Minnesota Then
The Interactive Map
A free, location-based museum. Travel to a historic site and the story unlocks on your phone, with photographs and audio narration.
Open the map
The Founder
The Historian Behind Minnesota Then
Matt Reicher
Founder & Lead Researcher
Matt grew up on the East Side of St. Paul, where he developed a lasting connection to Minnesota’s history. Today he is a published historian, a contributor to MNopedia, and the founder and lead researcher of Minnesota Then, an independent, free history project.
For Matt, history is embedded in the physical fabric of Minnesota. He focuses on the stories hidden in architectural details, overlooked business records, and the lives of ordinary people.
- BA, History · Metropolitan State University
- MA, Museum Studies · University of Oklahoma
- Contributor · MNopedia
- Author, Slo Is Pro · Minnesota Then Press, 2026
The Work
History, Where You Find It
Research becomes three things: a map you can walk, stories you can read, and books you can keep.
The Blog
Long-form articles on the people, places, and events that shaped Minnesota, researched in the archives and written for general readers.
Read the blogMinnesota Then Press
Book-length local history. The first title, Slo Is Pro, tells the story of Minnesota’s professional slow-pitch softball experiment.
About the book
The Approach
Working Philosophy
Four principles behind every story that goes out under the Minnesota Then name.
Dedication
A relentless pursuit of the stories that shaped Minnesota, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
Curiosity
Asking probing questions and investigating historical context thoroughly to uncover the truth.
Authenticity
Presenting history with accurate context and respect for all perspectives involved.
Precision
Researching and documenting every narrative to build a trusted historical resource.
Get Involved
Contribute to Minnesota Then
Have a Minnesota history story to share? Minnesota Then is an independent, founder-led project, and guest contributions are welcome from people passionate about local history and preserving the state’s rich heritage.
1
Send a Pitch
Tell us about your idea: the place, person, or event, and why it matters to Minnesota.
2
Submit a Draft
If your pitch is accepted, send a well-researched draft of 700 to 800 words with citations and images.
3
Review & Edit
We review the draft and work with you on feedback and editing suggestions.
4
Publish
Your finished article is published on the blog with your byline.