minnesota farmers began planting sugar beets, a domestic alternative to cane sugar. That new crop brought families of migrant workers…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsMinnesota and the Bicycle Craze
The introduction of the “Safety Bike” changed society for the better. How did Minnesota change? ----- Editor: Britt Aamodt Producer: Autumn Haeg Editorial…
- MN90: Minnesota History in 90 Seconds
Trumpeter Swans Make a Comeback
Swans used to be a popular game of choice for Minnesota hunters. But by the 1900’s, the entire population of trumpeter swans was gone. ----- Produced by Autumn…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsNordic Ware’s Humble Beginning
Founded in the Minneapolis basement of Dotty and Dave Dalquist in 1946, Nordic Ware is historically significant to Minnesota, and to the nation’s baking…
- MN90: Minnesota History in 90 Seconds
The Origin of the Jingle Dress
The origin of a popular dance style across Indian Country is said to have come from Minnesota. Deanna StandingCloud tells us the story. ----- Editor: Britt…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsTaylor’s Falls Log Jams
Disaster stuck the St. Croix river in the 1800s. Loggers were battling giant piles of timber stacking up and causing jams. It was nature’s pressure cooker…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsWen Ping Pan
Engineer Wen Ping Pan helped relocate Hibbing in the 1920s after iron ore was found beneath the town, redesigning the city and guiding residents through the…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsMinnesota’s Largest Snowman
The tallest snowman in the state came from an unlikely source of inspiration…and isn’t technically made from snow. ----- Producer: Autumn Haeg Editorial…
- MN90: Minnesota History in 90 Seconds
Clellan Card’s Legacy
From commercials to his own TV program, Clellan Card was a beloved comedian in the Twin Cities during the late 1900s. Axel and His Dog became a favorite…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsLegend of Pig’s Eye
Many Minnesotan’s claim Pierre Parrant was the first resident of St. Paul… but the reality is a little murkier. Autumn Haeg debunks the myths of "Pig's Eye"…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsAbdallah Chocolate
Albert Abdallah opened the Calhoun Candy Depot, a bustling shop that quickly became a community favorite. Rebranded as Abdallah Candies, the business grew into…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsBOP Minnesota
For more than 25 years the Bisexual Organizing Project (BOP) has helped champion Minnesota's bisexual, pansexual, fluid, and queer communities. ----- Producer…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsSailing to Norway on the Hjemkomst
Bob Asp was a teacher in Moorhead, MN with Norwegian heritage. In the 1970s, Bob decided he wanted to sail from Lake Superior to Norway on a homemade Viking…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsSullivan’s Jewel Box
Owatonna, Minnesota is home to one of legendary architect Louis Sullivan’s finest works: the National Farmers’ Bank. ----- Producer: Autumn Haeg Editorial…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsMankato Streets
Many towns in Minnesota name their streets after flowers, numbers, or the last names of Presidents. But Makato’s streets tell a story. ----- Producer: Autumn…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsNorthwest Angle
At the very top of Minnesota, where forest meets water and maps get complicated, lies one of America’s strangest corners: the Northwest Angle. Pop art pioneer…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsSt. Paul Hmong Freedom Festival
Every year, hundreds of people attend the Hmong Freedom Festival to celebrate Hmong culture and history in Minnesota. ----- Producer: Autumn Haeg Editor: Britt…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsHaring’s Mural
Pop art pioneer Keith Haring made colorful marks on Minneapolis’ Walker Art Center when he visited in 1984. ----- Producer: Autumn Haeg Editor: Britt Aamodt…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsEddie Rogers
Eddie Rogers (Ay-Nay-Way-We-Dung) was an Ojibwe football star who exchanged his prowess on the gridiron into a law degree and a successful career as a lawyer…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsHappy Chef
Happy Chef was a beacon for hungry travelers all over the Midwest. Today, one original still stands, flipping pancakes and memories in Mankato. Producer…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsMaya Moore
She soared on the court and shook up the courtroom. Maya Moore didn’t just change the game, she changed lives. Producer: Autumn Haeg Editorial support: Emily…
- MN90: Minnesota History in 90 Seconds
Kirby Puckett
From the sandlots to the Metrodome, Kirby Puckett was more than a ballplayer. He was the heart and soul of the Minnesota Twins. Producer: Autumn Haeg Editorial…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsLake Street's Puppet Theater
Where giant puppets meet powerful protest, Minnesota’s In the Heart of the Beast Theater brings stories to life with color and courage. Producer: Autumn Haeg…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsThe First Avenue Depot
Before all the stars and glamor, the iconic Minneapolis music venue had several other purposes. Producer: Autumn Haeg Editorial support: Emily Krumberger…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsThe Blue Mounds Bison
In a small town in the southwest corner of Minnesota, you'll find Blue Mounds State Park, one of the few places in the state that visitors can see the historic…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsSleepy Eye vs. MTV
Madonna and Nirvana were just two of the many fan-favorite acts shown on MTV during the 80s and 90s. But one small town in Minnesota was not entertained…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsMelvin Calvin and the Life Cycle of Plants
Many high school students learn about photosynthesis in their biology classes. However, some may not know about one Minnesotan who was crucial to discovering…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsThe Great Mill Disaster
Minneapolis faced one of its most tragic events in 1878 after a cloud of flour dust got mixed up in a fiery situation. Producer: Autumn Haeg Mixing &…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsFrances Densmore
What if the songs of a culture could disappear forever? Frances Densmore of Red Wing, Minnesota wanted to ensure they didn’t. A pioneer in ethnology, Frances…
- MN90: Minnesota History in 90 Seconds
Self-Inflating Life Preservers
After fears of drowning were rising among his customers, Peter Markus knew it was up to him to invent a new way of staying afloat should a boat capsize.
