North Star Connect Speed Networking

MALHM Networking & Inclusion Team

Education & Outreach | Audience Level: Beginner

Join MALHM’s Networking and Inclusion Team for an hour of speed networking with your Minnesota museum peers! How does it work? Participants will rotate through small groups over 4 rounds, each with its own theme. Moderators from the Networking & Inclusion Team will provide the starting question and keep the conversation flowing. You just need to bring your experience and great ideas. This is a wonderful option for first time conference attendees to meet other museum workers from around the state.

You've Got Donations! Piled Up! Now What? A Look at Processing, Accessioning, Deaccessioning, & Registration Systems

Rose Kubiatowicz, Have Gloves Will Travel LLC

Collections & Exhibits | Audience Level: All

This session begins with a look at policies, procedures and forms needed to successfully accept & register, accession, record, process & catalog acquisitions according to professional museum standards & best practices, and traditional practices & methods when appropriate. The conversation delves into acquisition & deaccessioning criteria. Several fascinating & engaging case studies from Minnesota museums, are interwoven throughout the presentation. Interaction is encouraged! Ends with a Q & A.

Let's Talk Field Trips!

Claire Steffen, Minnesota Historical Society

Education & Outreach | Audience Level: Beginner

Join for this roundtable discussion around current challenges, recent wins, and best practices for history field trips. Meet colleagues and brainstorm how we could best support each other through a community of practice for field trip practitioners.

Presenting with Impact: Tools and Techniques for Engaging Audiences

Miranda Stueckrath, Stearns History Museum

Social Media & Marketing | Audience Level: Beginner

Discover the keys to creating and delivering impactful presentations! This session covers practical strategies for planning, designing, and engaging your audience, along with tips for keeping your content clear and memorable. We’ll also explore popular tools—including Prezi, Canva, Adobe Express, PowerPoint, and Google Slides—highlighting each platform’s unique features and best uses. Perfect for beginners and those looking to enhance their presentation skills.

Oral History for Beginners: A Lightning-Fast Overview

Vicki Albu, Oral Historian; Ryan Barland, Plymouth History Center; Crystal Boyd, Crystal Boyd Consulting LLC; John Crippen, Hennepin History Museum; Jeremiah Ellis, Ellis Heritage Services LLC; Sara Ring, Minitex

Collections & Exhibits | Audience Level: Beginner

Everyone loves a good story! Oral history is a powerful way to build relationships, document local history, and diversify representation in museums. This panel will cover oral history projects from the initial idea to a completed interpretive product and beyond. A series of 5-minute presentations will introduce the three phases of oral history: pre-interview, interview, and post-interview, plus community engagement.

Building Strong Partnerships: Collaborating with Local Businesses

Lisa Beecroft, White Bear Lake Area Historical Society; Additional TBD

Education & Outreach | Audience Level: Beginner

Discuss the benefits of partnering with local businesses to promote museums and historical societies. Explore strategies for building successful partnerships, including co-marketing initiatives, event sponsorships, and community outreach. Provide examples of collaboration used by White Bear Lake Area HS, Maplewood Area HS, Washington County HS, and Shoreview HS.

Congratulations! You're a New Director!

Claudia Nicholson, The Museum Lady; Additional TBD

Organizational Leadership & Development | Audience Level: Intermediate

A discussion of how to begin work at a new institution, in a position of leadership. We will start with the first day on the job, and walk through the most important things a new director needs to manage.

Creating a Community Art Space

Geoff Welles, Wright County Historical Society

Education & Outreach | Audience Level: Beginner

Here at WCHS, we took a relatively open area in our museum and have dedicated it to become a Community Art Space. But what does that mean? How did we do it? What will we use it for and how can it benefit our Museum? All of this will be answered and more. The presenter will share their experience, thoughts, and goals with this new open community space.

Unveiling Minnesota's Early Black History: A Collaborative Research Initiative

Mica L. Anders, Anders Genealogical Services; Regan Richardson, Independent Researcher; Dave Nichols, Rice County Historical Society

Collections & Exhibits | Audience Level: Intermediate

Early Black history exists throughout Minnesota - even if you don't know it yet. Join us for a panel discussion featuring researchers uncovering these untold stories statewide. Learn about ongoing projects, challenges, and proven research methods. Through case studies and narratives, discover the rich history of Black Minnesotans, from early settlers to Civil War soldiers and beyond. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for researching and preserving Black heritage across Minnesota.

Independent Historical Researchers Can Benefit Local Historical Entities and Vise Vera

Jay Rendall, Author & Researcher- The Boat Builders of White Bear Lake; Dennis Zerwas, White Bear Water Ski Company Project; Doug Lodermeier, MN Duck Decoys, MN Duck Calls Books

Education & Outreach | Audience Level: Intermediate

Local citizens can gather a treasure chest of information about a local historical topic when they are researching information for their own books or historical projects. There can be symbiotic relationships between the local history entities and theose local individuals. The three panelists have considerable experience gathering information, graphics, and historic items for their books or history projects. Each has their own story, methods, and results to share.

