History in the Pines

The digital museum of Bemidji State University's archives, memories and lore

HITP cover photo

History in the Pines

The digital museum of Bemidji State University's archives, memories and lore

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Welcome to History in the Pines

History in the Pines is the digital museum of Bemidji State University. It preserves and celebrates BSU's storied past, which proudly spans over 100 years and includes over 50,000 alumni.

From university archives to private collections, this database houses thousands of pieces of unique content – and is always expanding – allowing you to rediscover Bemidji State today.

And while you're here, don't forget to sign our visitor's log below to share that you've stopped by to explore.

History in the Pines logo

Welcome to History in the Pines

History in the Pines is the digital museum of Bemidji State University. It preserves and celebrates BSU's storied past, which proudly spans over 100 years and includes over 50,000 alumni.

From university archives to private collections, this database houses thousands of pieces of unique content – and is always expanding – allowing you to rediscover Bemidji State today.

And while you're here, don't forget to sign our visitor's log to share that you've stopped by to explore.

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video vault

Dive into the footage of Bemidji State's past – from reels and VHS tapes to DVD and digital.

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photo archives

The best photos from more than a century of excellence. Browse by year, category and more.

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bsu games

Test your Bemidji State wits and see how much history you know about the University in the Pines.

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campus traditions

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campus life

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campus landmarks

The Art Lee Gallery

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Browse through our featured collections in the Art Lee Gallery, named in honor of Bemidji State University's premier historian.

Beaver Athletics

The history of Bemidji State sports – right down to the origins of our iconic nickname.

Senior Time Capsules

Soon-to-be graduates share their favorite memories, photos, experiences and more. Explore what life was like in Bemidji and around the world during their time at BSU through their eyes.

The Origins

Today, Bemidji State is the premier institution in northern Minnesota. But how did we get here? Here's how the humble Bemidji Normal School grew into the University in the Pines.

Centennial Exhibit

In April 2018, Bemidji State University kicked off its centennial celebration with an 18-month campaign called "Century in the Pines." Explore the gallery of BSU's first 100 years here.

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bsu timeline

From the 19th century to today, here's how Bemidji State has grown into the present.

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bsu pioneers

All across campus, these Beavers put Bemidji State on the map and built the university into what it is today.

Dorm life (1970s)

beaver tales

First-hand testimonies and memories from Bemidji State's storied past.

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yearbooks

Flip through pages of Bemidji State's yearbooks, digitized and sewn together for the first time.

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Share your own Bemidji State memories

Contribute to this collection by sharing your own experiences at Bemidji State and those of your family members and loved ones. We welcome photographs, videos, texts, testimonies and keepsakes that bring the university's history to life.

The legacy of Art Lee

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Dr. Arthur O. “Art” Lee, a beloved professor emeritus of history, was a BSU faculty member from 1959 until his retirement in 1995. Unofficially the grandfather of Bemidji State history, Lee's work preserving and celebrating our past has served as the cornerstone of History in the Pines.

In addition to captivating students in the classroom, Art Lee authored “University in the Pines” in 1994, which is considered the definitive historical narrative of Bemidji State University. His work was instrumental in the creation of this database and in the lives of countless students.