This collection encompasses 50-plus years of interviews, readings, speeches, and reports on the vibrant literary scene in Minnesota. Not only home to giants F. Scott Fitzgerald and Sinclair Lewis, our state has an array of incredible contemporary poets, novelists, and playwrights. Their words make up majority of this collection.
Repeatedly being named the “Most Literate City in the United States,” the Twin Cities has played host to numerous visiting national writers via book tours, festivals, and lectures. Many recordings of these are also included.
This project was funded by the National Historical Publications & Records Commission.
August 7, 1992 - On this Voices from the Heartland segment, an essay on Aspen Parkland by Minnesota naturalist writer Laurie Allmann. The essay was later collected in Far from Tame: Reflections from the Heart of a Continent, published by University of Minnesota Press in 1996.
August 14, 1992 - Minnesota author Jim Dwyer talks about amateur prospecting and his book, "Lake Superior Gold: An Amateur's Guide to Prospecting in the Lake Superior Region." Dwyer details the various tools and strategies in prospecting along the North Shore and surrounding area.
August 15, 1992 - Local commentator and writer Lawrence Sutin shares the travails of being on the “vacation” road with children.
August 21, 1992 - Carrol Henderson, author of Woodworking for Wildlife: Homes for Birds and Animals, details the use of bird boxes in supporting the healthy existence of local birds. Henderson is Nongame Wildlife Program supervisor for Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources.
August 26, 1992 - Local chef and writer Brenda Langton and co-author Margaret Stuart discuss their book, The Cafe Brenda Cookbook: Redefining Seafood and Vegetarian Cuisine.
August 28, 1992 - On this segment of Voices from the Heartland, Minnesota writer Laurie Allmann reads an essay on the North Shore islands.
September 4, 1992 - Midmorning’s Paula Schroeder talks with Minnesota author Michael Dorris about his book, Morning Girl. During segment, Dorris reads snippet from novel.
September 4, 1992 - On this segment of Voices from the Heartland, Duluth writer Barton Sutter reads his essay on blueberries. Segment also includes Sutter reading Jim Johnson’s poem, In Isabella, Minnesota, I Have Found Crystals of Dirty Snow under a Log, Even in July.
September 7, 1992 - On this Sound Money segment, MPR’s Bob Potter interviews Ruth Hayden, author of How to Turn Your Money Life Around. Ruth discusses the obstacles and mindsets that face women regarding money.
September 11, 1992 - MPR’s Beth Friend interviews Minnesota writer Patricia Hampl, who speaks about religion and her book, Virgin Time.