Disorganized Chaos: Making Sense of Mixed-Up Collection

Lora Tatinger, Chisago County Historical Society

Collections & Exhibits | Audience Level: Beginner

While moisture, critters, and creepy-crawlies are detrimental to any historical collection, so are those with a passion for history, but a lack of organizational skills. Join me for a discussion about the Who-What-When-Where-Whys of reimagining structure in a collection that has been mismanaged by those with good intentions.

Captivating Your Audiences: Tips and Tricks from a Professional Storyteller and Museum Director

Johanna Ellison, Cokato Historical Society; Robert "Bob" Gasch, Cokato Historical Society

Education & Outreach | Audience Level: Beginner/Intermediate

refine what you already know? Professional storyteller Bob Gasch, who has enchanted audiences for over 50 years, and Cokato Museum Director Johanna Ellison will be sharing different tips and tricks for captivating audiences of different age groups and interests. We will also be delving into what presentations, programs, and tours have been successful. Sharing your own experiences and techniques is encouraged.

Engaging Emerging Professionals in Collections Work

Mollie Spillman, Ramsey County Historical Society; Heather Carroll, St. Catherine University; Dr. Joseph Harker, Century College; Emma Peterson, MLIS; and Melissa Ward, St. Catherine University

Collections & Exhibits | Audience Level: Beginner

By developing and maintaining community connections, non-profit collecting organizations can become a known and desirable site for interested and qualified (or getting qualified) emerging professionals, and volunteers, in collections work. Strategizing your needs and bandwidth will inform where to seek assistance: schools, affinity groups, retirees, or history buffs. You’ll need a plan to train and manage them; have a workspace for them; and have a manual to direct their cataloging.

Museum on Fire: Managing Fire Risk to Collections and Historic Properties

Adam Smith, Minnesota State University, Mankato, & MALHM; Megan Brakob Narvey, Minnesota Historical Society; Maddison Zikmund, Maple Grove Fire Department; Grant Wilson, Stearns History Museum

Heritage Preservation & Building Maintenance | Audience Level: Beginner

Fire can cause catastrophic damage to collections and historic properties and it’s not as rare as you might think. Representatives from a local Fire Department will talk about fire safety and response for museums. The fire department would go through some hands on fire extinguisher training. Presenters from MALHM Mutual Assistance and Minnesota Alliance for Heritage Response will introduce our organizations and will discuss the importance of relationships for effective emergency response.

Historians at Work: Using Unconventional Spaces to Tackle the Backlog

Liz Schmidt, Goodhue County Historical Society

Collections & Exhibits | Audience Level: Intermediate

Feeling overwhelmed by backlog? Are your workspaces cluttered with piles of materials, leaving you without enough room to get things done? Then this session is for you. It will explore how the Goodhue County Historical Society tackled this issue by creating a “live exhibit” where museum visitors can observe and engage with the archival process in real time. This innovative approach not only optimized their space but also invited the public to learn more about the museum’s behind-the-scenes work.

The One Trick to Rewrite Your Large Grant Application

John Fulton, Minnesota Historical Society

Education & Outreach | Audience Level: Intermediate

The new biennium on July 1 brings eight more small legacy grant rounds and two large legacy grant rounds. When you apply for a large legacy grant, or if you’re not funded, the Grants Office sends back comments and advice to help you rewrite an application with a better chance of being funded. The session will explain what the comments are for and how to use them. We will edit example applications using pre-app comment letters; discuss the common patterns in unsuccessful applications, how to address them and return with stronger applications.

Partners on the Trail

Lindsay Marshall, Scott County Historical Society & MALHM; Javi Avalos, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community; Heather Hoagland, 106 Group; Additional TBD

Organizational Leadership & Development | Audience Level: Intermediate

The Shakopee Riverfront Cultural Trail (SRCT) is a 2.5-mile stretch of the MN River in Shakopee with interpretive panels outlining the area's natural and cultural history. A partnershp between Scott County Historical Society, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Scott County, Three Rivers Park District, and City of Shakopee was formed. This session will discuss the partners' roles, the collaboration resulting from the SRCT, and the theme, "Many People, Many Paths, One River."

This Conference Proposal was Written with AI: Using Artificial Intelligence in Your Museum

Emily Thabes, Beltrami County Historical Society; Joe Hoover, Minnesota Historical Society

Education & Outreach | Audience Level: Beginner

AI is transforming museum operations, from exhibit planning to visitor engagement. This session explores how AI tools support research, storytelling, and content creation, with real-world case studies showcasing AI-driven collection management and enhanced accessibility. Practical demos will guide participants in using AI for outlining and writing, while addressing ethical concerns like data privacy and authenticity. Join us to discover how AI can responsibly enhance museum practices and values.

