John Runk Film Project
More than 40 reels of 8mm film were shot by the prolific photographer John Runk of his home down during 1947 through 1954. These films depict life in the Stillwater area post-World War Two and were donated to the Washington County Historical Society by Runk himself.
The project received an MHS Grants-in-Aid award in 2008 to enable the transfer of the raw 8mm film footage to digital tape and DVD.
MHCG funding allowed John Runk's little known motion pictures to be more broadly accessible to the public through edited down highlights in DVD format.
(b) Statewide Historic and Cultural Grants. (i) $2,250,000 in 2010 and $4,500,000 in 2011 are appropriated for history programs and projects operated or conducted by or through local, county, regional or other historical or cultural organizations; or for activities to preserve significant historic and cultural resources. Funds are to be distributed through a competitive grants process. The Minnesota Historical Society shall administer these funds using established grants mechanisms, and with assistance from the advisory committee created herein.