Learn about Hmong history and culture in Minnesota during a free February event series, “Exploring History and Culture in Central Minnesota – Hmong Cultural Center.” Hosted via Zoom each Saturday in February, this is a partnership project of the Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, and Stearns county historical societies. The series seeks to create greater understanding and awareness of cultures that have been and still are part of central Minnesota and its history.
This year’s programming comes from the Hmong Cultural Center (HCC) in St. Paul, a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and nourishing Hmong culture and to enhancing cross-cultural awareness. The programs will be presented by HCC’s director of programs, Dr. Mark Pfeifer, and executive director, Txongpao Lee. A traveling exhibit from Hmong Cultural Center Museum will be available for public viewing at each site on a revolving basis for two weeks in February.
• Feb. 4, 11 a.m. – Hmong 101: Weddings and Funerals.
• Feb. 11, 11 a.m. – Hmong 101: Traditional Hmong Beliefs about Health and Medicine.
• Feb. 18, 11 a.m. – Hmong 101: Folk Arts Traditions.
• Feb. 25, 11 a.m. – Hmong 101: Minnesota Milestones.
Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit or contact the Stearns History Museum at info@stearns-museum.org or (320) 253-8424 or register online.
Hmong Cultural Center Museum Traveling Exhibit on view:
• Jan. 31-Feb. 16 – Morrison County Historical Society (2151 Lindbergh Drive South, Little Falls) and Stearns History Museum (235 33rd Avenue South, St. Cloud).
• Feb. 18-March 1 – Sherburne History Center (10775 27th Avenue Southeast, Becker) and Benton County Historical Society (218 1st Street North, Sauk Rapids).
The 2023 event series is sponsored by Sourcewell, Wingnut Tattoo, Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union, and Bezek Family Dentistry. Support also comes from the Hmong Student Organization at St. Cloud State University.
About Stearns History Museum
Founded in 1936, the Stearns History Museum connects people through the power of history and culture – offering a premier cultural heritage experience in Central Minnesota. It also is nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.