Henry H. Sibley was and continues to be a controversial figure in Minnesota's history. He was a partner in the American Fur Company, a hastily commissioned officer during the Dakota Conflict of 1862, a territorial legislator, and eventually a governor.

Historian Rhoda Gilman has studied the life of Henry Sibley for many years and recently published the comprehensive biography Henry Sibley: Divided Heart. Gilman believes the complexity of the role that Sibley played in relation to the Dakota Indians may be better understood in the post-911 world than it has been in earlier times. On Wednesday, February 9, Gilman will discuss her work in a presentation entitled "Henry Sibley: The Consequences of Conquest" in SMSU campus room IL 214 at 1 PM.

Gilman's talk is part of the Center for Rural and Regional Studies Fellows welcome to SMSU. Immediately following her talk a reception and welcome will be held to introduce the 2005 Rural and Regional Fellows, Knut Oyangen and Jorie Miller. The Open House Reception will be from 2-3:15 PM in IL 212. This program is made possible by funding from the Otto Bremer Foundation.

View flyer