Historic Sites Revitalization
This project encompasses phase two of the Alexander Ramsey House Revitalization project and expands the scope of work to other historic sites in need of redevelopment.
In particular, focused planning for the future of programs at Historic Fort Snelling will get underway and the Ramsey planning process will be shared with other historic sites in Minnesota.
The Alexander Ramsey House is an 11,000-square-foot mansion that was home to Minnesota's first territorial governor. The mansion contains approximately 14,000 original furnishings and has one of the most intact collections of Victorian-era artifacts in the Midwest.
Historic Fort Snelling is the state's first National Historic Landmark and played a central role in the development of the state and nation. The challenge is to create rich visitor experiences to match the diverse stories found at the site--including the U.S.--Dakota War of 1862, the presence of enslaved African-Americans in the 19th century and the role the site played in World War II.
Despite these assets and a sound public educational program, these and other sites have experienced a steady decline in attendance. In phase one of the project, Arts and Cultural Heritage funding was used to determine the reasons for this decline. Phase two will implement what was learned, including making the sites more interactive and accessible to visitors.
During phase two of this project, the redevelopment of the Alexander Ramsey House will be completed and the plan used to revitalize the historic home will be shared with other historic sites in Minnesota and across the country. The Alexander Ramsey House is an 11,000-square-foot mansion that was home to Minnesota's first territorial governor. The mansion contains approximately 14,000 original furnishings and has one of the most intact collections of Victorian-era artifacts in the Midwest. Despite these assets and a sound public educational program, the site has experienced a steady decline in attendance. In phase one of the project, Arts and Cultural Heritage funding was used to understand the reasons for this decline. Phase two will implement what was learned, including making the site more interactive and accessible to visitors.
Programs. $4,800,000 the first year and $4,800,000 the second year are for programs and purposes related to the historical and cultural heritage of the state of Minnesota, conducted by the Minnesota Historical Society.