Minnesota Remembers Vietnam Events

The St. Louis County Historical Society is inviting veterans, especially Vietnam veterans, to share in a meal and conversation.

The Society received a grant through the Minnesota Humanities Center for focused programming on Vietnam veterans and those the war affected. The programming is centered on the PBS documentary “The Vietnam War” by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick.

Events scheduled:

● May 26 from 5-7 p.m. in the American Legion Post #71, West Duluth

● June 28 from 6-8 p.m. in AICHO, Duluth

● July 7 from 1-3 p.m. in the Vermilion Wellness Center, Tower

● Oct. 13 from 4-6 p.m. in the Hibbing Memorial Building

● Oct. 27 from 5-7 p.m. in the American Legion Post #71, West Duluth

At each event, those in attendance will view a short clip from the PBS Vietnam documentary. A facilitator will then lead a group discussion focusing on that clip. Audience members will be served a meal and asked to shares any thoughts or feelings in a small group as well. It is very informal, and nothing will be recorded.

These events are meant to be a safe space for veterans to share thoughts. The Society is hosting these events to open the discussion surrounding the Vietnam War, and to ask veterans to consider recording their oral histories for the Society’s archives.

The evenings are free, but RSVPs are required to plan the meals. For more information, or to reserve your spot, contact the Society at 218-733-7586.

Minnesota Remembers Vietnam is an initiative led by Twin Cities PBS aimed at inspiring Minnesotans to remember, share stories, recognize bravery, express their reasons for dissent, and foster understanding around the lasting impact of war. TPT is partnering with the Minnesota Humanities Center to bring public conversations around these topics to communities across the state, thanks to support from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with a vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.