Solving the mystery of downtown Minneapolis’ mummies

About this episode

The episode explores the history and mystery of Ancient Egyptian mummies that were displayed in Minneapolis' Central Library.

A pair of Ancient Egyptian mummies once were a main reason for visits to Minneapolis' Central Library. They were on display there from the 1880s to the 1980s. But where did they go when the library got out of the museum business? And why were they in Minnesota in the first place? Eleanor Hildebrandt shares their tale with host Erica Pearson.

People in this episode

Host: Erica Pearson

Guest: Eleanor Hildebrandt

Topics covered

• history
• mummies
• Minneapolis
• Central Library
• museums
• Egyptian artifacts

Keywords

• mummies
• Minneapolis
• Central Library
• Ancient Egypt
• museum history
• Eleanor Hildebrandt
• Erica Pearson

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Minneapolis, Central Library, Minnesota

More episodes of Curious Minnesota

• This mysterious tiny building in Minneapolis has a heartwarming backstory · June 9, 2026 · 11 min
• Can you eat the weeds in Minnesota lakes? · May 26, 2026 · 11 min
• Will MN ever get a new state park? · May 12, 2026 · 13 min
• Who were the Minnesotans on board the Titanic? · April 14, 2026 · 14 min
• What’s the science behind ice thickness and when is it safe to drive on a lake? · March 31, 2026 · 16 min
• The story behind Basshenge, one musician’s monumental ode to his instrument · March 17, 2026 · 17 min