PBS North
Minnesota Historia Season 4
Segments
What Do You Do with a Laurentian Divide? The Laurentian Divide is a continental divide that crosses some of Minnesota’s most stunning landscapes. But what do you do with such a geographical gem? Do you mine it? Or do you ski it? Or do you build a tourist attraction on top of it? (The answer is all three.) The Leif Erikson Viking Ship Minnesota Historia talks to 107-year-old Lilly Haldorsen, who remembers the day the Leif Erikson sailed into Duluth’s Harbor in 1927. The ship was named for the famous Viking explorer. But her captain, Gerhard Folgero, was an unforgettable character in his own right. Minnesota’s Own Judy Garland Judy Garland is known around the world for her role in The Wizard of Oz. But few know about her life in Minnesota. Minnesota Historia visits the Judy Garland Museum in her hometown of Grand Rapids to explore her childhood and return visits to the state. Bigfoot in Minnesota Minnesota Historia attends the fifth annual Minnesota Bigfoot Conference in Grand Rapids to learn more about our state’s surprising history with the legendary creature. From the Seven Grandfathers Teachings to the She- Squatchers, our love for Bigfoot runs deep. Bronko Nagurski Bronko Nagurski is celebrated in International Falls with his own museum and a giant statue. He’s considered one of the greatest football players who ever lived. And the Car Talk guys mentioned his mellifluous name every chance they got. But what did he think about all this attention? Minnesota’s Voyageurs Minnesota Historia counts down the Top 10 voyageur statues in northern Minnesota. Along the way, we learn why our state is so fascinated by these colorful figures, who worked as the long-haul truckers of the fur trade.
Premiere Date: May 28, 2025 Format: 1 x 60-minute broadcast special
Description
Minnesota Historia is a fun, engaging, and slightly offbeat historical series that explores weird, unexpected, and fascinating stories from Minnesota’s past. Rather than focusing on textbook history, this series digs into the oddities, mysteries, and forgotten moments that make the state’s history so unique. Blending archival footage, expert interviews, and a dash of humor, Minnesota Historia brings the past to life in an entertaining and accessible way, making history fun and engaging for all audiences.
Impact
Minnesota Historia engages viewers with the offbeat and overlooked stories that define the state’s character, using humor and curiosity to make history accessible and entertaining. Aimed at adults ages 26 to 45 but appealing to all ages, the series fosters pride in Minnesota’s unique past while encouraging audiences to see history as a living, relatable part of their identity. Viewer comments and strong online engagement demonstrate that Minnesota Historia succeeds in sparking curiosity and conversation about Minnesota’s heritage. Through its fresh, story-driven approach, the series expands PBS North’s role as both educator and storyteller of the state’s cultural legacy.
Distribution & Reach
Platform
Reach (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025)
Broadcast
1 episode broadcast | 33 hours broadcast
Streaming
1 episode available | 1 hour available | 1,029 streams
Social Media
15 posts | 39,131 video views
Events & Engagement
PBS North partnered with the Reif Performing Arts Center in Grand Rapids to host a public screening event celebrating the premiere of Minnesota Historia Season 4. The event featured select episodes from the new season followed by a discussion with members of the production team, who shared insights into the research, storytelling, and creative process behind the series. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and share their own local history connections, fostering community dialogue around regional stories and heritage. Approximately 15 people attended the in-person screening, representing a mix of Reif Center patrons, local history enthusiasts, and PBS North viewers. The event strengthened PBS North’s connection with northern Minnesota audiences and reinforced the station’s role as a storyteller of regional history and culture.
Lily Haldorsen, Leif Erikson Ship Eyewitness
Bigfoot an Hailey on Minnesota Historia
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