Zenith City Press and the Lake Superior Railroad Museum present “The Twin Ports Rail-to-Sail Connection,” an illustrated history presentation featuring Duluth historian Tony Dierckins. Adapted from Dierckins’s book “Twin Ports Trains: The Historic Railroads of Duluth and Superior,” this talk traces the rise and decline of the “Head of the Lakes” as a vital commercial shipping center and illustrates the socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental impact that railroads, Great Lakes freighters, and the industries they served had on the region.
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“Mail Is What They Want Most:” The WWII Letters of Edward A. Kennedy
Presented by the Executive Director of the Carlton County Historical Society, who wrote this amazing book after finding a very special collection of letters in their archives. After losing both his sons in combat during World War II, Edward Kennedy did something positive with his grief. He took a request from his employer, the Northwest Paper Company of Cloquet, Minnesota, to collect names and addresses of their employees in military service and turned it into a letter-writing mission. Kennedy wrote newsy, upbeat four-page letters every two weeks from July 1943 to the end of the war: 57 letters in all. His letters talked about the weather, sports, hunting and fishing, and local events. Those receiving the letters wrote back with their news, which Kennedy then shared with the group. These letters served as a lifeline for men and women adapting to war-time assignments far from home. They weathered the war because…
Our Place: The History of Dive Bar Culture in Superior, WI
Join artist Erica Dischino as she presents her photographic essay “Our Place” documenting dive bars in Superior, WI from October 2026 to February 2026. Hear stories from long-time bartenders and local bar owners. Learn how Superior developed its saloon scene. Thursday, April 16, 2026 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Douglas County Historical Society 1101 John Ave, Superior, WI 54880 FREE admission. Light refreshments will be served. Program begins at 5:30. For questions, please contact Erica Dischino at (201) 290-6433. This event was made possible by the City of Superior’s Culture, Events, and Public Arts Commission.
Hands-On History Day
As part of the Twin Ports Festival of History, the Duluth Children’s Museum is offering FREE admission from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM on Sunday, March 29th for a special day of hands-on history fun. Our interns from UMD’s Museum Studies program will be showcasing unique historical items from the museum’s collection. Get up close, ask questions, and discover the stories behind the objects! It’s a chance for families to explore, imagine, and experience history together. We can’t wait to see you there! No preregistration required.
Mission Marge Documentary Premiere Screening
This remarkable 30-minute story takes the viewer from Wisconsin to the jungles of Papua New Guinea. The film documents the expedition to find the “Marge” plane flown by America’s top fighter pilot, Richard I Bong. The film also highlights the international partnerships that enabled the team to find the plane and the deepening of the friendships that have formed between northern Wisconsin and Madang, Papua New Guinea. Join us from 3–4 PM for a pre-documentary reception. Following the screening, attendees will hear directly from the people behind the story during a live Q&A panel featuring: • Justin Taylan, Pacific aircraft recovery researcher • Briana Fiandt, Richard I Bong Center • John Gidley, Richard I Bong Center • Mike O’Connor, author and Richard Bong biographer
CSM John S. Werner Memorial 5K Run-Walk at 9AM on 6/13/2026
CSM John S. Werner Memorial 5K Run-Walk June 13, 2026 | 9 AM Start & Finish: The Other Place Bar & Grill 3930 E Calvary Rd Duluth, MN 55803 Entry Fee: $35 Calling all runners — sign up online: Register now St. Louis County Historical Society and its Veterans Memorial Hall are holding a 5k Run-Walk to honor the memory of CSM (Command Sergeant Major) John S. Werner on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Start time is 9AM and the opening ceremony is 8:45AM at The Other Place Bar & Grill, 3930 East Calvary Rd, Duluth, MN 55803. Please join us as we honor the life and legacy of CSM John S. Werner. A devoted steward of our nation, state, and region, John was deeply committed to the Society’s mission and the well-being of Northland veterans. He worked steadfastly to preserve the storied lineage of our local service members, ensuring their sacrifices remain…