Schedule of Events

Old Firehouse and Police Museum 

History Tour and Talk

Location: Old Firehouse & Police Museum, 402 23rd Ave E #3707, Superior, WI 54880

Before the Lift Bridge Lifted: How and Why Duluth Built the World’s Most Unique Aerial Bridge

Join Tony Dierkins at Glensheen to learn more about Duluth's iconic Lift Bridge. 

The Mansion will be open for classic tours at 6pm free to Twin Ports History Festival attendees. Tony will be available before and after to sell his awesome books and answer questions.

Location: Glensheen Mansion, 3300 London Rd, Duluth, MN 55804

Open House at the Depot

Location: The Depot, Grand Hall, 506 West Michigan St., Duluth, Minnesota 55802 

Unveiling of a Newly Commissioned Samuel Zimmerman/Zhaawanoogiizhik Painting

Join the St. Louis County Historical Society on Thursday April 4th from 5pm-6pm for the unveiling of a newly commissioned Samuel Zimmerman/Zhaawanoogiizhik painting, Maang Sings to the Manoomin, as part of the Twin Ports Festival of History. Zimmerman, a direct descendant of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Ojibwe), will share his process and inspiration for the painting, and answer questions guests might have. Light refreshments will be provided.

Sam’s work explores his Ojibwe heritage along with his learnings and experiences in nature upon his return to the Grand Portage reservation. His work preserves shared oral histories, reimagining the symbolism of the clan animals while incorporating the natural landscape of Lake Superior's North Shore.  He focuses on continuing the Anishinaabe tradition of storytelling, embedding the themes of environmental stewardship and conservation of the North Shore through his studio and public art commissions.

Location: The Depot, Grand Hall, 506 West Michigan St., Duluth, Minnesota 55802 

Adas Israel, A History of Duluth's Orthodox Jewish Community with Phillip Sher

Phillip Sher will discuss his recent publication: Adas Israel, A History of Duluth's Orthodox Jewish Community. The work brings forth a firsthand experiential rending of a century old community within Duluth.  The book relates stories of the immigrant experience of the 1800's as well as the challenges through time.

Phillip Sher was born in Duluth, MN. and is a graduate of Duluth Central High School and the University of MN, Duluth with a degree in Physics.  Physics later attended the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee for graduate studies in Physics, Yeshiva Ohr Someach (rabbinal seminary) in Monsey, NY, and has continued his lifelong studies in various fields including law, computer studies, and Talmudic and Judaic studies.  

Phillip has had a long and varied career path including being a part time lecturer of physics at UWS, and, primarily, owned and operated a meat and gland trading company.  Phillip has taught and tutored many students privately with Judaic studies.

A lifelong resident of Duluth, Phillip was born into the Adas Israel Congregation, served in the capacity of the Congregations' President for over twenty years

Location: The Depot, Grand Hall, 506 West Michigan St., Duluth, Minnesota 55802 

Depot Museum Open

Location: Depot Museum, 520 South Avenue, Two Harbors, MN 55616

Two Harbors Archives Open House

Location: Two Harbors Public Library, 320 Waterfront Drive Two Harbors, MN 55616

Northern Bedrock Presentation 

Join Ian Wallin, Outreach Coordinator, and Charley Langowski, Executive Director, to learn more about Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps, Halfway Ranger Station Historic District, and Morgan Park as we explore two historic preservation projects happening in northeastern Minnesota.

Location: Community Room at the Two Harbors Public Library, 320 Waterfront Drive Two Harbors, MN 55616

The Red-Light Crusade: Prosecution of Prostitution

For most of Western history, prostitution has been tolerated, but because of its nature, it has been largely unrecorded. During the American Progressive Era, 1900-18, society experienced one of the most zealous and best-recorded campaigns against prostitution. Social, political, economic, and ethical reforms against liquor, gambling, and the sale of sex would change the American landscape, as well as the lives of those whose pocketbook relied heavily on these industries.

We wish to share the stories of the people who society deemed "unworthy", "unspeakable", "unclean", and "invisible." Join us as we discuss these topics and their relevancy to life in Koochiching County, the forgotten women and men who suffered and succeeded in the sex industry, and the impact it had on public health policy.

Location: Lake Superior Railroad Museum, 506 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN 55802

History Walking Tours of Duluth’s Ship Canal

Location: Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, 600 Canal Park Drive  Duluth, MN 55802

UMD by the Decades

Join the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) Archives and Special Collections for a journey through UMD's past material culture. View and handle yearbooks, student newspapers, course catalogs, photographs, event programs, and more from the 1910s through the 1990s. Experience UMD history through primary sources created by students and staff through the decades. Archives staff will be available for conversation and questions!

Location: KAML 260, Kathryn A. Martin Library, University of Minnesota - Duluth, 416 Library Drive, Duluth, MN 55812 

Fur Trade Nation: An Ojibwe’s Graphic History with artist Carl Gawboy

The 1854 Treaty Authority will be hosting local artist/author Carl Gawboy, who will be previewing his upcoming book “Fur Trade Nation-an Ojibwe’s Graphic History”.

Location: 1854 Treaty Authority, 4428 Haines Road, Duluth, MN 55811

Hot Stove Night 

Cate Kratville-Wrinn is a railroad historian and journalist who is currently documenting the restoration of equipment donated by the Union Pacific to Railroading Heritage Midwest in Silvis, IL. Join Cate as she presents a behind-the-scenes look at the restoration of the historic UP steam engines #3985Challenger and #5511 2-10-2 as well as Centennial diesel #6936. Hot Stove Nights are free to the public and include complimentary soda, coffee, or water and cookies. Please enter through the North Shore Scenic Railroad entrance at the back of the Depot.

Location: Lake Superior Railroad Museum, 506 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN 55802