Duluth Normal School May Queen and Her Court.

On April 2, 1895 — 125 years ago today — Minnesota Governor David. M. Clough signed legislation approving the creation of the State Normal School at Duluth. It would be seven more years before classes were held, but nonetheless, the University of Minnesota Duluth traces its beginning to that moment in 1895.

To mark the anniversary, UMD Associate Director of Marketing and Public Relations Cheryl Reitan and her students are compiling a collection of stories chronicling the university’s rare and remarkable moments. There’s also a timeline of UMD history.

How did George P. Tweed curate his museum of art via train cars? Read “Unparalleled Generosity.”

What happened at Duluth Normal School during the fire of 1918 and the influenza pandemic that followed? Read “Aftermath of the 1918 Fire.”

Proceed with caution. There’s much to read.