Latest news with #BeltramiCountyHistoricalSociety
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Celebration set to mark 10 years of Chief Bemidji statue
May 23—BEMIDJI — Shaynowishkung (he who rattles) was an unorthodox Ojibwe leader from the mid-19th century, known as a peacemaker among settlers and the roughly 50 Ojibwe who followed him. Over time, Shaynowishkung became a beloved figure to both groups that called the Bemidji area home. Commonly known as "Chief Bemidji," he gained the title among settlers as they mistook the lake's name, Bemijigamaag, as his own. To honor the charismatic leader, Bemidji erected the Chief Shaynowishkung statue that stands at Library Park along Paul Bunyan Drive with Lake Bemidji as a backdrop, roughly a century and a half after he placed his stake in the region. His statue has stood strong and tall for 10 years. The Beltrami County Historical Society, in partnership with the Bemidji Statue Committee, will host a celebration to honor the statue's 10th anniversary at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, at Library Park. "This special event honors a decade of reflection, remembrance and recognition of Shaynowishkung, an Ojibwe leader whose presence continues to shape our understanding of local history, diplomacy and cultural respect," a release said. The ceremony will begin with a brief presentation at the statue, followed by a guided walk to Shaynowishkung's historic home site near The Coffee District, east of the Mississippi River between Lake Bemidji and Lake Irving. Participants will then return via the rail trail to the Beltrami County History Center. Elaine Fleming, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe elder, activist and former Cass Lake mayor, will offer a public program about Shaynowishkung's life, legacy and importance. Fleming is a founding member of the Bemidji Truth and Reconciliation group and has been an influential voice in place-name restoration, Indigenous language revitalization and community healing. The history center welcomes all to the free event. Refreshments will be served at the history center following the program. A limited number of wheelchairs will be available. Additionally, a shuttle bus ride from the history center to the program and back will be available for those at the center before the load time at 9:45 a.m. Those who need to reserve a wheelchair can send an email to depot@ or call (218) 444-3376. For more information on the event or other summertime history center events, visit
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Beltrami County Historical Society offering Shaynowishkung essay contest
May 14—BEMIDJI — The Beltrami County Historical Society and the Shaynowishkung Statue Committee are proud to announce a student essay contest in honor of the 10th anniversary of the Shaynowishkung statue in Library Park. High school juniors and seniors (or equivalent), and college freshmen and sophomores — including students in tribal schools, public and private schools, and homeschool settings — are welcome to enter. The contest centers on the legacy of Shaynowishkung (also known as Chief Bemidji), an Anishinaabe leader whose life and words offer powerful lessons about peace, leadership, and resilience, a release said. "Shaynowishkung's life and words offer valuable lessons about peace, leadership and resilience," added the release. "The statue honoring him is accompanied by plaques that carefully tell his story and provide historical context." However, in the past, many public statues provided little or no information about the people they portrayed, or they presented only part of the story — sometimes omitting difficult or uncomfortable truths. In the essay, students should reflect on the importance of truth in how we remember historical figures: * Why is it important to not only create monuments but also ensure they tell an accurate and complete story? * What responsibilities do communities have when honoring historical figures? * How does Shaynowishkung's story challenge or expand your understanding of history? * How does his story connect to your own experiences, identity, or understanding of truth in history? First Place will receive $250 and the opportunity to present the essay at the 10th anniversary event on Saturday, June 7, (attendance is optional). The Beltrami County Historical Society will publish the winning essay. Two alternate winners will receive $50 each. Essays should be 500-750 words (excluding any title or reference pages), written in size 12, sans serif font (Aptos, Times New Roman or Calibri), and double-spaced. Sources are not required, but must be cited if used (in any style). To enter, students should submit their essay in PDF form to depot@ with the subject line "Shaynowishkung Essay Contest." The deadline to submit entries is midnight on Saturday, May 25. For more information on submission guidelines and evaluation criteria, visit or email depot@
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Beltrami County Historical Society joins 2025 Blue Star Museums program
