History Book Club Fall Series - Session 2

About this event

Minnesota 1918 by Curt Brown

October – December 2026

$50/series

In 1918, Minnesota and its residents were confronted with a series of devastating events that put communities to the test, forcing them to persevere through untold hardship. First, as the nation immersed itself in the global conflict later known as World War I, some 118,000 Minnesotans served in the war effort, both at home and “over there”–and citizens on the home front were subjected to loyalty tests and new depths of government surveillance. While more than 1,400 Minnesotans were killed on the battlefields, an additional 2,300 soldiers were struck down by another destructive force working its way across the globe in 1918: the influenza pandemic, which left more than 10,000 dead in Minnesota alone. Then, in mid-October, fires raged across 1,500 square miles in seven counties of northeastern Minnesota, leaving thousands homeless and hundreds dead.

BECHS History Book Club Sessions – Minnesota 1918

November 21, 10 a.m. – “History at Home” with special guest, author Curt Brown

December 19, 10 a.m. – Book Discussion

The quarterly book club goes beyond a classic group book read and discussion. Over three months, while participants read the book, additional monthly sessions will include a discussion of the book’s setting and social history, a special presentation on a related historical topic, and will conclude with a group book discussion.

The BECHS History Book Club is $50, which includes a paperback copy of the book, admission to the speaker, and group book discussion, refreshments, and a small gift for completing the activities. ($60 value!) All programs will be held at the History Center or virtually if winter weather is a concern.

Already have a copy of the book, but want to come to the speaker or just the book discussion? Individual programs are $10 each.