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The history of modern underwear can be traced to none other than Minnesota’s own Munsingwear. The Minnesota History Center’s new exhibit “Underwear: A Brief History” (opening today) offers an in-depth look at the history of the underwear manufacturing industry via the Center’s extensive collection of Munsingwear, a company that revolutionized the underwear industry as we know it. The exhibit showcases 50 pieces from more than 100 years of Munsingwear product samples (which were donated to the museum by the company).

[Munsingwear Merry Widow Corset, 1960]

The exhibition also comes just in time for the release of Susan Marks’ new book, In the Mood for Munsingwear: Minnesota’s Claim to Underwear Fame, which details the history of the brand and its lasting impact on textile manufacturing.

The MHC’s annual RetroRama fashion show and event on May 12 will also feature an underwear theme, with burlesque dancers-as-models wearing vintage lingerie and vintage-inspired looks by Christopher Straub, Sarah White of Jagress Intimates, Samantha Rei of Blasphemina’s Closet, Danielle Everine and Heather Luca of Scoundrelle’s Keep.

Exhibition opens today and runs through September 11, 2011. Museum admission is $8-10. RetroRama takes place 7-10 p.m. Thursday, May 12. Tickets are $12-15. Minnesota History Center is located at 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul, 651-259-3000, www.mnhs.org

It’s officially blanket season, and what better to kick it off than with an trip to the historic James J. Hill House for the new Contemporary Art Quilt exhibit. Opening this Saturday, October 2nd, you’ll be pulled into a time when quilt-making was a tradition, and finished pieces were treasured as family heirlooms.

In the new exhibit, you’ll see a range of contemporary quilts, from new school to 18th-century. The Minnesota Historical Society will pluck a handful of quilts from its collection of more than 350 to show off, while local quilt artists who’ve been working in Minnesota for the past 25 years will also present their work. The exhibit includes a special landscape piece made by  Thomas Myers in the 1930s. Myers was best known for building the Douglas Lodge at Itasca State Park but apparently his side-hobby of quilting proved quite unique in its style. In this exhibit expect to see unusual and colorful examples of creative quilting at its best. And who knows? You might even be inspired to try quilting yourself. Sounds like a great winter project to us!

Bonus: You’re already there, so why not take a spin around the grounds of the historic Hill House, a gorgeous manse with plenty of marvelous nooks and crannies to explore.

The exhibit opens this Saturday, Oct 2nd and runs through Jan 22nd. For more information click HERE.

10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. tours; gallery 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fee: Included in regular tour admission of $8 adults, $6 seniors and college students, $5 ages 6-17. Gallery admission alone $2. Free for MHS members.

Once again, the Minnesota Historical Society’s annual fashion-infused event RetroRama is returning to the grounds of the Minnesota History Center. The MNfashion-produced show is one of my favorite events to style every year, as it gives me the chance to delve deeper into retro style inspiration and explore how it affects modern fashion.

As usual, a crop of some of the most exquisite local fashion designers known for incorporating retro style inspiration will showcase one fantastic piece inspired by a decade from the 20th century. This year’s designers include Ivan Idland (1920s), Joy Teiken of Joynoelle (1930s), George Moskal (1940s), Max Lohrbach (1950s), and Kerry Riley of Red Shoe Clothing Co. (1960s). Each took a particular leisure activity popular in the decade as a point of inspiration. Here’s the designer’s sketches to give you a glimpse into what to expect at Thursday’s show:

Ivan Idland’s coat and dress are inspired by the flapper style of the 1920s.

Joy Teiken’s gown is inspired by 1930s Old Hollywood glamour.

George Moskal’s jumper and jacket are inspired by beach styles of the 1940s.

Max Lohrbach’s tulle and plastic gown is inspired by 1950s promwear, record albums and clear plastic-covered purses.

Kerry Riley’s 1960s look is inspired by shapewear and sleepwear. (Think underwear as outerwear.)

More on RetroRama:

Guests can also pick up retro accessories at the Minnesota History Center stores, and unearth unique finds at vintage boutiques, courtesy of Blacklist Vintage, Spectacle Shoppe, and Spinario Design.

Belt out favorite oldies with Joel Stitzel in the karaoke lounge, and make throwback specs, courtesy of the Spectacle Shoppe. Who knows more about specs than Ben Franklin? Learn about the man who invented bi-focals in the History Center exhibit “Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World.” Visit with chef Dan Ritter as he shares a few tips on mid century cuisine and bartender Ryan Eklund from Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge and Tiki Garden will be on hand to demonstrate a few delicious cocktail recipes. Members of Dark Dark Dark provide a musical backdrop to the evening.

Vintage attire is encouraged. For inspiration, visit www.mnhs.org/retrorama and check out past RetroRama evenings with an online video showcasing some of the most fashion-forward vintage looks. Plus, explore a timeline of fashion history from the 1920s through the 1960s.