May 9—BEMIDJI — The Beltrami County Historical Society recently announced that it has joined the 2025 Blue Star Museums program, offering free admission to active-duty military personnel and families this summer. The program will start on Armed Forces Day on May 17 and end on Labor Day on Sept. 1. Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and more than 2,000 museums nationwide. The program honors the service and sacrifice of active-duty military families by providing meaningful opportunities to connect with cultural institutions during the summer, a release said. Although federal funding for the NEA has been discontinued, the Beltrami County Historical Society Board of Directors voted unanimously to continue forward with the program. Their decision reflects a strong local commitment to accessibility, cultural enrichment and honoring military families. "As the stewards of Beltrami County's stories, we are honored to welcome military families to explore the region's history through our exhibits and collections," Emily Thabes, executive director of the Beltrami County Historical Society, said in the release. "Our participation in the Blue Star Museums program is one way we can express our gratitude to those who serve and their families." To receive free admission, active-duty military personnel and up to five family members should present a valid military ID upon entry. Eligibility includes those currently serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard, Reserves, the U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps and the NOAA Commissioned Corps. For more information and a complete list of participating museums, visit Located in the historic 1912 Great Northern Depot in downtown Bemidji, the Beltrami County History Museum features exhibits spanning the area's history from its earliest natural and cultural beginnings to the present day. For local museum hours, current exhibits, and upcoming events, visit or call (218) 444-3376.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Beltrami County Historical Society to host 'Women of Law and Order' program
May 8—BEMIDJI — The Beltrami County Historical Society will host a public panel titled, "Beltrami County Women of Law and Order," at noon on Thursday, May 15, at the Beltrami County History Center, 130 Minnesota Ave. SW. As part of an ongoing series recognizing the significant impact of women in shaping Beltrami County, this panel will feature distinguished women who serve in various roles within the region's law enforcement and public safety sectors, a release said. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from local female leaders in law enforcement and public safety, engage in discussions, and gain a deeper appreciation for their work. Panelists include: * Calandra Allen, Beltrami County Jail Administrator, who oversees the operations of the Beltrami County Jail, managing inmate care and facility improvements. With years of experience in corrections, she has played a key role in addressing capacity challenges and policy changes in the county's correctional system. * Tabitha Carrigan, Bemidji Police Officer, a dedicated member of the Bemidji Police Department. Known for her outstanding community service and engagement, she has been recognized with the Melissa Schmidt Community Service Award and is actively involved in initiatives like "Coffee with a Cop" and "Heroes and Helpers." * Katie Nolting, Bemidji City Attorney, who provides legal counsel to the City of Bemidji and oversees municipal legal matters. She has been instrumental in addressing issues like rising misdemeanor cases and city planning concerns while ensuring compliance with legal frameworks. * Amanda Pedersen, Beltrami County Telecommunications Team Leader, who has been working in 911 dispatching for over 10 years. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the communication center and has been focused on public outreach and education of the 911 system. Panelists will share insights into their careers, experiences, challenges, and the evolving role of women in maintaining law and order in our community. "We are honored to highlight the achievements of the women who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe," Emily Thabes, executive director of the historical society, said in the release. "Their stories provide an important historical perspective while inspiring future generations to serve." The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information about this event, visit or contact the Historical Society at (218) 444-3376 or via email at depot@
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Beltrami County Historical Society to host 'Media Makers' program
Apr. 11—BEMIDJI — The Beltrami County Historical Society will host a free public panel titled, "Media Makers: The Women Informing Our Community," at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, at the Beltrami County History Center, 130 Minnesota Ave. SW. The event will highlight the achievements of local women in media and feature a panel discussion covering media representation, mentorship, community impact and how local journalism is evolving to meet the needs of northern Minnesota, a release said. Panelists include Larissa Donovan, Bemidji-area reporter for KAXE/KBXE Northern Community Radio and former news director at Paul Bunyan Broadcasting; Annalise Braught, editor and photojournalist for the Bemidji Pioneer and a graduate of Bemidji State University's Mass Communication program; and Meghan Jewett, Program and Production Manager at Lakeland PBS, who oversees local productions, including Common Ground and Backroads. Panelists will share their personal stories and career paths, reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing women in media, and offer guidance for young women interested in pursuing careers in journalism, radio or television. Audience members will also have the opportunity to ask questions during the discussion. "This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from the women shaping how our community stays informed," Emily Thabes, executive director of the Beltrami County Historical Society, said in the release. "We're proud to spotlight their voices as part of our ongoing series honoring the contributions of Beltrami County women to our community's past and present." The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information about this event, visit or contact the Historical Society at (218) 444-3376 or via email at depot@
