The size of the governor's records varies depending upon the individual and the time frame in office. Thus, in some instances, not all records relating to a governor have a link to one centralized finding aid. There may be several finding aids relating to the different series of records that may include both online finding aid/s and catalog references to the print copy of the finding aid. It is generally a good practice to check the catalog to determine that all relevant resources have been located.
To locate the records of an individual governor search the catalog:
Governor [name] and then limit to "State Government Records" using the Collections facet to the left of your results list.
For example:
Minnesota. Governor (1876-1882: Pillsbury)
Records of Governor John S. Pillsbury
1875-1891 (bulk 1876-1882)
Assorted files on public policy matters, including materials relating to public lands, railroads, grasshopper relief, seed grain, pardons, and applications for and appointments to office.
MNHS call number: Digital Finding Aid
Minnesota. Governor (1905-1909: Johnson)
Records of Governor John A. Johnson
General correspondence, correspondence concerning pardon matters, and certificates of absolute property tax sale.
MNHS call number: Digital Finding Aid
Minnesota. Governor (1925-1931: Christianson)
Records of Governor Theodore Christianson
General correspondence, subject files on public policy matters, files on state departments and agencies, federal departments files, and organizations files.
MNHS call number: Digital Finding Aid
For example:
Minnesota. Governor (1971-1976: Anderson, Wendell R.)
Subject files, 1973-1976
Correspondence, reports, legislation, print and near-print items, and other materials covering a wide variety of topics relating to public policy issues, Governor's Office administration, state agencies, legislation, and budget. Specific topics covered include taxes, crime and prison reform, education, and agriculture.
MNHS call number: Digital Finding Aid
Minnesota. Governor (1971-1976: Anderson, Wendell R.)
Land conveyance files, 1972
Land conveyance files include correspondence, certificates, recommendations, quitclaim deeds, and right of way maps for sections of highways.
MNHS call number: See the finding aid in the library (Governor: Anderson, Wendell R.).
Check Library catalog for a complete listing of Governor Anderson's records
Minnesota. Governor (1961-1963: Andersen, Elmer L.)
General Files, 1961-1962
State department and agency files, subject files on public policy matters, and files on Minnesota organizations.
MNHS call number: Digital finding aid
Minnesota. Governor (1961-1963: Andersen, Elmer L.)
Committee Files, 1961-1963
MNHS call number: See the finding aid in the library (Governor: Andersen, Elmer L).
For example:
Minnesota. Governor (1967-1971: LeVander)
Subject Files
Incoming and outgoing correspondence, memoranda, statistical information, reports, newspaper clippings, copies of legislative bills, and budgets concerning a wide range of topics including the Republican Party, state government appointments, legislation (especially LeVander’s tax program), professional associations, civil disturbances in Minneapolis (1967), and protests against the war in Vietnam.
MNHS call number: See the finding aid in the library (Governor: LeVander, Harold).
As noted, there are also other records that can be found as separate series from the individual gubernatorial records. Included are such items as:
Examples of these records include:
Minnesota. Governor.
Proclamations.
1850-1997 (bulk 1901-1978)
Proclamations and executive orders, primarily executive office copies of those issued during 1901-1978. Includes printed copies and some miscellaneous typescripts for the years 1850-1927 and occasional later years, primarily for holidays and other celebratory occasions, and indexes for the years 1901-1965 and 1977-1978. Of particular interest are proclamations declaring the creation of new or partitioned counties, 1895-1912.
MNHS call number: Digital Finding Aid
Minnesota. Governor.
Chisholm Fire Relief Records.
1908-1909.
Reports, correspondence, and financial records of a committee that coordinated relief to sufferers from a forest fire that destroyed the town of Chisholm on September 5, 1908.
MNHS call number: Digital Finding Aid
Pardon Records
Are found as part of the records of each individual governor's records generated during their term.
For example:
Minnesota. Governor (1866-1870 : Marshall)
Records of Governor William R. Marshall
1866-1870
Includes appointment records; letters received; attorney general's opinions; records relating to pardons and commutations; and requisitions.
MNHS call number: Digital Finding Aid
To locate other Governors Pardon files/records search the catalog:
Governor Pardons (then narrow to "State Government Records" using the Collections facet to the left of your search results)
Councils, Commissions and Task Force Records
Councils, commissions and task forces were created by the governors and the legislature (i.e. Governor's commission on the arts, council on developmental disabilities, council on health promotion and wellness) to study, report and provide recommendations on a variety of issues relevant to the state. These records are generally cataloged in their own series under the name of the commission, committee or task force, etc. If the title of the commission, etc. is known the catalog can be searched with that title.
For example:
Governor's Commission on the Arts
Records 1975-1977
Minutes, tape recordings of meetings and hearings, correspondence, survey responses, research background files, final report, and other records of the commission and its subcommittees on private sector, public sector, education, quality of life, and needs of the artist. Most of the files were accumulated by or under the direction of David Durenberger as executive vice chairman.
MNHS call number: See the finding aid in the library (Governor’s Commission on the Arts).
Governor's Commission on Crime Prevention and Control
Plans, 1969-1978
Printed or mimeographed plans for commission activities: under P.L. 90-351, the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (1969); for meeting priorities and needs of the Minnesota criminal justice system (1970, 1971); and comprehensive law enforcement plans (1971-1978).
MNHS call Number: Digital Finding Aid
To locate council, commission or task force records:
Search the catalog by the title of the council, commission or task force: i.e. "Commission on the Arts" and limit your results to "State Government Records" using the Colletions facet.
Or search by the subject/interest of the council, etc. and limit to State Government records
For example: "crime prevention" and limit to State Government records.
There are links to the finding aid and/or catalog description for the lieutenant governor's records available at the Library.
For example:
Minnesota. Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
Files of Alec Olson, 1972-1978
Subject files, newspaper clippings, constituent correspondence and requests, invitations, and speech files.
MNHS call number: Digital Finding Aid
Minnesota. Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Records of Marlene Johnson
Subject files, women's issues and groups files, speech files, and correspondence.
MNHS call number: Digital Finding Aid and additional finding aids found in the library (Lieutenant Governor: Johnson, Marlene).
For more Lieutenant Governor records: Search the catalog: "Lieutenant Governor [name] records" and limit to "State Government Records" using the Collections facet to the left of your results list.
Gale Family Library
Minnesota Historical Society Library
Located on the Second Floor of the Minnesota History Center
345 West Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
Library Hours:
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday to Wednesday: Closed
More Information on Visiting the Library
Contact Us:
651-259-3300
