A New Millennium 2000- present
In 2011, we were a sponsor for the outstanding “Discover the Real George Washington” exhibit at the Minnesota History Center as well as the PBS production “Dolly Madison” produced by Twin Cities Public Television in St. Paul.
In 2013, Minnesota Dames members contributed significantly as individuals to help establish the “Alexander Ramsey House Endowment Fund,” providing ongoing support for the property. Alexander Ramsey House is one of the properties promoted by the National Society as a “Great American Treasure.” We proudly participated in the National Society’s comprehensive campaign “Our Society, Our Home, Our Legacy” in 2019.
In 2014, we began to participate in History Day through the Minnesota Historical Society and have sponsored prizes for essay entries in the area of American Colonial History. Winners have been invited to present their essays at our member meetings.
We launched our first website in 2016 and a revised website in 2021. To respond to changing times, our lineage papers are available online rather than in print or microfilm only, and board materials are shared electronically.
In the face of 2020’s worldwide pandemic, much of our programming has also been offered online. Dames gathered in December 2020 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Mayflower with a virtual program from Plimoth Patuxent Museum. Although some programs remain virtual, we have resumed in-person programming as of Fall 2021.
In 2024, one of our Minnesota History Day award recipients was awarded first place in her category at the state level. She went on to the National History Day competition, winning second place for her website, entitled “A Turning Point in Native American Spirituality: The American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978.” We are gratified to be able to support the study of history at the high school level.
We also continue to award scholarships to University of Minnesota graduate-level foreign students finishing their degrees in various fields. This dedication to service and history motivates many of our members.
