Minnesota History Player - Virginia Mae Hope

2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$1,582

Project of

Arrowhead Library System Legacy Grant SFY 2014 - SFY 2015

Fund Source

Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund

Recipient

Recipient Type

Libraries

Status

Completed

Start Date

April 2014

End Date

June 2014

Activity Type

Education/Outreach/Engagement

Counties Affected

Cook

Itasca

St. Louis

Project Overview

The Minnesota History Center brings history alive with a variety of history players including female World War II fighter pilot, Virginia Mae Hope. Learn about growing up during the Great Depression, how Pearl Harbor affected the nation and what it was like for her to serve as an Air Force Service Pilot during WWII. Virginia Mae Hope is one of Minnesota history's most interesting people who stepped forward in time to share her story. Some people led ordinary lives, others accomplished extraordinary things, but all faced the challenges of their times in history as best they could. See Virginia Mae Hope as she engages you with her memorable life stories as a female World War II pilot.

Project Details

229 attended

Project Details: 2014 Fiscal Year

Legal Citation / Subdivision

Laws of Minnesota for 2013 Chapter 137, Article 4, Section 2, Subdivision 4

2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$1,582

Other Funds Leveraged

$218

Direct expenses

$1,801

Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

The intended outcome of the program is to stimulate patron imagination, creativity and interest in Minnesota history. It will educate kids about being brave, facing adversity, being a good friend and working together. It will also expose patrons to new art formats as well as create access to professional live art through history players reenacting people in Minnesota history. Live art is dynamic; patrons can experience and be inspired by the energy that comes from a live performance.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Surveys were distributed to participants at all programs. 95% strongly agreed that this was an enjoyable experience and 93% strongly agreed that they would attend a similar event. Participants liked the personal experience and seeing the mix of media, theater, and music that brought the program to life and made it interesting and fun. Participants learned about the struggles, sacrifices, challenges, and achievements of the women pilots and the historical significance of the WASP program. Participants also noted that they didn't know anything about this history before attending this presentation. One other comment was that "history is so important and too much gets forgotten".

Source of Additional Funds

The following public libraries provided space, staff, and additional promotion for the programs: Aurora (at the school), Cook, Gilbert, Grand Marais, Grand Rapids libraries and approximately 10 regional newspapers.