Minneapolis Madams: The Lost History of Prostitution on the Riverfront

About This Event

In their heyday Minneapolis brothels were not only open for business but constituted a substantial economic and political force in the city. Women of independent means, madams built custom bordellos to suit their tastes and exerted influence over leading figures and politicians. This is the story of how the commercial sex trade reshaped the central Minneapolis riverfront, but still disappeared from the city’s history. It is also the story of how real estate records revealed this story. Join us as author Penny Petersen brings to life this nearly forgotten chapter of Minneapolis history, tracing the story of how these “houses of ill fame” rose to prominence in the late nineteenth century and then were finally shut down in the early twentieth century.

Penny Petersen is a historical researcher and the author of Hiding in Plain Sight: Minneapolis’ First Neighborhood. Prior to retirement she worked as a researcher for a historical consulting company based in Minneapolis. After retirement, she became one of the co-founders of the ongoing Mapping Prejudice project based in the library system at the University of Minnesota.

Space is limited, so please pre-register. This is being offered as an in-person event, drinks and light refreshments will be served.