Access to public and private education, including institutions of higher learning, has been an essential part of Minnesota’s culture since its territorial days in the mid-nineteenth century. People who came to Minnesota valued education.
For their children they wanted opportunities that compelling circumstances had denied to many of them. Their faith and purpose were translated into self-sacrificing support of public education, parochial schools, private colleges, state colleges, junior colleges, a great state university, and various special academics and related institutions.
How did the state’s higher education institutions become established and how did they evolve over time? What was it like to attend a college or university in that era? This exhibit highlights the early development of colleges and universities in Minnesota, exploring how these institutions were initially funded and constructed and highlighting some of the primary drivers, teachers, and leaders who contributed to their development and success. It contains information about both public and private colleges in Minnesota, including content from the first state teacher schools (Normal Schools) that grew into the present day Minnesota State University System, as well as the history of the University of Minnesota system.
It also examines what the college experience was like as a student in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including what students did for fun and recreation, their living conditions, what college clubs and sports were popular at that time, and who was included and excluded. The last section of the exhibit focuses on the physical spaces of college campuses, including Old Mains and libraries.
Browse the timeline for a chronological snapshot of higher education development in Minnesota.
Explore the various sections of the exhibit using the page links below.