Women’s Organization of the Minnesota Historical Society

The Women's Organization of the Minnesota Historical Society (WOMNHS) was organized in 1949 for the purpose of promoting the welfare of the Minnesota Historical Society and furthering the basic aims of the Society: to collect, preserve and disseminate the history of Minnesota. 

The organization meets eight times yearly, September through May on the second Wednesday of the month, offering programs, tours, and events designed to stimulate interest in Minnesota history. Membership in WOMNHS is open to all women who share an interest in Minnesota history. Past program topics include: Selby/Dale Restoration Project, History of the Minnesota State Fair, Women of the 1916 Mesabi Range Strike, The Life & Art of Charles M. Schulz exhibition, and Dear Jacob: A Mother’s Journey of Hope. 

Membership benefits 

  • Educational and enjoyable programs (8 per year; most are luncheons) 

  • Enhanced appreciation of and shared interest in Minnesota history 

  • Supporting the purpose of WOMNHS 

  • Opportunities to volunteer as a docent for Governor’s Residence tours or for on-call projects at the Minnesota History Center 

  • Opportunities to serve on the WOMNHS Board or other committees 

Women's organization.
Women's organization.

Membership dues 

Annual dues are $30, payable in July each year. Membership form. 
For more information about WOMNHS membership, please contact the VP of Membership, Sheila Gniffke-Pribyl at pribyls1@comcast.net or 651-261-7982.

Philanthropy 

The Women’s Organization Historic Sites Enhancement Fund is an endowed fund created on April 25, 2007, through gifts from members of the organization. Income from this fund may be used to support activities that directly enhance programming and operations of all the historic sites within the Minnesota Historical Society network. These activities may include public programs, school programs, exhibitions, restoration projects, historical research, and acquiring collection items. Donate to the Women’s Organization Historic Sites Enhancement Fund. 

WOMNHS officers

  • President Lori Tripp, 2024-2027                             

  • VP Programs Debbie Nelson, 2024-2026               

  • VP Membership Sheila Gniffke-Pribyl, 2024-2026

  • Secretary Lori Spangler, 2024-2026                       

  • Treasurer Sue Mollner, 2024-2025                         

  • Assistant Treasurer Beth Naughton, 2024-2026     

  • Correspondence Secretary Lynne Moratzka, 2024-2027