History in a Pint: SLCHS Announces 'A Summer of Storytelling' Series

Event Cancelled for July 16, 2026

The 7/16/2026 History in a Pint: "Bicentennial Boom" has been cancelled due to the smoke from wildfires causing unhealthy air-quality outdoors in Duluth and the ongoing construction inside the St. Louis County Depot that includes the HVAC system.

SCROLL DOWN FOR DETAILS ON OUR 7/28/26 & 8/6/26 PRESENTATIONS.

Hosted at the historic Lake Superior Railroad Museum inside the St. Louis County Depot

The St. Louis County Historical Society is thrilled to announce a captivating special series for its popular History in a Pint program this July and August. Hosted at the historic Lake Superior Railroad Museum inside the St. Louis County Depot, this three-part installment—collectively themed “A Summer of Storytelling”—promises an engaging blend of local triumph, humorous misadventures, and poignant wartime reflections. 

Attendees can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere complete with a cash bar while diving deep into the history and narratives that shaped our region and nation. 

SCROLL DOWN FOR DETAILS ON OUR 7/28/26 & 8/6/26 PRESENTATIONS.

1. Bicentennial Boom | Thursday, July 16 at 6:00 PM - CANCELLED DUE TO SMOKE & CONSTRUCTION

“Charting a New Course: How Duluth Harnessed the ‘Spirit of 76” 

While Duluth’s economic struggles of the early 1970s are well-documented, its incredible Bicentennial boom is a story waiting to be told. In 1975 and 1976, dozens of diverse ethnic festivals celebrated Northland heritage, sparking major community improvements—including the renovation of the St. Louis County Depot itself. Duluth civic and commercial leaders jumped on the bandwagon early, making Duluth the very first official Bicentennial Community in Minnesota. 

Join Dr. Thomas Saylor, Professor of History Emeritus at Concordia University, St. Paul, for this "Star-Spangled" edition. Dr. Saylor is an accomplished author for the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) and is currently penning a commissioned series on the 1976 American Bicentennial. He will explore how local leaders embraced this unique cultural milestone to spark lasting regional success. 

2. Bad Decisions | Tuesday, July 28 at 5:30 PM 

“Hold the Line” 

They say bad decisions make the best stories. Grab a pint and settle in for an unforgettable, humorous evening with beloved author and storyteller Darrell Pedersen. Pedersen, the 2024 winner of the Northeastern Minnesota Book Award for Best Memoir ("Campfire in the Basement"), is known for his deep appreciation of the North Woods, its people, and its wildlife. 

In this presentation, drawing from his latest book, "Who Will Carry the Fire?", Pedersen will share the entertaining stories born from his own missteps, while also honoring the family networks, ancestors, and veterans who have shaped and cared for our world. 

3. Growing Up in Wartime | Thursday, August 6 at 5:30 PM 

A Conversation with Joel Turnipseed 

War shapes history, creates veterans, and generates deeply compelling narratives. Writing about these intense experiences can be a powerful tool for transitioning back to civilian life. The summer series concludes with an intimate and raw conversation with Duluth native Joel Turnipseed, author of the critically acclaimed Baghdad Express: A Gulf War Memoir. 

Turnipseed served in Operation Desert Shield/Storm with the U.S. Marine Corps. His memoir offers a witty, deeply personal, coming-of-age look at the realities of military life. A former Bread Loaf Scholar and Minnesota State Arts Board Fellowship recipient, Turnipseed’s work has appeared in GQ, Granta, and The New York Times. 

Event Details At-A-Glance 

• Where: Lake Superior Railroad Museum, St. Louis County Depot (506 W. Michigan St., Duluth, MN) 

• Features: Live storytelling, Q&A sessions, and a cash bar. 

• Admission: Free and open to the public 

Come for history, stay for the pint. For more information about the Summer of Storytelling series, please contact the St. Louis County Historical Society. 

About the St. Louis County Historical Society 

The general nature and purpose of the Society shall be the discovery, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge about the history and prehistory of St. Louis County and the State of Minnesota. 

In addition to collecting and preserving objects of material culture and historical research material, the Society shall maintain and operate a museum and materially participate in the collections and operations of a historical research center adequate to serve the region encompassing St. Louis County and northeastern Minnesota. 

The images above were provided by the speakers for publicity related to their presentations.