Research

Doing research on your own or with the assistance of our full-time archivist is offered to both members and the public alike.  Everyone wanting to do research, whether on your own or with assistance, must submit an appointment request to: research@hennepinhistory.org 

Library

The Research Library has one computer station available for use with free access to Ancestry.com and Minneapolis newspapers on newspapers.com.  A copy machine is available with a small printing fee.  Public access resources include: 

  • Card catalog for archival collections and library materials
  • Sanborn fire insurance maps
  • Clipping files
  • City directories
  • Reference books on Hennepin County
  • Maps and atlases

Archives

Hennepin History Museum maintains historical archives pertaining to the Hennepin County region including photos, maps, letters, books, blueprints, diaries, school yearbooks and postcards dating back as far as the mid-1900s.  Our photography collection includes historic realty photographs for many Hennepin County neighborhoods, along with a collection documenting the 1960s demolition of The Gateway District in downtown Minneapolis. 

A portion of our archival collection is processed with finding aids. Finding aids are documents that offer an overview of what is in each archival collection, letting you know if a collection is worth exploring further.

Need Further Assistance?

For researchers that require additional assistance, please contact our Museum Archivist.

Digital Collections