History Outside the Box: Building Immersive Programs

Caitlin Carson, Stearns History Museum; Eric Cheever, Stearns History Museum

Education & Outreach | Audience Level: Intermediate

Want to develop an immersive history experience that will broaden your community outreach and generate some income? Come hear about two of the Stearns History Museum's most successful programs- At War and At Home: The World War II Experience and our annual Escape Room. Both have a proven track record and Caitlin and Eric will walk you through their development and adjustments made to create success! Each also focuses on different seasons of the year and new ways to engage people in the past.

CollectiveAccess Minnesota- Connecting to Your Collection and the World

Ann Grandy, MALHM & Pope County Historical Society

Collections & Exhibits | Audience Level: Beginner

CollectiveAccess Minnesota is a collection management software consortium managed by MALHM. The software connects museums to their collections AND can share collections with the public.

Customized by your peers here in Minnesota, the system is easy for beginners tracking what they have and where to find it. It is robust enough for organizations who want to capture the deeper connections between objects, people, and places. Join this session to learn about CollectiveAccess Minnesota and how it can work for your organization.

We Weren't In the Room Where It Happened: How Minnesota Museums Can Still Participate in America's 250th Birthday

Stephanie Hess, Minnesota Digital Library; Molly Huber, Minnesota Digital Library

Education & Outreach | Audience Level: Intermediate

The United States of America will be 250 years old in 2026 and celebrations are being planned across the country. History organizations with no direct connection to the American Revolution may be wondering how, or if, they can participate in the anniversary. In this session, Minnesota Digital Library (MDL) staff will explore ways Minnesota museums can join the party, including exhibits, educational projects, and community outreach.

Uncovering Diversity: Finding the People History Forgot

Kayla Sullivan, Lake Superior Railroad Museum; Corrie Hackbarth, Lake Superior Railroad Museum & MALHM

Collections & Exhibits | Audience Level: Beginner

Museums are put together with a specific purpose, especially small local history museums that may be based out of a historic home or building. Sometimes there is a focus on a particular family or individual. It's possible to expand the narrative of your location to include other groups in history. Join your colleagues to discover how they found the people and stories that "big history" forgot.

Government Funding Survey

Matt Carter, Dakota County Historical Society; Wayne Gannaway, St. Louis County Historical Society

Organizational Leadership & Development | Audience Level: Beginner

Has your organization wondered how the funding you receive, if any, from a local unit of government compares to your peer organizations? Facing cuts to public support, both DCHS and HCOC had an urgent need to justify their respective annual allocations based on comparable counties. Where do we find that data? What is comparable? TO help answer these questions, and to advance advocacy, DCHS and HCOC created a public funding survey to compile the data. This presentation shares the results.

3D Photography: A Primer to Start

Tom Steman, St. Cloud State University; Mike Knaak, St. Cloud State University

Collections & Exhibits | Audience Level: Beginner

Ever want to make your 3D objects more accessible beyond physical location and limitations? Using experiences and lessons learned from a pilot project at St. Cloud State, discover how 3D photography was used to make objects more accessible. Discussion will also touch upon the equipment and software used, knowledge needed and gained, and how to easily make accessible to a wider audience.

LGBTQIA+/Queer History in the Local Museum: From Discovery and Research to Interpretation and Community Engagement

Leila Stallone, MNHS; Ulysses Swanson, MNHS; Lizzie Ehrenhalt, MNHS; Jamie Kherbaoui, MNHS; Gereon Fuller, MNHS, Luis Valderrama, MNHS

Education & Outreach | Audience Level: Beginner

In this session, we will discuss how to locate (and relocate) items that could be related to queer history in historical societies and museum collections; approach how items can be further researched and how to handle conflicting information; interpret queer histories; and foster relationships with people and organizations interested in this history. Attendees are encouraged to bring and share examples of collection items, planning and exhibiting experiences, resources related to this session’s topic, or any questions/curiosities on the topic.

Lest We Forget: Tracking Down Wright County's Civil War Veterans

Marisa Campanaro, Wright County Historical Society; Mary Bischoff, Wright County Historical Society

Collections & Exhibits | Audience Level: Beginner

We’ve all received requests concerning a resource in our Research Library that didn’t exist…. at least not yet. Join us for a session where we share our experience of what started as a simple request turn into creating a comprehensive list of Wright County’s Civil War Veterans. Learn about how the project evolved, the ongoing journey, how to read and interpret found material, as well as the stories reflecting both struggles and successes.

Using Continuous Improvement (CI) to pursue efficiency, growth and strength within our organizations

Julia Mueller, Friends of Linden Hills, Inc.

Organizational Leadership & Development | Audience Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Simply put, Continuous Improvement (CI) is a process which involves analyzing and making adjustments within organizations to minimize wasted time and resources. In this session, we will explore how to apply this corporate methodology within our small organizations and museums as well as how CI can be used both personally and professionally. Participants will be introduced to various CI methodologies, identify key areas for organizational growth and put it into action.

Updating Outdoor Interpretive Signage: MNHS's Experience

Madeleine Lawler, Minnesota Historical Society; Additional TBD

Collections & Exhibits | Audience Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Update on MNHS's ongoing efforts to replace and reinterpreting historic sites with outdoor interpretive signage.