Just what is the difference between a daguerreotype and a tintype? Photo curator Diane Adams-Graf explains what distinguishes these two early photographic processes. Actual daguerreotypes and tintypes are pulled apart and viewed in detail. (3 min. 8 sec.)

View Daguerreotypes and Tintypes in the Societyrsquo;s Visual Resources Database

Explore the history of photography further in the Directory of Minnesota Photographers

Early in 2008 the papers of legendary Minnesota businessman James J. Hill and several of his family members were transferred from the James J. Hill Reference Library in St. Paul to the Minnesota History Center, just a few blocks away. In this podcast, learn about the history and contents of the collection and the reasons for the move, and catch a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the incredible process of relocating almost 2500 boxes of valuable historical documents, photographs, books and artifacts.

Hill Family Collection library catalog entry

James J. Hill House historic site

Jerome Hill papers website (James Jrsquo;s grandson)

A quilt can be something to keep you toasty warm on a chilly night, but it can also be a work of art. Quilts today are often created as serious artistic expression, but quilters of earlier centuries also could focus their work on artistry as much as utility. Textile curator Linda McShannock shows us some of her favorite examples of these artistic quilts from the Society's collection, ranging in date from the 18th Century to the present.

Art Curator Brian Szott discusses the life and work of St. Paul artist Clem Haupers. From his birth in St. Paul, his time in Paris, his stint as Minnesota director of the Federal Art Project to his art and teaching career afterwards, Szott combines the timeline of Haupers's life with a critical appreciation of his paintings and prints. Highlights include many examples of the art itself along with archival interviews with the artist.

View photos of Clement Haupers, Clara Gardner Mairs, and their artwork. Learn more about the Federal Arts Project in Minnesota. You can also explore Haupers's and Mairs's papers, and read and hear interviews with Haupers, in the History Center Library.

Everyone knows the story of the attempted bank robbery in Northfield by the James-Younger gang, when the townspeople rose up to defend their bank and thwarted the infamous would-be robbers. The gang fled the scene and split up; however, the Younger Brothers were captured later near Madelia, Minnesota. Government Records Specialist Charlie Rodgers tells the story of what happened to the brothers after their capture in this podcast.

Learn More:

History Topics: Northfield Raid and the James-Younger Gang

The Story of Cole Younger by Himself

In our tribute to the MN State Fair, Collections Assistant John Fulton digs into the KSTP-TV news film Archive to find some stories that recall Fairs gone by. A taste of the large amount of film in the societyrsquo;s collection.

View posters and photos on the Fair in the Visual Resources Database

Order the books State Fair, Blue Ribbon or The Great Dan Patch and the Remarkable Mr. Savage in the online store

Share your own story about the Minnesota State Fair

As a prelude to this year's Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Acquisitions Librarian Patrick Coleman takes a look back at the last time the Twin Cities hosted a national convention, the 1892 Republican Convention in Minneapolis. Then as now, the metro area took center stage with a huge influx of delegates, supporters, and of course, media. However, the conditions and the possibility of a surprise outcome were rather different. Take a listen!

Curator Matt Anderson celebrates the summer road trip season with a look at an early predecessor to the modern motel: the tourist cabin. One cabin from the Star Harbor Resort near Two Harbors, complete with its furnishings and appliances, is highlighted. The cabin is now in the collections of the Minnesota Historical Society.

View photos of tourist cabins in general, and of the Star Harbor Resort in particular, in the Visual Resources Database. Purchase copies of Cabins of Minnesota and Minnesota Vacation Days in the online store. Learn more about one segment of the "hot pillow trade" in Minnesota under "History Topics."

In recognition of the "Suburban World" exhibit now showing at the History Center, we take a look at Richfield, a classic Minnesota postwar suburb. Excerpts from oral histories with long-time Richfield residents are featured, along with historic photos and documents from the community. (5 min. 8 sec. / 3.91 MB)

See additional photos of suburban Richfield in the Visual Resources Database. Read about the postwar boom at the Minnesota's Greatest Generation "In Their Words" website. Order the book Richfield: Minnesota's Oldest Suburb from the online store. Learn more at the Richfield Historical Society.

Although RetroRama is over, you can still appreciate our trip into the basement at the History Center to examine and pull items from the MHS Collection that speak to the culture and fashion of the 1950s. We documented what we found and thought wersquo;d share it with youhellip;enjoy!

Learn More:

RetroRama Site

1950s Fashion in the MHS Collection

Suburban World - The Norling Photos