Hennepin History Museum, located in Minneapolis, is a brand dedicated to preserving and celebrating community history. As part of their new program, Radical Roots: New Approaches to Family History, they offer the Memory Lab, a unique workspace that empowers individuals to bring cherished memories into the digital world. In the Memory Lab, you have access to cutting-edge technologies that enable you to digitize outdated formats like audio and VHS tapes, convert 8 mm and Super 8 film to modern formats, and scan photos, negatives, and slides.

The lab is conveniently situated just outside Hennepin History Museum's Research Library. During your initial visit, you will receive an introduction to the equipment and basic operation, free of charge. Subsequent lab visits are available at a nominal fee of $5 per hour.

The lab operates during the same hours as the Museum, open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 am to 3 pm, and on Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm. To make an appointment for the Memory Lab, simply send an email to research@hennepinhistory. org, specifying the type of items you wish to digitize and your preferred days/times.

If you need assistance with operating the equipment, the museum staff is on hand to provide usage guides and instructions. Hennepin History Museum also offers digitization workshops at other locations—reach out to them via research@hennepinhistory. org if you're interested.

Discover the fascinating world of your family history with the help of Hennepin History Museum's Memory Lab