Minnesota artist Duane Hanson captivated the country with his hyper-realistic sculptures depicting everyday people and events.

Produced by Autumn Haeg

Editorial support: Emily Krumberger, Britt Aamodt

Mixing & mastering: Chris Harwood
Photo: Portrait of Duane Hanson, Minneapolis, 1986 (American Swedish Institute, collection.mndigital.org/catalog/swede:169)

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This show is made possible by community support. Due to cuts in federal funding, the community radio you love is at risk. Your support is needed now more than ever. Donate now to power the community programs you love: www.ampers.org/fund.

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

Editorial support: Emily Krumberger

Mixing & mastering: Chris Harwood

Image: Loring Park swans in Minneapolis Park Board's winter house in Theodore Wirth Park, 1948 (Philip Dittes). Courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society

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For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media: www.facebook.com/MN90Ampers.

Never miss a beat. Sign up for our email list to receive news, updates and content releases from AMPERS: www.ampers.org/about-ampers/staytuned.

This show is made possible by community support. Due to cuts in federal funding, the community radio you love is at risk. Your support is needed now more than ever. Donate now to power the community programs you love: www.ampers.org/fund.

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 new horse fountain.

Produced by Autumn Haeg
Editorial support: Emily Krumberger
Mixing & mastering: Chris Harwood
Image: painting of the Rose Garden at Lake Harriet, Minneapolis by Eric Austen Erickson (1992). Courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society

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For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media: www.facebook.com/MN90Ampers.

Never miss a beat. Sign up for our email list to receive news, updates and content releases from AMPERS: www.ampers.org/about-ampers/staytuned.

This show is made possible by community support. Due to cuts in federal funding, the community radio you love is at risk. Your support is needed now more than ever. Donate now to power the community programs you love: www.ampers.org/fund.

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, there was only one name for it: Young at Heart Record Store.

Image: Young at Heart record club business card. [credit: Collection of Minnesota Historical Society]

With the railroad expanding westward, Minnesota needed farmers and laborers to work in the new settlements along the railroad line. Minnesota State Board of Immigration member William Seeger advocated for a group of Russian Mennonites to come and live in the new settlement of Mountain Lake.

Image: Evangelical Mennonite Church, half-mile north of Mountain Lake, Minnesota, 1959. [credit:  MN Historical Society]

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 how.

[Image by: sommai | Adobe Stock ]

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 to be the first of its kind in the world, inspired 23 other states to conduct their own electrification studies and led to the establishment of the national Rural Electrification Administration.

Image: Farmer W.A. Benitt with electric pump, 1938. [credit: MN Historical Society]

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 Fust, had a vision of bringing people together during the Depression Era. 

Image: Exterior of the Westgate Theater [credit: The Fust Family Collection]

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 would M*A*S*H's devoted fan base hate him?

Image: American GIs at a concert in Korea 1952. [credit: Collection Minnesota Historical Society]

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.

Image: Bohemian Flats during a springtime flood, April 7, 1897. The Washington Avenue bridge is in the background. [credit: Hennepin County Library]