Each year, the Minnesota Newspaper Museum at the State Fair transports visitors back to a 1930s era newspaper office, complete with the smell of hot lead, the clanking of the Linotype and the roar of the press.
The museum is a living history exhibit and serves as a permanent reminder of the importance of Minnesota’s community newspapers and the dedication of the people who have produced them. It also gives volunteers the chance to talk with thousands of visitors about the importance of newspapers in today’s society and the future of our industry.
Located in Heritage Square, the museum operates every day of the State Fair which is August 22-September 2 this year.
Volunteers are needed to staff the museum. Two shifts are available each day: 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and 2:30 until 8 p.m.
The positions are:
- Linotype operator
- Miehle press operator
- Job press/Kluge operator
- Newspaper page make-up
- Newspaper folder
- Pressman’s cap maker
- Editor’s Corner
Working at the museum is the highlight of summer for many of our volunteers. Experience isn’t necessary for some of the non-mechanical positions and it’s always fun to talk with visitors about the unique role newspapers play in our communities.
If you would like to join in the fun of volunteering, contact Michelle Leonard, Volunteer Operations Coordinator, at newsmusemsf@gmail.com or call 651-238-5614.