RetroRama is May 13, from 7 to 11 p.m. The fee is $15 or $12 for Minnesota Historical Society members. Parking is $5. Cash bars will be available and snacks can be purchased. Advanced tickets are recommended; for more information, call 651-259-3015 or purchase tickets online at www.mnhs.org/retrorama.

This weekend in the651, we’ve got Solid Gold two-night EP release shows at the Turf, First Communion Afterparty at Eclipse Records, an art show at Nicademus, the Minnesota RollerGirls at Roy Wilkens, and the first edition of the Americana Showcase at James J. Hill House.

Solid Gold

FRIDAY & SATURDAY: Solid Gold EP Release at Turf Club
Local dance-rock, neo-disco pioneers Solid Gold and their sexy groove-injected tracks have been making national waves as of late. They hosted MTV2′s Subterranean last Sunday and their Green Label Sound-released video for “Matter of Time” has been in regular rotation on MTV2 and MTVu. This weekend, don’t miss the guys’ two-night affair at the Turf, which ushers in their latest EP, Synchronized. Indie poppers, Now, Now Children and power-popsters Wishbook open on Friday night, and Robert Smith Kindreds, electro-beatsters CLAPS and remix master DJ Gigamesh kick off the show on Saturday. (9 p.m. $12. 21-plus. Turf Club, 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul. 651-647-0486. www.turfclub.net)

Work by Jon Reischl

SATURDAY: An Evening of Odds: Jon Reischl at Nicademus Art
Check up on what St. Paul artists have been working on this winter. This time around, it’s a solo show from Jon Reischl, whose colorful Francis Bacon-esque paintings are equally mesmerizing and disturbing. Acclaimed blues-folk duo The Pines provide auditory accompaniment to what should make for an odd, inspiring evening. (7-11 p.m. Free. Nicademus Art, 225 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul. 651-207-8322. www.nicademusart.com)

Minnesota RollerGirls

SATURDAY: Minnesota RollerGirls at Roy Wilkens Auditorium
The undefeated Atomic Bombshells face off against the Garda Belts, while Dagger Dolls take on reigning champs the Rockits during this weekend’s home bout from the Minnesota RollerGirls. Fans are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite team’s colors – red for the Rockits, green for the Garda Belts, orange for the Atomic Bombshells and pink for the Dagger Dolls – to show their support. Their last bout on February 6 was a sold-out event, bringing in more than 4,700 fans, so consider it a can’t-miss (not to mention the half-time entertainment is a Guns ‘N Roses cover band called Dust ‘N Bones). Pre-bout happy hours take place at O’Gara’s and Station 4, each with free parking and shuttle buses, and O’Gara’s hosts the after party – where fans have the chance to party and do karaoke with their favorite RollerGirls. (Bout begins at 7:30 p.m. $11-15. All ages. Roy Wilkens Auditorium, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. 651-265-4800. www.mnrollergirls.com)

First Communion Afterparty. Photo by Emily Utne

SATURDAY: First Communion Afterparty at Eclipse Records
Local psych-rocker supergroup First Communion Afterparty plays a rare all ages show at this in-store gig at St. Paul’s premier independent record store, Eclipse Records. Though in the beginning FCAP seemed more style than substance, thanks to the Mamas and the Papas-esque getups of the baby-faced band and the cultish, communal lifestyle the band leads, but they’ve proven themselves ptuting out a live show recording on vinyl and making it to third place in City Pages‘ Picked to Click poll. With Ten Ton Bridge, 22 Chemicals, and Middlepicker. (7 p.m. $5. All ages. Eclipse Records, 1922 University Ave. W., St. Paul. 651-645-7724. Eclipse Records on MySpace)

Ben Kyle

SUNDAY: Americana Showcase at James J. Hill Library
A new series of local, intimate concerts hosted by the James J. Hill Library, the Americana Showcase features a lineup of some of the most well-reputed roots-based singer-songwriters in town. That includes Adam Levy of The Honeydogs, Ben Kyle of Romantica, Martin Zellar of the Gear Daddies and Brandon Sampson of Six Mile Grove. It concides with the opening of a new photo exhibit by environmentalist Clyde Butcher, fittingly titled, “America the Beautiful: The Monumental Landscape.” Upcoming Americana Showcases include Molly Maher (March 27), Martin Devaney (April 9), Dan Israel (April 30), and many more. (7:30 p.m. $20-22 per show or $75 for season. All ages. James J. Hill Library, 80 W. 4th St., St. Paul. 651-265-5500. www.americanashowcase.com)

Jaime Carrera in "Carolesque!"

