The MALHM Conference offers more sessions than ever this year, with 24 sessions over two days. We worked hard to find speakers and topics that the local history community requested. (See our Program Guide for details.)

We also listened to survey feedback and comments that attendees wanted more time for networking. Sure, people learn in a classroom setting, but attendees also get as much help from chatting with their peers at our mixer events, connecting over lunch, or trading ideas after the sessions are done for the day.

So this year, you'll see more time allotted for lunch, as well as our traditional evening events, like this one held last year at the Kandiyohi County History Museum.

We'll have an informal mixer to open the conference at Chase on the Lake's cozy fireside bar, beginning at 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 26. As an incentive to arrive on time, we'll provide free beverages and appetizers the first half hour followed by a cash bar.  Please come even if - or maybe especially if - you don't know anyone. This is a great time to put names with faces, relax and get to know others in the local history community.

On Wednesday after the conference ends for the day, the Cass County Historical Society in downtown Walker will provide special open hours for MALHM, from 4:15 to 6 p.m. Chat with colleagues while checking out the exhibits and learning about the Leech Lake area.

Explore Walker and have dinner on your own, or join a group heading to Benson's Eating and Drinking Emporium. We've reserved a party room for dinner, followed by an evening mixer at 7:30. The evening will include informal networking time, as well as - drum roll, please - our first Minnesota History Trivia Challenge!

In our February 2016 survey, MALHM members’ top vote for new benefits was “additional workshops and networking opportunities throughout the state."

You asked; we answered with two “MALHM Mingle” dates: Sept. 21 at Nicollet County Historical Society in St. Peter and an April date TBD at Becker County Historical Society in Detroit Lakes. The events will focus on traveling exhibits such as "Water/Ways" from the Smithsonian at both facilities. Learn from your peers on how to make traveling exhibits work for your organization.

Each museum exhibit offers a personalized take on water history in their communities, but the presentation portion is identical. “We wanted to offer a central location for the north half of the state and one for the south half,” said MALHM President Dustin Heckman.

The Sept. 21 event will  begin at 6 p.m. with a tour of the exhibit, followed by an informal discussion while enjoying appetizers and a cash bar.

In addition to the Smithsonian program, participants will discuss their experiences with other options, including the Minnesota Historical Society’s traveling exhibits program. Head of MNHS’s “Exhibits to Go” program, Lisa  Friedlander will talk about current offerings as well as  seek ideas from attendees.
  
“I’m actively looking for feedback for how we can improve the usability of the exhibits, and some ideas we have for future content,” she said.

After the informal presentation, attendees will have time to connect with colleagues on other topics. Admission is free for MALHM members; $5 for non-members. RSVP by emailing Coordinator Marci Matson at marci@minnesotahistorymuseums.org or calling 612-500-7460 by Friday, Sept. 16.