History courses have been taught since the founding of the Mankato State Normal School in 1868. The Courses were taught in order fulfill general studies requirements for prospective teachers. In 1938 the College reorganized into Divisions, and the History Department was placed in the Division of Social Studies. It was not until 1948-1949 academic year that students could Major in all disciplines of the Social Studies Division, which included History. During the 1955-1956 academic year the History Department began to offer some Graduate level classes, and in the early 1960s, Master of Arts and Master of Science Degrees were offered at Mankato State College. During the 1965-1966 academic year, the Social Studies Division was renamed the College of Arts and Sciences. During the1979-1980 academic year, the History Department moved to the newly formed College of Arts and Humanities. In 1994 the History Department was moved from the College of Arts and Humanities to the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Today, the History Department remains under the College of Social and Behavioral Science, and continues to offer both Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees in History.

History Department Website http: //sbs.mnsu.edu/history/

The Northern Great Plains History Conference was founded in 1965. Dr. Lass of Mankato State University was very active in the conference. The Conference rotates throughout the Mid-West. Its purpose is to give History Scholars a chance to present materials for discussion, and a chance for them to meet with other scholars, within the field of History, from across the country. Minnesota State University, Mankato remains active in the conference today.