TUESDAY: No More Wire Hangers! A Brief History of Camp at Turf Club’s Clown Lounge
Whether you’re a camp novice or well-studied on the topic, the Minnesota Historical Society’s presentation on the history of camp should prove both entertaining and informative. Local performance artist and camp afficionado Jaime Carrera co-hosts along with art historian Ross K. Elfine, who will share examples of camp in art and film. (7:30-9 p.m. Free. 21-plus. Turf Club, 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul. www.mnhs.org/hip)

With the recent release of the Beatles Stereo Box Set — a highly sought-after collection of every Beatles album remastered in stereo sound — came a flood of nostalgia for fans and music lovers all over the world. The supergroup, quite possibly one of the most influential and well-loved bands of the 20th century, wrote songs that we can all relate to; pop-fueled anthems about love, loss, life, hard times, good times, and free-spirited youth. The Beatles swept the nation (and the world) in the 1960s, provided a soundtrack to a generation in political turmoil and became the objects of obsessive affection for many-a young lass. John, Paul, George and Ringo:  four names that will resonate with generations of music lovers to come.

My personal experience with the Beatles, despite not being alive during their heyday, is similarly emotional. Growing up, my father spoon-fed me the entire Beatles anthology, playing his old vinyl records on a regular basis and letting me examine the album covers (a weird obsession of mine from an early age) for as long as I liked. My favorite was of course the Sargent Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album, which sported wildly colorful and detailed cover art featuring cut n’ paste images of historical figures and celebrities with the Beatles themselves in the foreground, dressed in decadent,  jewel-toned satin military uniforms in yellow, pink, blue and red. A bright flower garden that spelled out “Beatles” rounded things out. This album cover is one of my earliest memories and to this day I sort of want to live in it.

When I was 9 or 10, our family embarked on a particularly uncomfortable road trip to Bozeman, Montana, where we drove through the Black Hills, stopping at all the tourist attractions and plugging our noses through the sulfur pockets that pepper the region. On this trip, crammed into the back seat of a tan-colored Buick Century, came the moment when I first realized that I was a true music fan. My dad had been playing his Beatles cassette tapes and began a game with my sister and me: he would play a snippet of a song and we’d have to guess the name of the song or sing a bar of it. The game went on and on — I impressed myself that day — and I think I may have even impressed my Dad too.

Despite my lifelong fandom of the Beatles and love of music, I can’t claim good musical taste across the board — I did go through a very disturbing New Kids on the Block phase when I was 13, and even a death metal phase in my high school days. But one thing is for sure — I’ve always loved music — and the Beatles definitely own a big chapter in my personal musical history archives.

My inspiration to write this random Beatles post stemmed from a perusal of the Minnesota Historical Society site, where I came across an endearing section entiled “Beatlemania Memories” which features numerous personal memories from local Beatles fans. Submit your own, or simply read through and enjoy the nostalgia — I certainly did!

Click HERE for the Beatlemania Memories page at the Minnesota Historical Society’s site!

Conveniently corresponding with all the Fringe Festival hoopla, The Minnesota Historical Society stirs things up with a series of short plays inspired by the current exhibit, Minnesota’s Greatest Generation: the Depression, the War, the Boom. Today through August 7th you’ll be transported back in time through stories based on real people and materials from within the Society’s collection.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THE PLAYS

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Our evil Twin across the river may have lots of bright lights and shiny objects, but St. Paul’s got mad historical street cred! Boasting a number of wonderfully preserved landmarks, a history tour of St. Paul is an exciting and educational way to spend an afternoon with your date, your mate, or the whole brood. Use my handy-dandy suggestions below and explore the old-timey culture of our fair city and state!

Alexander Ramsey House

It’s not necessary to wear a frilly Victorian gown when visiting the Alexander Ramsey House, but I fashion-dare you to! The idea of sipping tea out of pretty little cups in a ruffled silk number somehow appeals to my more prissy side. Anyhoo, delve into the lives of the first territorial governor, his family, and their servants at this perfectly preserved Victorian-era manse. Costumed tours of the gorgeous home run every hour, and reservations are recommended.

Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sundays noon-3 p.m.

For more info on the Ramsey House click HERE

Historic Fort Snelling

Yes, I know, you went to Fort Snelling one million times when you were in grade school. So did I. That was a long time ago, however, so go examine the sprawling grounds of the old Fort with a new set of eyes. The 1820s military outpost and settlement offers costumed tours where guides demonstrate historic crafts, perform musket and canon firings and much more.  Head to FS on the 4th for their all-day Independence Day Celebration featuring a theatrical presentation, a dance, games, canon salutes, and un-boring patriotic speeches.

Tuesdays-Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays noon-5 p.m.

