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Upcoming Programs

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Language of flowers
Jayne Becker

May 10, 2018 at the Edina History Museum/Terrace Room 
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Celebrate spring with flowers and history!   Historian Jayne Becker explores the history behind the language of flowers and shares examples of floral dictionaries and almanacs from the past.  Learn why the language of flowers became so popular in the 19th century and discover how art, literature and science influenced the “secret” language.  ​  
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The Minnesota Home Front: WWI & the Red Cross
Jayne Becker

May 17, 2018 at the Edina History Museum/Terrace Room 
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
During World War I, the American Red Cross played a crucial role in relief efforts at home and abroad.  Americans demonstrated their patriotism by volunteering with the organization. In Minnesota, people across the state signed up to help on the home front and on the front lines in Europe.  Using letters, journals and newspaper accounts from the era, historian Jayne Becker will explore the variety of ways Minnesotans supported the Red Cross.  Learn about the impact local chapters, including the Junior Red Cross, had upon relief efforts and discover how the Red Cross helped to open leadership and employment opportunities for women.  
May is the month the Red Cross was founded in 1881. ​  
This event is FREE to attend.

To Honor and Remember: A Tribute to Edina's Service Members
Bob Benson, Jim Hovland, Denny Schulstad & Marshall Schwartz

May 19, 2018 at the Edina Veterans Memorial in Utley Park (located at 50th St/Wooddale Ave) 
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Edina has a rich tradition of men and women serving proudly in all five branches of the Armed Forces. In observance of Armed Forces Day, the City of Edina, the Edina Veterans Memorial Committee and the Edina Historical Society will host this special event to honor Edina residents who served in the military and to remember those who paid the ultimate price for freedom, whose names are inscribed on the Veterans Memorial.
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Join Mayor Jim Hovland and Edina Veterans Memorial Committee members retired Brigadier General Dennis Schulstad, Vietnam veterans Bob Benson and Marshall Schwartz, for their perspectives on Edina’s proud record of military service. Visit the new display panel and hear the stories of those who are honored on the Veterans Memorial.   
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Old, New, Borrowed & Blue: Wedding Traditions Then & Now
Jayne Becker

June 21, 2018 at the Edina History Museum/Terrace Room 
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Learn about romances and weddings of the past when historian Jayne Becker explores the history behind popular courtship and wedding traditions of the 19th century.  View special wedding items from the collections of the Edina Historical Society and discover how weddings of the past still influence brides today.   
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Vintage Vacations: Travel & Trips in Minnesota History
Jayne Becker

July 19, 2018 at the Edina History Museum/Terrace Room 
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Trips to the cabin and dips in the lake: it's summer in Minnesota!  Join historian Jayne Becker for a close-up look at vacations of the past, featuring vintage postcards, letters and historic travel guides.  View unique vacation items from the collections of the Edina Historical Society and discover how generations of Minnesotans enjoyed the lazy days of summer. 
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Boathouses of Lake Minnetonka
Melinda Z. Nelson & Karen Melvin

August 2, 2018 at the Edina History Museum/Terrace Room 
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
If you’ve ever sailed, boated or paddled past a vintage boathouse on Lake Minnetonka and wished its rustic wooden walls could talk, you’ll enjoy this fascinating conversation with author Melinda Nelson and photographer Karen Melvin.  Melinda and Karen will share stories and photos of vintage and new boathouses around Lake Minnetonka and sign copies of their book. If you already own a copy, bring it and the authors will happily sign it!
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The Minnesota Home Front: WWI & the State Fair
Mark Haidet

August 9, 2018 at the Edina History Museum/Terrace Room 
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
America’s entry into World War I impacted all parts of life: including the Minnesota State Fair.  Historian Mark Haidet explores the intriguing story of how the “Great Minnesota Get-Together” mobilized Minnesotans for the war effort.  From the campaign to “Win the War with Food,” to large war exhibits, military pageants and Grandstand shows depicting major battles, discover the history of the beloved State Fair during this challenging era.
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1918/WWI & the Influenza Outbreak
Melissa Peterson