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsThe Haunted Mansion of Forepaugh
A popular restaurant in St. Paul has a hauntingly delicious history of romance, scandal, and death. [Image by: Autumn Haeg]
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsDuane Hanson
Minnesota artist Duane Hanson captivated the country with his hyper-realistic sculptures depicting everyday people and events. Produced by Autumn Haeg…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsTrumpeter Swans Make a Comeback
Swans used to be a popular game of choice for Minnesota hunters. But by the 1900’s, the entire population of trumpeter swans was gone. Produced by Autumn Haeg…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsThe Peavey Fountain
Grain giant Frank Peavey was a wealthy man who needed a way to boast his money. Following trends from other local philanthropists, he donated his money for a…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsRichard Wozniak Was Young at Heart
Richard Wozniak loved the Frank Sinatra recording of the Johnny Richards-Carolyn Leigh song "Young-at-Heart." So, in 1956, when he opened his Duluth business…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsThe Mennonites of Mountain Lake, Minnesota
With the railroad expanding westward, Minnesota needed farmers and laborers to work in the new settlements along the railroad line. Minnesota State Board of…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsMilk: Our State Drink
Many Minnesotans are familiar with our state bird, the loon, and state flower, the lady slipper. But did you know that milk is Minnesota's state drink? Here's…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsThe Red Wing Project
In 1923, the University of Minnesota launched the Red Wing Project, an experiment to bring electricity to rural farmers in the state. This experiment, believed…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsThe Very Musical Founder of the Westgate Theater
While no longer standing, the Westgate Theater was a beloved arts space in South Minneapolis for over 40 years. The founder of the Westgate, musician Carl…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsWelcome to the 4077th: Mike Farrell's M*A*S*H Debut
Actor and South Saint Paul native Mike Farrell was replacing a popular character in one of the 1970's most popular TV shows. He was thrilled for the job, but…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsBohemian Flats
Along the banks of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, a community of immigrant families built a life from scratch in a neighborhood known as Bohemian Flats…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsGopher Ordnance Works
In 1945, a massive munitions plant opened south of Minneapolis to produce smokeless gun powder to supply the US forces fighting in World War II. Image: World…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsL-O-N-I in Cincinnati
The former Miss Roseville Minnesota turned what could have been a throwaway part into the breakout role of Jennifer Marlowe, the sexy and savvy receptionist at…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsCows at University and Snelling
The University and Snelling intersection has seen many changes over time. Once home to Dakota people and wildlife, European settlers took over in the…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsThe Long-Fought Battle of the Strutwear Knitters
The Strutwear Knitting Factory strike was the longest and least violent of the three major labor strikes that happened in Minneapolis from 1934 to 1936…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsThe Silver Shirts
In 1938, William Pelley, leader of Nazi copycat group the Silver Legion of America, or Silver Shirts, made plans to speak in Minneapolis and, allegedly, to…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsThe Daughters of Norway
Founded in Minneapolis in 1897, the Daughters of Norway grew into the largest secular organization of Norwegian American women in the country. Image: Members…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsSweet Martha’s Cookies
In 1979, Martha Rossini Olson built a homespun recipe for chocolate chip cookies into a Minnesota State Fair juggernaut.
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsDr. Orianna McDaniel
In 1896, Dr. Orianna McDaniel became the first female physician hired by the state of Minnesota to work in its new bacteriology lab. Image: Dr. Orianna…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsPhyllis Wheatley House
Founded in 1924, the Phyllis Wheatley House was the first settlement house in Minneapolis to serve the social service needs of African Americans. Image…
MN90: Minnesota History in 90 SecondsUusi Kotimaa
From the 1880s to the 1930s, the Finnish-language newspaper Uusi Kotimaa connected immigrant communities across Minnesota and the United States. Based largely…