Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society upcoming events

Justice Harry A. Blackmun Today: Legacy, Insights, Memories (05/16/2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

This program is part of a series presented by the Minnesota History Theatre in conjunction with their production of "Courting Harry". Please contact the theatre directly with any questions.

This CLE is free and open to the public. It is being presented by several of Justice Blackmun's former clerks in conjunction with the History Theatre’s production of “Courting Harry."

In Person:
MN History Center Auditorium, 10am (no advanced registration needed)

Access the livestream:
https://vimeo.com/event/5902105/988c0b82a7

1.0 CLE approved in Minnesota

In conjunction with History Theatre’s production of “Courting Harry,” five former law clerks to Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun, together with biographer Melissa Nathanson, discuss their recollections of working with the Justice, the importance of his legacy today, and how he might regard developments at the Roberts Court.

Harold Hongju Koh, Sterling Professor International Law and former Dean - Yale Law School (moderator)

Pamela Karlan, Kenneth & Harle Montgomery Professor of Public Interest Law – Stanford Law School

Cecilia Wang, National Legal Director, American Civil Liberties Union

Charles Rothfeld, Visiting Lecturer, Yale Law School

Daniel Edelman, Of Counsel, Katz, Banks, Kumin

Melissa Nathanson, author of numerous articles and the forthcoming book Another World Out There: The Life of Harry Blackmun

The five clerks served Justice Blackmun during his 24 years as an active Justice from 1970 through 1994 and his time thereafter as a senior Justice. Members of the panel gained first-hand insight into the complicated relationship between the erstwhile “Minnesota Twins” – Harry Blackmun and Warren Burger – their debates over abortion, the death penalty, and presidential immunity and the inner workings of the Court. This is a unique opportunity to spend time with distinguished scholars and advocates as they reflect on the U.S. Supreme Court, then and now.

History Theatre is located at 30 East 10 th Street, St. Paul, MN.
Tickets to “Courting Harry” can be reserved on-line at Historytheatre.com or by calling 651-292-4323.

For more information, please contact:
CLEs: Rob Thomas, Development Director
rthomas@historytheatre.com 651-292-4327

Group Sales: Craig Cerrato, Group Sales Manager
groups@historytheatre.com 651-292-4320

A Unique Conversation: Courting Harry and the Evolution of Constitutional Law (05/16/2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 21:00:00 GMT

This program is part of a series presented by the Minnesota History Theatre in conjunction with their production of "Courting Harry". Please contact the theatre directly with any questions.

Join us at History Theatre for a lively and wide-ranging conversation exploring judicial advocacy, the rule of law, and the importance of public understanding of our legal system. Panelists include Pulitzer Prize winning New York Times Journalist and Becoming Justice Blackmun author Linda Greenhouse, Federal District Court Judge John Tunheim, and Courting Harry playwright Lee Blessing. Moderated by Peter Larsen, Professor of Constitutional Law at Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

Advanced registration is not required.

History Theatre is located at 30 East 10 th Street, St. Paul, MN.
Tickets to “Courting Harry” can be reserved on-line at Historytheatre.com or by calling 651-292-4323.

CLE: Abortion Law—From Roe and Dobbs to the States (05/21/2026)

Thu, 21 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

This program is part of a series presented by the Minnesota History Theatre in conjunction with their production of "Courting Harry". Please contact the theatre directly with any questions.

This CLE program traces the history of abortion law in the United States, from the nineteenth century to today. It explores key Supreme Court decisions—including Roe v. Wade, Planned Parenthood v. Casey, and Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization—and examines how constitutional interpretation has evolved alongside expanding state authority. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the shifting balance between federal protections and federal protections and state regulation in reproductive law. Conversation facilitated by Peter Larsen, Professor of Constitutional Law at Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

1.0 CLE applied for in Minnesota

This presentation will take place following the 10am performance of "Courting Harry". Advanced registration is not required to attend the CLE. Tickets are required for the play performance.

History Theatre is located at 30 East 10 th Street, St. Paul, MN.
Tickets to “Courting Harry” can be reserved on-line at Historytheatre.com or by calling 651-292-4323.

The Rule of Law in Modern Times (06/06/2026)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

This program is part of a series presented by the Minnesota History Theatre in conjunction with their production of "Courting Harry". Please contact the theatre directly with any questions.

This CLE program examines both the foundations and the modern challenges of the rule of law in the United States—from constitutional structure and separation of powers to the essential role of courts in ensuring accountability. The discussion also addresses the responsibility of lawyers to uphold legal institutions and sustain public confidence in constitutional governance. Featuring Federal District Court Judge John Tunheim and Morgan Holcomb, Vice Dean of Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

1.0 CLE credit to be applied for in Minnesota.

This CLE will take place following the 2pm performance of "Courting Harry".

History Theatre is located at 30 East 10 th Street, St. Paul, MN.
Tickets to “Courting Harry” can be reserved on-line at Historytheatre.com or by calling 651-292-4323.