September 20, 2018 at the Edina History Museum/Terrace Room 
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
In the fall of 1918, attention turned from the battlefields of Europe to the home front of Minnesota as health officials – and the public – braced for the arrival of “the Spanish flu.” The virus would attack one fifth of the world’s population, killing more people than any other illness in history, and claiming thousands of lives in Minnesota. Join public historian Melissa Peterson, Site Manager of the Charles Lindbergh House and Museum, to hear how Minnesotans responded to the crisis and discover the lasting impact of the 1918 pandemic upon the state.
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Minnesota Hauntings: Johnsdale Paranormal Group
Brian Miner

October 6, 2018 at the Historic 1879 Minneahaha Grange Hall
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Creaking floors. Door ajar. Lights flickering. Hairs on end. Tis the season for all things creepy. What better way to celebrate the other-worldly than spending an evening with some ghost hunters? The acclaimed Johnsdale Paranormal Group will be treating us to an evening of highlights from their favorite Minnesota Hauntings. Come ready for some chills and thrills. Nightmares guaranteed. 
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Curious Customs: The History Behind Superstitions
Jayne Becker

October 18, 2018 at the Edina History Museum/Terrace Room 
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Omens, old wives’ tales, legends and lore.   No matter the term used, it’s undeniable that superstitions have become part of everyday life.  Historian Jayne Becker will discuss the fascinating history behind many superstitions and explore how- and where- these beliefs originated.  Discover what superstitions found their way to Minnesota and learn how those beliefs impacted daily life. 
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Reel History: Haunting the Suburbs
Alex Weston

October 25, 2018 at the Edina History Museum/Terrace Room 
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy a special night of movies, popcorn and history! As suburbs blossomed in the 20th century, they were often portrayed as idyllic embodiments of the American Dream.  However, the horror genre instead mined suburban fears and anxieties to imagine what nightmares might lurk behind the white picket fences.  Film expert Alex Weston will share spine-tingling excerpts from horror movies, made between the 1950s and today, that traded the crumbling Gothic castle for the suburban rambler with the immaculate lawn.  Rare film and theater items from the collections of the Edina Historical Society will also be on display.  
Note: This program will show some clips from movies that were rated “PG-13"/“R” by the MPAA. 
BUY TICKETS! 5:00-6:30PM SHOW
BUY TICKETS! 7:30-9:00PM SHOW
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Around the World in a Bad Mood:
​Confessions of a Flight Attendant
Rene Foss

November 8, 2018 at the Edina History Museum/Terrace Room 
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Rene had been a flight attendant for 16 years when she developed a musical revue based on her experience, "Around the World in a Bad Mood." She candidly describes the many inconveniences of flying, from the perspective of a flight attendant -- handling complaints, delays, food service, air rage, customer misbehavior and assorted confessions from other flight attendants, e.g., one ate the chocolate-covered strawberries meant for the passengers. You'll learn all about different aspects of the culture of airline travel; including lyrics to the "Safety Demo Shuffle." Rene will also share insightful details about the glamorous life of a flight attendant sharing a small studio apartment in Manhattan with many roommates, juggling a complicated schedule while dealing with the profession's inevitable frustrations and exciting benefits. You're bound to be entertained by Rene’s engaging stories and upbeat attitude  
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100 Years of Christmas at Dayton's
James Neagbour

December 7, 2018 at the Edina History Museum/Terrace Room 
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
This popular program SOLD OUT last year, so we are bringing it back for a second holiday season!  
For 100 years Dayton’s department store helped Minnesotans celebrate Christmas. We will look at how Dayton’s made the Christmas season magical by reviewing various window displays, unique gifts, store promotions, Santa Land, the unforgettable auditorium displays, along with a general history of the Minneapolis retail store. We will also look at the behind the scenes action by examining anecdotes from the management and the ever-helpful store employees, who made the name Dayton’s synonymous with Christmas shopping.  
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Afternoon Tea & Vintage Hats
Heather Edgington

December 8, 2018 at the Historic 1879 Minnehaha Grange Hall
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Back by popular demand, it's the Afternoon Tea and Vintage Hat Show! Heather Edgington will lead a show for your enjoyment as you sip tea and feast on a three-course offering of savories and sweets. Meet us at the Historic 1879 Minnehaha Grange Hall to brush up on your etiquette and experience this historic building. This event is presented by the Edina Historical Society. What better way to spend an afternoon than enjoying beautiful vintage hats with a spot of tea? Cost includes tea, three courses of food and vintage hat show.  Space is limited so get your tickets early before they sell out!