Video of Minnesota Newspaper Museum at State Fair
A documentary-type retrospective video was produced featuring the Minnesota Newspaper Museum at the 2010 Minnesota State Fair. More than eight hours of footage was filmed and used to produce the 15 minute DVD. The final product explains letterpress printing from start to finish including segments on the Linotype, Page Composition, the press, job shop and finally, a section on the editorial/news function of a newspaper. The final section also stresses the importance of newspapers, yesterday and today, in a democratic society.
The video is being offered to newspapers throughout not only Minnesota but also in North Dakota and South Dakota for them to use with their staffs, interns and to share with their community groups (such as Lions, Rotary, etc.) In addition, a number of newspapers are also donating copies to their local museums to enhance their static displays on newspapers/letterpress.
Plans are also to offer DVDs to museums across the state, at a nominal cost. The Minnesota Newspaper Foundation is also exploring the possibility of making it available to High School Journalism - and possibly English - educators to share with their students.
The Minnesota Newspaper Foundation has successfully captured on film the unique history of the letterpress machines in action and the stories of their operators to bring to life the legacy of newspapers in Minnesota.
Five minute sample video:
(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.