4 Summer Opportunities for Cultural Growth in Minnesota

June’s Curiosity of the month explores the cultural growth opportunities and all sorts of ways to have fun in Minnesota this summer! 

Vocabulary Words to Share with Students

Cross Cultural: relating to or involving two or more different cultures or countries

Cuisine: a style of cooking

Ethnic: of or relating to races or large groups of people who have the same customs, religion, origin, etc.

Heritage: the traditions, achievements, beliefs, etc., that are part of the history of a group or nation

Influential: having the power to cause changes : having influence 

Institute: an organization created for a particular purpose (such as research or education)

Migration: to move from one country or place to live or work in another

Nomad: a member of a group of people who move from place to place instead of living in one place all the time

Nordic: of or relating to Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and sometimes Finland and Iceland, or to the people who live there

Perspective: a way of thinking about and understanding something (such as a particular issue or life in general)

Summer is typically considered, by kids, as a break from school, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a break from learning. In fact, the unstructured days of summer are the perfect time for exploration of new ideas, places, and experiences. Today’s blog post is going to cover four different places and events that you can take the children in your life (and adults too!) to stretch their perspectives and comfort zones, all with the goal of becoming a more culturally aware, accepting, and open-minded Minnesota citizen.

This is just a short list of fun places to explore. Comment with your favorite places to visit and we may include it in an upcoming post! 

American Swedish Institute

Located in Minneapolis, the American Swedish Institute “is a gathering place for all people to share experiences around themes of culture, migration, the environment and the arts, informed by enduring links to Sweden.” At the institute visitors can tour Turnblad Castle, take a language workshop or craft class, learn about the history of the Vikings, eat delicious nordic cuisine and shop for nordic inspired gifts. Minnesota is home to more Scandinavians than any other state. Learning about this influential heritage group will increase your understanding of our state and its origins.

Hmong Cultural Center

The Hmong Cultural Center, located in St. Paul, works to promote positive race relations in the Twin Cities community through art and education. The organization strives to promote the personal development for people of all ages through providing resources that enhance cross-cultural awareness between Hmong and non-Hmong. Free language courses and citizenship classes as well as interactive exhibits and outreach seminars are provided. The Hmong Cultural Center is home to the most comprehensive collection of Hmong-related literature in North America. On June 26 stop by the center for a demonstration on traditional cultural arts of the Hmong people! The center is also open for school field trip groups!

The Somali Museum of Minnesota