NSCDA-MN Events
We typically have spring and fall programs in addition to the members-only Annual Meeting and a holiday gathering. Members also have access to events created by the national office and special invitations to join our partners at their events. Upcoming events include a visit with this year’s History Day scholar, a tour of Fort Snelling and a private tour of the Ramsey House. Dames can log in to see details here.
Some recent events are listed below.
Scott Stroh, Executive Director of Gunston Hall, home of George Mason in Virginia
Minnesota Dames were honored to host Scott Stroh on his visit to the midwest. After dinner at the Lafayette Club, we heard about George Mason’s life and his contributions to the Virginia Bill of Rights, and learned about future plans for his home and celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
2023 Fall Program
Dames gathered in St. Paul on a lukewarm September day to hear from fellow Dame and author Ames Sheldon discuss issues of reproductive rights for women, a theme of her latest book Lemons in the Garden of Love. The book was inspired in part by Ames’ ancestor Blanche Ames, who led the Birth Control Leage of Massachusetts over one hundred years ago. Dames gathered for lunch at Herbie’s on the Park after the presentation.
Charles Schultz Exhibit
Minnesota Dames held a “Pop-Up” event at the Minnesota History Center in August 2023 for the Charles Schultz exhibit. The director of exhibits gave a brief history of the project and described the connection between Charles Schultz’s life in St. Paul, his involvement as an instructor in the National Art University and his life as a cartoonist in Santa Rosa California. Several Dames knew the “real” Charlie Brown.
Alexander Ramsey House
Our partners at the Minnesota Historical Society were finally able to welcome people back to the Alexander Ramsey House!
The house was open on Saturday, July 1, 2023. The first floor was available for self-guided exploration, with take-home craft activities and 19th century cooking demonstrations.
Outside on the Ramsey House grounds, more fun-filled activities took place, including our Dames table with giveaways, Ice Cream Social, bluegrass performances from the Gritpickers Old Time String Band, Victorian Yard Games , and an ”Old-Time” Portrait Station.
2023 Spring Program
In April 2023 Minnesota Dames toured the new Plank Visitor Center at Historic Fort Snelling and heard from our 2023 scholarship recipients. We are so pleased to be able to help these bright students pursue their studies!
2022 Holiday Gathering
Minnesota Dames gathered at the Alexander Ramsey House in St. Paul for a holiday tea followed by dinner at Noyes and Cutler.
Sulgrave Series Lecture
Minnesota Dames had the opportunity to join our friends and colleagues for a lecture on the special relationship between the US and UK. Presented by Sulgrave Manor, George Washington’s ancestral home in the UK, this free webinar in November 2022 was available to our members.
Fall 2022 The Museum of Russian Art
On a spectacular fall day, Minnesota Dames visited The Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis, followed by lunch at The Book Club. Our Fall 2022 program was a great success!
Learning About St. Paul History
Our Spring 2022 program was a tour of the Wabasha Street Caves followed by lunch at Holman’s Table in St Paul. Members can log in to view photos in our Photo Gallery.
Day at Dumbarton
An additional opportunity to join our fellow Dames across the country was this spring. In April 2022, we were invited to spend a virtual Day at Dumbarton House, our headquarters in Washington DC, with lectures, tours and social opportunities.