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Scandia Museum Launches Project to Preserve Immigrant Stories

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. nches-project-to-preserve-immigrant-stories.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, February 27th 2026 at 3:42 GMT by Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
      Locales: SWEDEN, UNITED STATES

Minneapolis, MN - February 27th, 2026 - The Scandia Museum in Minneapolis has launched an ambitious project to collect and preserve the stories of immigrants who have shaped Minnesota's history and continue to enrich its cultural landscape. Building upon an initial call for contributions focused on Scandinavian heritage, the museum is now extending its reach to all immigrant communities across the state, aiming to create a deeply impactful exhibit set to open in 2027.

The initial impetus, as announced in early 2026, centered around documenting the significant impact of Scandinavian immigrants on Minnesota's development - from the establishment of farming communities and industries to the preservation of unique cultural traditions. However, museum director Randi Thoms and her team quickly recognized the need for a broader, more inclusive narrative.

"Minnesota is a state built on immigration," explains Thoms. "While acknowledging the foundational role of Scandinavian settlers is vital, it's equally important to showcase the diverse experiences of all those who chose to build their lives here. From the earliest Dakota and Ojibwe inhabitants, to German farmers, Vietnamese refugees, Somali entrepreneurs, and the latest wave of newcomers from around the globe - each group has left an indelible mark on our state."

The planned exhibit, tentatively titled 'Minnesota Mosaic,' will move beyond simple biographical sketches, striving to capture the complex emotions, practical challenges, and unexpected joys inherent in the immigrant experience. The museum is seeking a broad spectrum of artifacts - photographs, letters, diaries, tools, clothing, artwork - but places particular emphasis on collecting oral histories and personal narratives.

"We don't just want to display what people brought with them, but how they adapted, what they overcame, and what they contributed," Thoms emphasizes. "We are actively recruiting storytellers from all backgrounds, with a specific focus on underrepresented communities whose narratives often go untold."

The museum is partnering with local community organizations, including the Immigrant Integration Council of Minnesota and several ethnic heritage groups, to facilitate the collection process. These partnerships will ensure culturally sensitive outreach and build trust within communities hesitant to share their stories due to past experiences of discrimination or fear of exploitation. Translation services and bilingual interviewers are being provided to overcome language barriers.

Beyond the museum walls, the project is also fueling a statewide digital archiving initiative. The Scandia Museum is collaborating with the Minnesota Historical Society to create an online repository of immigrant stories, making them accessible to researchers, educators, and the general public. This digital platform will also allow individuals unable to physically contribute to the museum to share their family histories.

The scope of 'Minnesota Mosaic' extends beyond personal journeys. The exhibit will also explore the broader societal impacts of immigration - the evolution of Minnesota's economy, the changing demographics of its cities and towns, and the emergence of vibrant multicultural communities. Researchers are currently analyzing census data and historical records to paint a comprehensive picture of immigration patterns over the past 150 years.

"We're looking at how immigration has shaped everything from our cuisine and music to our political landscape and social values," says Dr. Anya Petrova, the museum's lead historian on the project. "This exhibit won't shy away from addressing the challenges and tensions that have sometimes accompanied immigration, but ultimately, it will be a celebration of the resilience, innovation, and cultural richness that immigrants bring to Minnesota."

The Scandia Museum is actively accepting submissions through its website ([www.scandiamuseum.org/mosaic](www.scandiamuseum.org/mosaic - fictional link)) and hosting a series of community listening sessions throughout the state in the coming months. The museum hopes 'Minnesota Mosaic' will not only preserve the past but also foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the diverse communities that make Minnesota a vibrant place to live.