2026 Conference Schedule
Pre-Conference (Tuesday, April 28, 2026)
Schedule is subject to change.
10:00am-4:00pm Check-In at Blue Earth County Historical Society (BECHS); Self-Guided Tours &
Exploration
Official check-in will be open at BECHS from approx. 10am-4pm on Tuesday. Due to the distance, you're welcome to attend events in St. Peter (if registered) without checking in first! If you arrive later in the day on Tuesday, you may have to wait until Wednesday to pick up your badge and bag.
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A variety of self-guided tours around St. Peter, North Mankato, and Mankato will be available to attendees who want to choose their own adventure! Each tour will be self-contained and attendees can spend as little or as long as they like exploring.
10:00am-12:00pm Traverse des Sioux Guided Tours & Talk at Nicollet County Historical Society (NCHS)
11:00am-12:00pm Buffalo Ambassadors at Minneopa State Park
Visit the Minneopa State Park Waterfalls & Bison Drive! The word Minneopa means "water falling twice" in Dakota. The park is home to a bison herd, part of statewide efforts to protect wild bison and preserve their genetic diversity. Attendees can drive their own vehicles through the bison range and stop at the historic Seppmann Mill Overlook, where the park's knowledgeable Bison Ambassadors are stationed. They share stories, answer questions, and help visitor discover the rich history and natural wonder of the American Plains Bison. You can also view bison artifacts and learn more about their role in Minnesota's landscape.
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A Minnesota State Parks permit is needed for entry into the park— consider carpooling or checking one out from your local library!
12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch On Your Own
1:00pm-3:00pm Wet Salvage Mini-Workshop w/MALHM Mutual Assistance Team (BECHS)
Learn and practice wet salvage skills with the MALHM Mutual Assistance Team at BECHS. They will share a short presentation at 1pm and then give you a chance to practice retrieving & drying historic materials. Space will be limited— feel free to drop in & out between other activities.
1:30pm-2:30pm Buffalo Ambassadors at Minneopa State Park
2:30pm-4:00pm This Statue in This Place: Creating an Exhibit for the Abraham Lincoln Statue at
Minnesota State University, Mankato (Memorial Library)
This pre-conference session will include a presentation about the development of the exhibit, "This Statue in this Place: Abraham Lincoln Statue at Minnesota State University, Mankato," The goal of the exhibit is to create a space that stimulates deeper discussions and new research while helping the Greater Mankato community better understand the history of the Dakota people, the complexities of Lincoln's time, and how historical events shape contemporary thought and people.
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Following the presentation, attendees can visit the exhibit and/or do an optional tour of the Marilyn J. Lass Center for Minnesota Studies and the University Archives and Southern Minnesota Historical Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
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The session will include students, faculty, and administrators involved in the project. It will be of interest for those wanting to learn more about: contextualizing monuments, Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants, working with college students, and exhibit design.​​