As a public programs specialist with the Minnesota Historical Society, I’m delighted that the MSP HELLO Welcome Hat series, a venue for newcomers to meet people and connect with resources that make the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area feel like home, will continue to host events at the Minnesota History Center.
Our award winning museum, research library and exceptional programming exist to help all Minnesotans connect their stories to our history. We love to get acquainted with our new neighbors as they begin their lives here!
Building on last year’s successes, in 2017 each event will offer (even) more opportunities to socialize and collect contacts and information. Our events will also highlight some of the unique qualities that make this a great place to live.
On Tuesday, February 7th, the theme will be “Innovative MN,” exploring great ideas and products that originated right here, such as Scotch tape and of course, Zubaz. The event will feature a poster exhibit of MN Inventions courtesy of Replace brand design (up at our Market House Cafe through Mar 5), and display related artifacts from our archive.
In addition, we’ll offer fun, creative activities in the spirit of our great innovators (did you know one of popular culture’s best known creators, MacGyver’s own Richard Dean Anderson, was a proud son of Roseville, MN?) While newcomers to MSP are likely to walk away with more knowledge of their new home, most importantly we want them to leave with a new friend or two – in addition to a new winter hat.
This event not only marks a new chapter in the Welcome Hat event series, it will also serve as the formal launch of the broader MSP HELLO project by Make It. MSP. With neighborhood guides, year-long newcomer events, an information hub for recent arrivals, and much more, big things are ahead in 2017. We’re excited to be a leading partner in the effort.
We hope you’ll register for this fun and free event. Also, we hope you’ll think of someone in your neighborhood or workplace who’s new in town and might benefit from the opportunity to connect with other new residents and learn about our great state in the process. See you there, we hope!
Aleah Vinick is a Young Adult Audience Specialist at the Minnesota Historical Society. Her experience includes public and community-based programs for teens, young adults, and teachers.