LibGuides: History Day Research @ the MNHS Library: Overview

Minnebaloo

Minnebaloo is the annual History Day research open house held at the Gale Family Library in the Minnesota History Center. The date for the event in January 2026 will be announced in late 2025. We are normally closed on Sundays, but on this special day, the Library will be open just for History Day Students.

Students will be able to:

Conduct primary and secondary research with the guidance of library staff.
Get one-on-one help from a History Day staff member or undergraduate mentor.
Attend a mini-lesson on a range of topics.
View sample projects.

Check the full online Hullaballoo schedule to see events in your area.

And remember: History Day researchers are welcome to visit the library anytime we are open, not just during the Minnebaloo!

Overview

The Minnesota Historical Society Library can be a great place to do research for your History Day project. This step-by-step guide for students gives some advice on how to make your research experience better!

The basic steps for History Day Research here at MNHS are:

Get Started: Pick a topic and find secondary sources
Online Primary Sources: Find primary sources that are available online
Search @ MNHS: Search the catalog and finding aids online before you visit
Visit the Library: Everything you need to know about visiting us
More Help!: People and places that can help with your research and project

(Are you a History Day teacher considering bringing your class to the MNHS Library for a research visit? Check out our Class Visits page for more information.)

Related Research Guides & Webpages

Using the MNHS Library
A Library 101 Guide with information about the Library's two rooms, the contents of the collection, and how to access some resources online.