Ever wondered what was happening in Minnesota during the time of the Civil War? Thanks to the 2014-15 Film Series between the Nicollet County Historical Society and the St. Peter Community and Family Education, the documentary The Past is Alive within Us: The U.S.-Dakota Conflict was screened at the Treaty Site Historical Center in St. Peter on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.

The documentary examines one of the darkest times in Minnesota History; the Dakota War. The War took place in 1862 between white settlers and the Native American Dakota Tribe. The film was designed to build better understanding of the historical interpretation and to encourage critical thinking of the events. It is a mixture of historical information and contemporary stories through the lens of public memory.

The documentary is the result of almost two years of research and production by Twin Cities Public Television. Several hundred hours of interviews were conducted and compacted into a nearly two-hour program. The documentary includes 80  diverse voices from some of the people who were impacted by the War. It also contains the perspectives of experts, community leaders, artists, and historians.

“This is an extremely important story; one that we’re proud to share with the citizens of Minnesota,” Terry O’Reilly, Senior Vice President and Chief Content Officer of TPT, said.

The TPT website provides more information on the documentary and also has the film posted online. The film is 117 minutes long and it is Not Rated.

The Dakota War resulted in many casualties on both sides and ultimately led to the execution of 38 Dakota men in Mankato, Minnesota on Dec. 26, 1862. These men came to be known as the Dakota 38 and an annual Pow-Wow is held in Mankato in their honor.

The Nicollet County Historical Society was organized on Aug. 22, 1928. The Treaty Site Historical Center was opened on Feb. 1, 1994 and currently holds three exhibit halls showcasing both permanent and changing displays. The History Center offers guided tours, educational programs, a museum shop, and more for visitors. Admission costs for the History Center are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children ages 6 to 17, and children 5 years old and younger get in free. There are also deals for education tours, adult group tours, and admission to the Cox House in St. Peter. Nicollet County Schools, chaperones, and members of the Nicollet County and Minnesota Historical Societies are free of charge.

For more information on the Nicollet County Historical Society, go to their website at www.nchsmn.org. Or visit their site at 1851 N. Minnesota Avenue in St. Peter.

-Kim Krulish