Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS)

Business Profile

Core Value Proposition

Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) provides access to Minnesota history through historic sites, museums, collections, digital resources, and educational programming.

Target Customer

Educators, students, researchers, families, and general visitors in Minnesota and beyond.

Key Differentiator

statewide network of 26 historic sites and museums plus an extensive suite of digital resources (Gale Family Library/Research Help, Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub, MNopedia, Minnesota History magazine, MNHS Press) and education-focused programs (Northern Lights curriculum, National History Day, field trips, teacher professional development).

Implementation Timeline

Immediate access to digital resources; membership benefits activated upon joining; 6th Grade History Pass provides one year of free admission; in-person visits require tickets but are supported by a broad site network.

Pain Points

1Need for access to Minnesota history resources and primary materials for teaching and research.
2Requirement for curriculum-aligned, ready-to-use educational materials and professional development for educators.
3Access to primary sources and research assistance for students, teachers, and researchers.

Key Features

1Network of 26 historic sites and museums across Minnesota
2Digital resources: Gale Family Library/Research Help, Digital Newspapers (Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub), MNopedia, Minnesota History magazine, MNHS Press, Minnesota Unraveled (podcast)
3Educational offerings: Northern Lights curriculum for sixth graders, National History Day program, teacher professional development, supplemental curriculum products, field trips, Teaching Native American History & Culture resources, 6th Grade History Pass
4360 Virtual Tours and Explore Collections (photos, maps, artifacts, and more)
5Membership benefits including free general admission for a full year
6Research tools and family history resources (Gale Family Library, research guides, state archives)

Target Customer Industries

Client Results

1Free general admission to all 26 MNHS historic sites and museums for members for a full year
2Access to MNHS’s network of sites and resources (physical visits and digital tools)
3Estimated reach of nearly one million visitors served each year (through donations funding MNHS services)

Competitive Advantages

1Extensive statewide footprint with 26 historic sites and museums
2Combination of physical experiences and rich digital resources (MNopedia, MNHS Press, Gale Library, digital newspapers)
3Wide range of educator-focused offerings (Northern Lights curriculum, National History Day, professional development, classroom materials)
4Robust research capabilities via Gale Family Library and access to primary sources
5Public funding support and broad reach (state funding, Legacy Amendment) enabling wide access

Key Benefits

1Free admission for members across 26 sites for a full year

2Extensive network of historic sites and museums

3Robust digital resources and research tools (Gale Library, MNopedia, Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub)

4Curriculum materials and teacher professional development

5Public funding support enabling wide access

Additional Product Information

Product Description

MNHS provides access to Minnesota history through historic sites, museums, collections, digital resources, and educational programming.

Target Market

Educators, students, researchers, families, and general visitors seeking Minnesota history experiences and resources.

Unique Value Proposition

A statewide network of historic sites paired with a rich mix of digital resources and educator-focused programs, enabling broad access to Minnesota history and primary sources for teaching, learning, and research.

Technical Requirements

Not explicitly specified. Resources include online tools and 360 Virtual Tours; access implied via web portals and site visits.

Pricing Model

Memberships with free general admission; 6th Grade History Pass offering one year of free admission for Minnesota 6th graders; Donations and Endowment; Corporations/Foundations support; event tickets.

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