Best Upcoming Educational Seminars In Minnesota

Although the summer months often bring the best time of the year to be outside in Minnesota, lazing away the days may not be the best idea. Education continues year-round for those inclined to picking up some knowledge along with a great tan this summer. Local colleges and museums offer summer seminars and classes for the community. Find a new interest or engage your brain at one of these educational seminars.

Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed
Science Museum of Minnesota
102 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 221-9444
www.smm.org/mayaDate: Aug. 21

Every so often, the Minnesota Science Museum hosts an adults-only evening in order to offer an educational and social opportunity for those interested in learning more about current exhibits. The "Maya" exhibit will be on display all summer, but on this evening, only for adults. Ages 21 and older are invited to attend a more detailed explanation of the exhibit and discussion of the history that made up ancient Mayan civilization. Curators of the exhibit will be on hand to discuss the ancient civilization and engage interest in the topic. Adult-only events at the museum also include light snacks and cocktails for those attending.

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Career Exploration Camp
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
1501 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 659-6000
www.minneapolis.edu

Dates: Varies depending on camp, start dates are at the end of July 2013

Teens can explore interests that may lead to a future career. MCTC offers five-day camps and seminars taught by professionals that help students develop job skills and an understanding of what a career entails. Camps offered include digital photography, architectural design, fashion design and culinary skills, among many other topics. Get a jump on the competition for a new career or just experience the ins and outs of a discipline.

Summer Science Academy
Northwestern Health Science University
2501 W. 84th St.
Bloomington, MN 55431
(952) 888-4777
www.nwhealth.eduDates: Aug. 12 through Aug. 16

The Summer Science Academy is a five-day learning series available for students entering high school. Fifty students are selected to participate in the program free of charge and are given the opportunity to learn more about health sciences from the experts. Topics include physiology, chemistry, physics and many other fascinating subjects. Many students discover new interests through the program and all benefit from the learning environment. Admission is through an application process.

Fort Ridgely and the U.S. - Dakota War
Fort Ridgely
72404 Country Road 30
Fairfax, MN 55332
(507) 426-7888
www.mshs.org

Dates: July 13, 20 and 27; Aug. 3 and 10

Minnesota historian Curt Dahlin offers a lecture on the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862 at the historical site of Fort Ridgely. Sponsored by the Minnesota Historical Society, Dahlin recounts the events of the war and offers time for discussion and questions. Fort Ridgely, once a police station, was frequently attacked during the War of 1862 and played a large role in the events of the war. Dahlin will detail the significance of this historic site and provide a book signing opportunity for those attending the lecture as well.

Ramsey After Dark: Victorian Secrets
Alexander Ramsey House
265 S. Exchange St.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 296-8760
www.mnhs.orgDate: July 12

The Ramsey After Dark lecture series is sponsored by the Minnesota Historical Society and presents fascinating tales regarding local history. Alexander Ramsey, Minnesota's first territorial governor, lived during the Victorian era and hid many aspects of his personal life. This educational lecture discusses the dark secrets of Ramsey's family, including mental illness, addiction and other taboos of the time. This historical profile delves into Ramsey family documents to discover the fascinating truth about the family. Given the nature of the content, this seminar is only available to participants over the age of 18.