July 6th, 2025
Mankato – The Blue Earth County Historical Society, with J. Anderson, will present a three-part writing series at the Blue Earth County History Center on the third Tuesday of the month from June through August 2025. The second session will be July 15 at 6 p.m. and will look at the writings of Maud Hart Lovelace. The cost is $15/adults, $10/BECHS Members. Pre-registration is encouraged by calling 507-345-5566.
Brenda Ueland, born in 1891, became a journalist and writing teacher. She published a book in 1938 called If You Want to Write; hailed the “best book ever written on how to write.” Maud Hart Lovelace, born in 1892, also a writer, published her first Betsy-Tacy book in 1940. Wanda Gag, born in 1893, grew up to write and illustrate Millions of Cats, the oldest American picture book that remains in print.
These three Southern Minnesota artists were born into different social circumstances—from gracious living to extreme hardship—but they straddled the same fault lines of early twentieth-century life. They were intentional— and inspirational—about making time for art in the broader world that assumed they would prioritize homemaking.
Each artist will be explored on the third Tuesday, June—August, 6-7:30 p.m. at the History Center. Workshops will be led by local writer J. Anderson, who will examine the artist’s history, her work, and use both to motivate individual creativity. The group will spend time together writing and sharing, knowing, as Ueland titled the first chapter in her first book, “Everyone Is Talented, Original, and Has Something Important to Say.” No preparation is necessary, but come with a notebook, a writing utensil, and a willingness to uncover your most authentic stories.
For more information, please contact BECHS at 507-345-5566 or visit our website at www.BlueEarthCountyHistory.com.