SOUTH ST. PAUL - Historical Society will host their “Mendota After Hours” presentation at the Sibley Historic Site at 6 p.m. Friday, July 18. The presentation “Norman Rockwell and World War II Masculinity” will be presented by Mary Agnes Ratelle. Admission for this event is $20 per person, or $15 for members of DCHS and the Minnesota Historical Society.
The Sibley Historic Site is located at 1357 Sibley Memorial Highway in Mendota. Registration is limited, so contact the Sibley Site at 651-452-1596 to reserve a spot. For more information, or to reserve online, please visit www.dakotahistory.org/sibley-historic-site.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the United States’ leadership was deeply invested in the state of American Masculinity. As the U.S. entered World War II, a new era of American Masculinity emerged, highlighting the aggressive and patriotic military man. Norman Rockwell, in his Saturday Evening Post illustrations of Willie Gillis, diverged from this trend, portraying the “American everyman.” Join us as we discuss the visual portrayal of American masculinity and its roots in Rooseveltian ideals, as well as the work of Normal Rockwell and its impact on American culture.
Ratelle is the Interim Executive Director of the Edina Historical Society.
Founded in 1939, The Dakota County Historical Society (DCHS), preserves, interprets, and promotes the history of Dakota County, Minn. DCHS operates three historic sites -- Lawshe Memorial Museum at 130 Third Ave. N. in Hastings; and the Sibley Historic Site -- as well as a research library and research website. DCHS memberships range from $25 to $60 for individuals and households. Corporate memberships also are available, starting at $100. Call 651-552-7548 or visit www.dakotahistory.org for more information.