Upcoming Events

Religion As A Resource for Peace And A Justification For Violence.

Leader: Prof. Anantanand Rambachan
When: May 17 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Shoreview Library
4560 Victoria St N
Shoreview, MN 55126

Peace is a shared aspiration and value in all of our religious traditions. Peace, however, remains an ever-receding goal in our world. Speaking of peace as a shared value is important, but it does not bring about peace. Our traditions offer us transformative peace-making teachings, but these traditions are located in historical and socio-political contexts. They become intertwined and associated, often willingly, with forces and movements that promote violence by privileging one group and marginalizing others.

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When Minnehaha Flowed With Whiskey: A Spirited History Of The Falls

Leader: Karen Cooper
When: June 28 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Shoreview Library
4560 Victoria St N
Shoreview, MN 55126

Drunks, criminals, and rowdies went to Minnehaha Falls to raise a ruckus, dance, and have fun. From the 1860s until the early 20th century, Minnehaha Falls was not a family-oriented destination. Rather, it was a scene of scandal and disreputable behavior. By 1891, things had gotten so bad that “Father of the Parks” Charles Loring said, “Minnehaha had become the rendezvous of the most depraved of both sexes.” Find out what the heck was going on at the falls, and how all was eventually redeemed.

Karen E. Cooper is an author, historian, and researcher who uncovered the lost disgraceful past at Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis. Her work reveals the power structures in the city that allowed Minnehaha to become a criminal haven, and battle with those who wanted Minnehaha to be a place where families felt safe and welcome. Her first book, “When Minnehaha Flowed With Whiskey: A Spirited History Of The Falls” won the Emile Buchwald Award for Minnesota Non-Fiction in 2023.

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Bulletin Board

Have an interest in researching your family or a topic of Minnesota history? Join The Researcher Round Table, a special group of history researchers who are eager to· support for your work through encouragement and sharing information vital to your work. Two different opportunities are available: Coffee Catch-up sessions and Topics on the Go!!