For more info on Fort Snelling click HERE

James J. Hill House

The powerful and legendary James J. Hill was the builder of the Great Northern Railway, so it’s no wonder that his Summit Avenue home reflected his successful career. Tour the stunning property with guides that will help you imagine the life and times of the Hill Family and their large staff. Take the general tour or reserve a spot on the “nooks and crannies” tour, which will have you exploring back staircases, attics, and the gate house. Walking tours of historic Summit Avenue are available for an additional fee as well.

Wednesdays-Saturdays 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Sundays 1-3:30 p.m.

For more info on the Hill House click HERE

Minnesota State Capitol

It’s where all the legislative magic happens, right? The State Capitol building is a grand spectacle to behold, from the outside in. The building’s most eye-catching external aspect is the gold-leafed copper and steel statuary depicting a fleet of gilded horses and people, just above the main entrance. Take a tour (runs every hour) and hear all about the capitol’s history, art, grand architecture and more. See this chambers where the big wigs conduct their daily business and perhaps discover a new found understanding for the governmental structure — or at least an envy for how pretty their workplace is!

Mondays-Fridays 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sundays 1-4 p.m.

For more info on the Minnesota State Capitol click HERE

Minnesota History Center

Probably the most comprehensive collection of Minnesota-themed historical memorabilia in the state, the Minnesota History Center is your one-stop-shop for educational olden-days shenanigans. See the amazing “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation” exhibit, which explores the true stories and artifacts of local people who grew up in the Depression, experienced the war, and started families during the Boom. A museum one could easily spend hours in, the History Center is a definite must-go for any loyal Minnesotan! Not to mention, every Tuesday in July and August you can listen to free live music on the patio during the MHC’s annual “Nine Nights of Music” festival.

Tuesdays 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesdays-Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays noon-5 p.m. (Library hours: Tuesdays noon-8 p.m.; Wednesdays-Fridays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) Nine Nights of Music: Every Tuesday through August 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more info on the MN History Center click HERE

More cool historic places to check out:

Landmark Center

Jackson Street Roundhouse

Cathedral of St. Paul

There’s no better excuse than the annual RetroRama fashion show to get dressed up in your best vintage. For this year’s show, subtitled “Fashion Comes Full Circle,” you have even more options – they’ve expanded beyond the usual ‘50s theme to include the 1920s through 1960s in a nod to the brand-new Minnesota History Center exhibition, “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation.” Five top Twin Cities designers who regularly incorporate historical references into their clothing, including Max Lohrbach, Ivan Idland, Calpurnia Peach, Sarah Holm and Abigail Caperton, will each provide their take on a different decade, and Transmission DJ Jake Rudh will be providing stylish beats to the Anna Lee-produced fashion show.

Best of all, the show will take place under a tent on the Minnesota History Center grounds – just like a real fashion show. There will also be mixologists from Bradstreet Craftshouse mixing classic cocktails, live music from A Night in the Box, and vintage pop-up boutiques by Via’s Vintage Wear and Swank Retro. (7-11 p.m. Thu. $12-15. Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul. 651-259-3015.

But many of you may be wondering, where is one to shop? Fortunately, one of St. Paul’s greatest strengths is its vintage shopping.

Women:

The key for you is picking a decade and making sure your hair, make-up and accessories complete the look with at least some degree of historical accuracy. If you don’t have a favorite decade, you’ll probably have the best luck with a ‘50s or ‘60s look. It’s the most flattering on a variety of body types, and it’s an accessible look (be inspired by your favorite “Mad Men” character).

If you need some tips or are looking for something specific, there’s no better place to go than Lula’s Vintage Wear, which will be providing some of the clothing seen on the runway at RetroRama. Its owner Hayley Bush is a venerable expert of all things vintage. Either way, she’s got you covered, and Lula’s has some of the finest (and reasonably-priced) vintage offerings in town. (1587 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-644-4110.)

Men:

If you give her a few days advance notice, chances are Hayley should be able to find some great things for you in her off-site warehouse of goodies. Lula’s Vintage Wear is probably your best vintage shopping option if you’re a guy. And guys, be sure to shop early – vintage can be a tough fit, so you’ll want to allow a few days for last-minute alterations.

Though it’s not at vintage, a well-tailored suit from Heimie’s Haberdashery is sure to stay in your wardrobe long enough to become vintage one day. While you’re there, get a shave and haircut and you’ll be ready to go out on the town. (400 St. Peter St., St. Paul. 651-224-2354.)

More St. Paul vintage shopping destinations:

Up Six Vintage: 157 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul. 651-917-0470

Succotash: 781 Raymond Ave., St. Paul. 651-603-8787

Sophie Joe’s Emporium: 453 W. 7^th St., St. Paul. 651-224-1357

Go Vintage: 1560 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-646-4455

Everyday People: 1599 Selby Ave., St. Paul. 651-644-4410

My Sister’s Closet: 1136 Grand Ave., St. Paul. 651-222-2819