Minnesota Then
The Mission
To inspire and connect communities by bringing local history to life through engaging, accessible digital experiences that meet people exactly where they are.
The Concept
History Without Boundaries
Traditional museums confine history to galleries and display cases. The Museum Without Walls takes a different approach: placing narratives, voices, and events exactly where they unfolded. By transforming the state itself into an exhibit space, the past becomes a living, accessible part of the present landscape. No tickets. No operating hours. No physical barriers.
The Purpose
Mission & Vision
Two commitments guiding every decision — from the stories selected to the technology built.
The Vision
To create inclusive, immersive educational experiences that harness technology to reveal and celebrate Minnesota's rich, diverse history — making the past a living part of the present.
The "Why"
History should be accessible to everyone.
Understanding local history strengthens the future. Making the past accessible helps people connect with their roots, learn from yesterday, and shape a better tomorrow.
This project was born from a desire to tell the stories of places that cannot always share their own past. History belongs to everyone, not just those able to visit traditional institutions. From early research to this digital platform, innovative technology and thoughtful design have been embraced to bring Minnesota's rich history to life, right at the fingertips of anyone exploring the state.
The Foundation
Guiding Principles
Four values shaping every story told, every feature built, and every community served.
Accessibility
Minnesota's history is open to all, regardless of location or resources. No tickets, no hours, no walls between the past and the present.
Community
Strengthening connections through shared stories and collective memory. Built for Minnesotans — every story matters.
Innovation
Leveraging technology to create immersive, engaging encounters with the past that go beyond the capabilities of traditional exhibits.
Education
Promoting understanding and curiosity through thoughtful historical content that brings context and meaning to the surrounding world.
The Impact
Creating Lasting Impact
Sharing history — from headline-making moments to the everyday events that shaped communities — creates real change. With each story shared and each voice heard, understanding deepens regarding the path that led to the present.
Through diverse perspectives and experiences, valuable insights emerge to help build a stronger future. It is more than just preserving the past; it is about bringing people together, sparking meaningful conversations, and strengthening connections between neighbors through the shared Minnesota story.
The Method
The Approach
From the first archival document to the moment a story unlocks at a specific set of coordinates — the process of bringing Minnesota's history to life.
1
Research & Documentation
Meticulously researching and documenting Minnesota's history from diverse sources and perspectives, ensuring accuracy and depth in every narrative.
2
Digital Preservation
Transforming historical content into engaging, accessible digital formats — combining narrative, audio, and imagery for modern audiences.
3
Place-Based Experiences
Connecting stories to real places using GPS, so history comes alive at the exact coordinates where the events actually occurred.
4
Community Engagement
Involving communities in the preservation of their own stories to create a more inclusive, authentic historical record for future generations.
The Journey
From Thesis Project to Museum Without Walls
A decade of research, experimentation, and passion — distilled into the platform available today.
2016
Project Founded
Originated as a post-grad thesis project with a simple goal: sharing local history on a community level, making the past relevant to the present.
2020
The Blog Launched
Publication of in-depth articles began, covering Minnesota's past — true crime, grand homes, forgotten landmarks, and the people who shaped the state.
2022
Expansion into Multimedia
The Museum Without Walls project entered active development, combining GPS, audio narration, and archival research into a single unified experience.
2025
The Web App Released
The Museum Without Walls v1 beta went live — opening Minnesota history to everyone, everywhere, for free. No app download required.