Special Collections

When Minnesota was a new state, thousands of settlers arrived, many of them from Europe. But in recent decades, the state has attracted large numbers of Hmong and Somali refugees.

In 1996 MPR News saw big changes coming to the world of digital technology, and figured listeners could use a daily guide to the new, rapidly changing landscape.

Since MPR was founded in 1967, our studios have been a regular stop for the world's master musicians, composers, and conductors.  Here is a sampling from our collection of unique interviews.

Hubert H. Humphrey served as the 38th vice president of the United States and as a U.S. Senator from Minnesota.

Women in the United States made major headway in the 1970s as more and more women entered the workforce, enrolled in colleges and took the spotlight in some professional sports.  Major events during the 1970s include:

Walter Mondale was the 42nd vice president of the United States. Born and raised in Minnesota, Mondale’s political success has made him one of the most notable Minnesotans.

Minnesota Public Radio was founded in 1967 by Bill Kling and Colman Barry, president of St. John's University in Collegeville, Minn. After the first station, KSJR 90.1-FM, went on the air, Kling began building a statewide network.