Fur Trade in Minnesota

Discover an 1800s-era international industry along the Great Lakes and in Minnesota. This traveling exhibit, rich with activities and objects, shows how plentiful beaver and furbearers brought together native people, explorers, and international trade.

At the Fur Post, see the goods from around the world that were traded for furs and crafts. See if you have the strength to be a Voyageur or skills to be a clerk. Try your hand at Ojibwe beadwork. Learn how furs were transformed into fashionable hats.

• Hosting requirements
• Schedule and available dates
• Marketing materials
• Educational resources
• Install/Deinstall manual (PDF 6 MB)
• Exhibit images

General instructions

• Hosting an exhibit
• Application guidelines and instructions
• Closeout report

Exhibit panels

• 01 Banner Exterior (PDF 1.5 MB)
• 02 Banner Interior (PDF 720 KB)
• 03 Fur Trade Title Interior (PDF 1.7 MB)
• 04 Beaver Pelts for Blankets (PDF 2 MB)
• 05 At the Fur Post (PDF 3 MB)
• 06 Try to Lift This Pack (PDF 2.5 MB)
• 07 Ojibwe Artists (PDF 3 MB)
• 08 All for a Hat (PDF 4 MB)
• 08 Beaver Hat Case Label (PDF 82 KB)
• 08 Hatmaking Instructions (PDF 690 KB)

Condition reporting forms

• MNFT Incoming Condition Report Form (PDF 450 KB)
• MNFT Outgoing Condition Report Form (PDF 451 KB)

Exhibit creator: The Minnesota Historical Society Traveling Exhibits Program