Hmong Culture and Heritage

The Hmong — a distinct ethnic group with ancient roots in China—began coming to Minnesota in 1975 as refugees from the destructive wars that had ravaged their homelands in Laos. Today, there are more than 66,000 Hmong in Minnesota, and the Twin Cities metro is home to the largest concentration of Hmong in America.

For decades, the Hmong have made a profound impact on their adopted home of Minnesota. Over the years, MNHS has collaborated with the community to document this remarkable story by collecting oral histories, images, and artifacts, and by publishing books and articles on the Hmong experience.

he Hmong first arrived in Minnesota in late 1975, after the communist seizure of power in Indochina. They faced multiple barriers as refugees from a war-torn country, but with the help of generous sponsors, have managed to thrive in the Twin Cities area, a region they now claim as home. Today, many Hmong promote the economic, social, and political diversity of the state.

Cultural Communities: Hmong

Language, Health Disparities, Diet, Medical Care, Aging, etc.