MN Historical Society acquires some of Bob Dylan's early poetry

Minnesota Historical Society

Bob Dylan fans will soon be able see some of his original poetry dating back to his time in high school.

The Minnesota Historical Society recently acquired some of Bob Dylan's original poetry dating back to 1956, when he attended Hibbing High School. The pages are the Nobel Prize-winning musician's earliest-known writings. 

Saved by his Hibbing High School friend Dale Boutang, the acquisition also includes an original photograph of Boutang and Dylan on a motorcycle from their high school days.

The historical society also has a 1960 recording of Dylan playing in Minneapolis and handwritten lyrics to the song “Temporary Like Achilles.

Some may already be familiar with these artifacts, as they were part of the Museum of Pop Culture's traveling exhibit “Bob Dylan’s American Journey, 1956-1966,” featured at the Weisman Art Museum in 2007.  

The poetry will be available for researchers to view in St. Paul's Gale Family Library, and collections staff are discussing a future display. They will also be digitized and made available to view on MNHS’ website.