The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibit called At Last: 10th Anniversary of Marriage Equality in Minnesota. The exhibit was developed out of an oral history project on which HCSCC collaborated with the Red River Rainbow Seniors in 2022. In over 30 interviews, the personal histories and memories of many people who were involved with the Aug. 1, 2013 midnight marriage ceremony at Clay County Courthouse were collected and archived at both Clay County Archives and the NDSU Archives. That oral history project was financed in part with funds provided by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society.
The history of the fight for civil rights and the specific Clay County Vote No campaign will be covered. The exhibit is presented in partnership with the Red River Rainbow Seniors and is supported by Gjesdahl Law, Lavender magazine, the Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Charles Jordan and Joe Larson on behalf of the Red River Rainbow Seniors.
An opening reception will take place Tuesday, August 1, 5-8 pm with brief remarks at 6:30 pm, and is free and open to the public. The exhibit will remain on display in the 3rd-floor hall cases from Aug. 1, 2023, through Aug. 20, 2024. Museum admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and college students, $8 for youth 5-17, and free for under 5, active military families, and HCSCC members. Tuesday nights 5-8 pm are always free admission.
