Minnesota Historical Society Addresses Organizational Sustainability with Institutional Changes

ST. PAUL, Minn. (July 29, 2025) – Following months of careful analysis and resource planning, the Minnesota Historical Society is implementing institutional changes to address a structural deficit caused by a combination of rising expenses, changing patron behavior patterns, and revenue not keeping pace. 

“This has been a very strategic process. We’ve looked at our finances, our operations, the patrons of today, and how we meet our mission,” said Kent Whitworth, MNHS CEO and Director. “While these measures are difficult, they are necessary for the long-term sustainability of the organization.”

• Starting September 1, the Charles Lindbergh House and Museum in Little Falls, Historic Forestville in Preston, and the Snake River Fur Post in Pine City will shift their focus to providing visitors with free, self-guided outdoor interpretive experiences and occasional special programming.
• The Gale Family Library at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul will implement a new service model to prioritize serving library patrons through scheduled appointments. This will maximize their visits and more efficiently gain access to special collections available only at MNHS.
• These programmatic changes, combined with reorganization in other departments, will result in the layoff of 36 employees, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff, representing approximately 7% of MNHS’s workforce. Impacted employees have been given extended notice and a separation package. 

“This is a painful time as we say goodbye to valued colleagues who contributed to our mission at the Minnesota Historical Society,” Whitworth said. “Due to the challenging economic environment and changing visitor priorities, we must implement these organizational changes to continue our legacy of service to the people of Minnesota.”

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs, and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories, and connects people with history.

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