Who Should Control Minnesota Historical Sites?

Article by Michael Rainville, Jr.

The Minnesota Historical Society. Now that we got that out of the way, I’d like to delve into why it’s problematic that Republicans in the Minnesota Senate are up in arms about our history and want control over sixteen historic sites, including Fort Snelling at Bdote.

The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) was founded in 1849 by the Territorial Legislature, the same year the Village of St. Anthony was incorporated and nine years before we became a state. For 172 years, MNHS has been a vital resource for not just preserving our past, but sharing it. They have worked tirelessly with the State government to provide the best historical and educational experiences at all of their sites throughout the years. The immense amount of academic work that has been done by MNHS, the National Park Service, county historical societies, museums, and independent historians has been done in good faith. The thing about history is that it becomes very apparent when stories are told incorrectly or when important details are purposefully left out, especially in this modern age where it is easy to access facts. If a story is wrong, then we make note of it and correct it. There is no shame in going back and correcting previous articles, books, historical markers, etc., a sentiment some members of the state Senate do not agree with.

Our past never changes, but our history does. 

Just over a month ago I walked across the graduation stage at the University of St. Thomas to receive my Master of Arts in art history, the same university where I received my Bachelor of Arts in history four years prior. At that ceremony, one of the speakers noted that now more than ever we, those who have dedicated our lives to the Humanities, are needed in this world. That one line has helped me put into perspective just how important and necessary history is for our society. Everyone’s history. The more stories we know, the more lessons we learn, and the less mistakes we will make. It is as simple as that.

I understand that it can be difficult to grasp our past here in Minnesota, but that’s the point. If control over the sixteen historical sites changes, what will stop those who are in favor of the change in ownership from purposefully changing the many stories found in Minnesota? If certain stories make you uncomfortable, find out why instead of lashing out. Why does learning about the Fort Snelling concentration camp make you mad? Is it because it was a crime against humanity or is it because you simply do not want to know the negative stories of our past? If it makes you so upset that you are willing to take control of historical sites away from historians, that is an action that will only lead to propaganda, and there is no room for that in our state, in our society.

The past never changes, but our history does.

I, too, have had to ask myself important questions and I know how difficult that can be. My great, great, great grandfather and his brother served at Fort Snelling during the Civil War and the U.S.-Dakota War. At the same time, twenty-eight of their cousins, my cousins, were being held against their will just below the fort at the concentration camp on Pike Island. It would be so easy to convince myself that the sole purpose of my Dakota relatives being brought to the fort was for protection, as some in the state Senate think. Or I can accept the truth, that they, along with 1,600 others, were forced to march 150 miles to the fort only to be thrown into a 12-foot barricaded concentration camp on an island in the middle of winter where hundreds of them passed away from disease, malnutrition and harsh weather.

The past never changes, but our history does.

The arguments for the changing of control over historical sites are not well-thought-out either. In a June 24 Star Tribune opinion piece, Katherine Kersten attempted to give the MN GOP side of the story. She noted that a few years ago Fort Snelling added the phrase “at Bdote” to their official name. “Bdote” is a Dakota word meaning “where two waters come together.” When white settlers first came to the area, many Dakota people had a different name for that area, “Mdote,” a word that has the same meaning as “Bdote.” Words change over time. We don’t call Saint Paul “Pig’s Eye” anymore, even if I think that name suites the city better. Kersten’s opinion piece is titled “Small group of activists commandeers Minnesota Historical Society,” which is quite farcical to say the least. From the wording of the title to the various arguments full of fallacies, it is clear that those who are for this changing of control are so for the wrong reasons.

As I sit at my desk and wrap up my thoughts on this “controversy,” I still find it hard to believe that some politicians in this state have a problem with historians doing their job. While it is concerning, I hope to put your mind at ease. Historians, teachers, tour guides, and history columnists like myself will continue to do what we do best; gather sources and stories, interpret our past to get a better understanding of our present, and create hope for our future.

The past never changes, but history does.

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About Michael Rainville, Jr.

A 6th generation Minneapolitan, Michael Rainville, Jr. received his B.A. in History, Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies, and M.A. in Art History from the University of St. Thomas.

Michael is also a lead guide at Mobile Entertainment, LLC, giving Segway, biking, and walking tours of the riverfront for 9+ years.

He can be reached at mrainvillejr@comcast.net.