Upcoming Programs

This event is FREE to attend.

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.

This event is FREE to attend.

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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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 Historic 1879 Minnehaha Grange Hall
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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Make a reservation to pay at the door.
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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.