Her and Redhorse Taylor Join MNHS 175th Anniversary Celebration

In honor of the Minnesota Historical Society's (MNHS) 175th anniversary, curators are showcasing a special collection of twenty-five objects, including works by Pao Houa Her ’09 and Cole Redhorse Taylor ’17.

Her, a Hmong American artist, has been recognized for her exploration of displacement, community identity, and the role of landscape imagery in shaping cultural perceptions. Her six newly acquired inkjet prints delve into her ongoing investigation into Hmong history and the sense of belonging, drawing on her own experiences as a refugee.

One standout piece is Smoke in the Prairie, a photograph documenting a site near Rush City, Minnesota. It speaks to the environmental stewardship and communal identity enduring within Hmong communities, emphasizing the layered family histories tied to Minnesota’s natural landscape.

Alongside Her’s work, MNHS also acquired a goalie mask designed by Mdewakanton Dakota artist Redhorse Taylor, which gained international attention during the 2023 Native American Heritage Night at the Minnesota Wild’s hockey game. The mask, worn by goaltender Marc-André Fleury, features traditional Dakota florals and serves as a powerful symbol of Native American culture.

Learn More

• Curators present 25 objects to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Minnesota Historical Society
  (mnhs.org)