Customer Reviews

Minnesota 150: The People, Places, and Things that Shape Our State

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When the public was asked to enter suggestions for 150 significant people, things, etc that shaped Minnesota's history and then a committee finalized the selection it is absolutely amazing what a broad spectrum of these choices turned out to be. The entire State was represented. The book captures the exhibit at the Minnesota History Center and provides snapshots of what was important during the past 150 years. Amazing how it was put together in a fun and informative mode. A great gift book for those who care about Minnesota and history buffs.

This book is a "must" for anyone who is proud to be a Minnesotan or is interested in Minnesota's history. You do not have to read it cover to cover right away -- just pick and choose. And then read some more.

For Minnesota's Sesquicentennial, the Minnesota History Center created the acclaimed MN150 exhibit of 150 people, places and things that shaped Minnesota, chosen from over 2,700 citizen nominations. They put much time and money into developing the exhibit. (Check out the website for more interesting reading.) This enjoyable and very readable book presents brief profiles of those 150 entries. The 150 entries cover a wide range of topics covering all aspects of Minnesota history.

I believe that learning the interesting stories of people is a great way to learn about history, since history is the story of people. By reading these 150 brief profiles, you'll gain a solid overview of Minnesota in way that's interesting and actually enjoyable to read. This provides terrific snapshots of moments in Minnesota history.

You'll briefly learn about people like Hubert H. Humphrey, Charles Lindbergh, Ann Bancroft, James J. Hill, Dan Patch, Nobel Peace Prize-winner Norman Borlaug, Fredrick McGhee, Prince, Bob Dylan, American Indian Movement, Republican governors Elmer Andersen and Harold Stassen, golfer Patty Berg, baseball legend Charles Bender, GPS inventor Bradford Parkinson, Wanda Gag, heart surgery pioneer Owen Wangensteen, suffragette Clara Ueland, 3M, the first mall, Guthrie Theater, John Thomas, John Ireland, Mayo Clinic, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Garrison Keillor, Itasca State Park, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sister Kenny, US-Dakota War, space program pioneer Robert Gilruth, and many, many more facinating people. This is a fascinating read for your bedside table.

Everyone will enjoy most of the entries, love some of the profiles, and dislike a few, depending on your biases. From giants of business to radicals on the Iron Range, this is the history of Minnesota. It's all here.

I do wish that part of the winning nominations by the nominators were included. Some were excellent to read. You can read them at the MN150 website. This exhibit was supposed to be "the people have spoken." Also, I felt that Peanuts creator Charles Schultz should have been included and a couple other entries maybe should not have made it. None-the-less, these are minor quibbles.

One great thing about this book is that it's interactive. You can think of what you would include, and after you read this book, you may find yourself realizing the importance of a few things you previously would not have considered or learn about different times and the people who lived back then. In some ways, America is like a hologram, with different appearances depending your distance and perspective, or like the many facets of a diamond.

This book is extremely well written, and I highly doubt that anyone else could have done such an excellent job. Bravo to Kate Roberts. This is a great book for a great exhibit.

Highest recommendation!

Of course, I am prejudiced on this one -- my great grandfather, Hamilton Harris Judson, is one of the Minnesota 150 (#70 on Page 93) - and one of the 150 chosen from 2,700 nominees. However, this is a very interesting book and is a must-have for anyone interested in Minnesota history. There are facts that I'm sure most people are unaware of (even those who've lived in Minnesota all their lives). A very interesting book which highlights a number of people, places and things that not only contributed to Minnesota's growth, but also the nation as a whole.

Excellent book on Minnesota. Very interesting facts about my state's history. I will use this book as a supplement to another Minnesota textbook. Product arrived in excellent condition and delivery was fast.

If you want a discussion starter, leave this on the coffee table when guests visit! Who was left out? Why is this in? Hey, remember this?
Of course, if you aren't interested in Minnesota...you wouldn't be viewing this page!