Minnesotans can celebrate a birthday 150 years in the making next week, as the state commemorates its sesquicentennial anniversary during Statehood Week May 11-18.

On May 11, 1858, Minnesota was officially admitted to the Union as the 32nd state of the United States of America.

The Sesquicentennial Convoy will leave the Capitol to travel to cities across the state for the Capitals for a Day tour from May 12-16. The cities to be visited are: Bemidji, Monday; Thief River Falls, Tuesday; Detroit Lakes, Wednesday; New Ulm, May 15; and Winona, May 16.

Back in St. Paul, the Statehood Weekend Festival and Expo is May 17 and 18. Events include aircraft flyovers, displaying of commemorative U.S. Postage stamp, food vendors, music, fireworks and the Statehood Ceremony “Honoring Those Who Serve” at 7 p.m. May 18.

Also of note, a rare original of the U.S. Declaration of Independence will be on display at the Minnesota History Center for Statehood Week events. The Declaration exhibit, including many of Minnesota’s founding documents, will be free and open to the public through May 18.

A complete list of events across the state is available at www.mn150years.org.