Members of the Minneapolis Workmen's Circle, c.1920. Forms part of the Sharron and Oren Steinfeldt Photography Collection, Theresa and Paul Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

Members of the Minneapolis Workmen's Circle pose for a photograph at the Labor Lyceum on the North Side of Minneapolis, 1919. Forms part of the Sharron and Oren Steinfeldt Photography Collection, Theresa and Paul Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

Photograph of attendees of the Semi-Annual Conference of the Northwestern District Organization Committee of the Workmen's Circle, held in St. Paul on September 1, 1918. Forms part of the Sharron and Oren Steinfeldt Photography Collection, Theresa and Paul Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

In the late 1970s, eight female employees from the Citizens’ National Bank in Willmar stirred up controversy in their town and across the country when they filed a complaint against the bank for unequal pay and gender discrimination. The Willmar 8, as they were called, formed their own union and went on strike for two years. MN90 producer Marisa Helms tells us the Willmar 8 came to symbolize the uphill climb many American women face when seeking equity in the workplace.

Finnish immigrants came to Minnesota’s Mesabi Iron Range to take jobs in the mines. Because working conditions were brutal, many went on strike 1916. The action cost them their jobs and the strikers were blacklisted. Producer Allison Herrera tells us about a special meeting place that elevated the community.

What makes Minnesota unique? The lakes, the weather...and the Minnesota Citizen's League. For over 60 years, the Minnesota Citizens League has helped tackle some of the toughest problems in the state. MN90 producer Allison Herrera tells us more about this influential organization.

"Remember 'The WILLMAR 8' Chimera Theatre Nov. 12" button, 1980.

Photograph of the Willmar 8's picket line c.1977.