History Center debuts 'Somalis + Minnesota' exhibit

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - The Minnesota History Center officially opened the “Somalis + Minnesota” exhibit, which runs until next summer.

Minnesota is home to more Somalis and Somali Americans than any other place in the United States. They have settled across Minnesota from Minneapolis and St. Paul to Eden Prairie, St. Cloud, Rochester, Willmar and beyond. 

According to the Minnesota History Center, the exhibit explores success stories including Somalis who have become politicians, business leaders, educators and artists. The exhibit is free.

The history center partnered with the Somali Museum of Minnesota, which houses a collection of more than 700 pieces and offers a wide range of educational programs about Somali traditional culture at the museum and throughout the region.

Some of the attractions include an Aqal Soomaali, a reconstructed nomadic hut from Somalia along with an abundance of historic photographs.