Introduction
The Minnesota Digital Library (MDL) is full of primary and secondary sources about Minnesota history and culture, but it can be hard to know where to start when looking for educational resources. Use this guide to find relevant digitized materials, curated primary source sets, and online exhibits for each thematic period of Minnesota history.
Start with this page for a general introduction to MDL resources, and browse the tabs above for more specific content.
Primary Sources
Primary sources are original records of an event or topic, created by people directly connected to it. Some primary sources in MDL include:
Please note: all handwritten documents have been transcribed for readability and discoverability. No need to know cursive!
Secondary Sources
Secondary sources analyze, restate, describe, explain, summarize, or interpret primary sources after an event has occurred. Some secondary sources include:
Maps
MDL also contains many historical maps, which are great for studying geography and changes over time in specific places, including:
Curated Resources
Minnesota History Timeline, Part 1
Learn how local history connects with major events and eras. Part 1 of this timeline explores significant moments in the history and development of Minnesota from prehistory to 1900.
Minnesota History Timeline, Part 2
Part 2 of this timeline explores significant moments in the history and development of Minnesota from 1900 to 2020.
Primary Source Sets
Each Primary Source Set includes a topic overview, about 20 primary sources, discussion questions, related resources, and a "Think Like A Historian" section.
Mississippi River Map
This exhibit shows pictures, documents, and maps of several places along the Mississippi River in Minnesota from MDL.
History Day Resources Exhibit
Learn how to create a National History Day project using Minnesota-based resources.
About the Minnesota Digital Library
The Minnesota Digital Library (MDL) supports discovery and education through free access to unique digital collections shared by cultural heritage organizations from across the state of Minnesota. Our contributors include libraries, historical societies, museums, and archives. Begun in 2003, MDL includes digital content from over 200 participating organizations from across the state. Together we have digitized more than 60,000 photographs, postcards, maps, documents, letters, oral histories, and much more. These materials are available online in a free searchable database.
For more tips about teaching with MDL, visit our website or contact MDL staff.