First Fridays and Archives After Dark
A series of intellectually stimulating talks from the archives.
About the First Fridays lecture series
First Fridays is a series of intellectually stimulating talks from the Archives and Special Collections at the UMN Libraries. The series runs each academic year from October to May (skipping January). Each event takes place in Elmer L. Andersen Library, Givens Suite 120, and online. The program begins at noon. In-person attendees are invited to join a tour of the archival caverns, which takes place after the event concludes.
These events are made possible by a generous gift from Gov. Elmer L. Andersen and Mrs. Eleanor Andersen in honor of former University Librarian Dr. Edward B. Stanford.
The 2026-2027 season theme is ‘Archivist’s Choice!’
All of our collections have extensive depth and breadth — and some random things too. Not every remarkable story can fit into a theme. This year we’re throwing out a theme in favor of the archivist’s choice. Anything under the sun is fitting for this smorgasbord of presentations!
To learn more and register for the current season, check out the First Fridays lecture series on the Libraries event calendar.
Past recordings
All First Fridays presentations are recorded. To access the recordings of previous presentations, please visit the UMNLibraries YouTube page. Please note that it takes a few weeks after an event for the recording to be uploaded.
About the Archives After Dark series
Archives After Dark puts a new spin on our First Fridays lectures, but for a later crowd. Come join us for presentations showcasing even more exciting and unique stories across Archives and Special Collections.
This year’s Archives After Dark events take place on the second Thursday in November, February, and April. Each event takes place in-person only at Elmer L. Andersen Library, Givens Suite 120. The program begins at 6 p.m. Attendees are invited to join a tour of the archival caverns, which takes place after the event concludes.
To learn more and register for the current season, check out the Archives After Dark lecture series on the Libraries event calendar.