Preserving Minnesota's Past, One Story at a Time
Founder & Historical Researcher
Matt grew up on the East Side of St. Paul, where he developed a lasting connection to Minnesota’s history. That interest in local stories now drives Minnesota Then’s work to document and share the state’s past.
Cross-disciplinary teamwork to uncover Minnesota's stories with depth and authenticity
Asking probing questions and investigating historical contexts thoroughly
Presenting history with accurate context and respect for all perspectives
Continuously improving our methods to serve Minnesota communities better
Have a Minnesota history story to share? We welcome guest contributors who are passionate about local history and want to help preserve our state's rich heritage.
Founder & Historical Researcher
Matt grew up on St. Paul's East Side with a persistent curiosity about how things were built, who built them—and why. Today, he is a published historian, a contributor to MNopedia, and a researcher with more than a decade of experience in investigative storytelling. He holds a BA in History from Metropolitan State University and an MA in Museum Studies from the University of Oklahoma.
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. His guiding idea is simple: every step tells a story. By following those physical traces, he works to make the past feel tangible and immediate.
When he isn't in the archives, Matt is usually out on the St. Croix River or at a local brewery, talking about how the past continues to shape the present. Through Minnesota Then, he aims to offer a grounded, personal perspective on the state's evolution.
Minnesota Then welcomes contributions that focus on local Minnesota history, with an emphasis on:
Minnesota Then