Steve Date
Documentary Films
What began as a hobby after a visit to a small West Virginia coal mining town in 2005 has now become a passionate avocation since I retired from teaching in the Minneapolis Public Schools. Visit my documentary page to see more about my films and how you can view them.
Coming soon . . .
A new documentary film by Steve Date about the people of Lanesboro, Minnesota.
Steve Date is a fiscal year 2026 recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
This will be a feature-length documentary film capturing the unique, fragile, and resilient spirit of the people of Lanesboro, Minnesota throughout its history. While there have been ups and downs, boom and bust, Lanesboro has always bounced back and found a way to survive.
At a time when our nation sees the people of rural America in stark contrast to those of urban areas, Lanesboro stands as a counter-narrative. This town of 724 people (!?!) a place where farm families, urban transplants, life-long small town residents, artists, small business owners — and thousands of tourists — coexist and actually take care of each other.
Visual Productions
Legacy Videos
Do you have a parent, grandparent, or other special person in your life who’s story you would like to preserve on video. Do you have special place or event with memories you would like to preserve? I’d like to help you do that.
Website Development
I’ve helped small businesses and individuals create lovely and functional websites. If you’ve ever wanted a website but don’t have the time or don’t know how to begin to make one for yourself, contact me. I can build (and manage) a great-looking website at an affordable cost.