MNHS continues to recruit diverse students from the Twin Cities for programs that engage them in understanding how public organizations present historical narratives. Internally, the Department of Inclusion and Community Engagement supports the diversity and inclusion efforts of other MNHS departments, such as the access advisory group and training for the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act officer. Staff also attend cultural competence learning opportunities.
Minnesota History magazine will commission four articles on topics that contribute to MNHS' diversity and inclusiveness strategic priority. Topics will illuminate the historical experiences of people and communities who are currently underrepresented in the pages of Minnesota History. Efforts will be made to find diverse authors for the articles, which could include writers of color or writers from disabled, LGBTQ, religious minority or other underrepresented communities.
MNHS is working to strengthen its presence and visibility as a community resource to Minnesota's diverse communities by supporting a strategic tabling and sponsorship effort at 12 community events, such as Rondo Days, Twin Cities Jazz Festival and the Cultural Heritage and Social Action Summit. In addition, funds supported co-sponsoring and hosting diverse events, such as Twin Cities Black Film Festival and Somali Independence Day events at the Minnesota History Center.
Fifteen Minnesota cartoonists were interviewed, recorded and the recordings transcribed for an oral history project conducted by the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Interviewees were selected to represent the history of cartooning in Minnesota from the 1940's to 2011.
To hire qualified consultants to research the history of Minnesota's 21st century African American community, in preparation for a future documentary film.
The 1901 Dodd Ford Bridge, a significant contributor to the development of Amboy, was slated for replacement by Blue Earth County. Federal funds were sought by the County for the project. This initiated section 106 and 4(f) reviews, which concluded that it would be prudent and feasible to renovate the bridge on site. However, more specific data is required about the historic bridge renovation program and costs. The grant money assisted in funding the hire of a consultant to examine costs and methods to restore and preserve the 1901 Dodd Ford Bridge.
Partners: Adath Jeshurun Foundation and the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest. Adath Jeshurun Congregation is the oldest Jewish Conservative Congregation in Minnesota. This project will ensure that 127 years of archival material will be carefully preserved, cataloged and made available for exhibits, education and scholarly research so that Minnesota Jewish ways of life will be known today and for generations to come.
Three radio theatre scripts were produced using the synthesized oral histories of Douglas County's elder residents. The oral histories had been gathered earlier as part of the Minnesota Historical Society's oral history project to preserve the stories of Minnnesota's Greatest Generation. The topics for the scripts were: the Great Depression, World War II and the post-war economic Boom. Each script was vetted by knowledgeable content experts and the information presented is historically accurate.
To hire qualified professionals to repair the drill hall floor in the Duluth Armory, listed in the National Register of Historic Places and home of the Armory Arts and Music Center.
Duluth women who gave birth prior to WW II were interviewed about their experiences. Birth locations, attitudes, techniques, labor support and new baby care were the focus for the questions. The interviews were transcribed into Microsoft Word and PDF documents. The documents are to be used by the applicant organization and other interested groups to aid mother and labor support and for other public outreach.
To repoint masonry, preserve terracotta decorative elements, and stabilize the parapets of the Duluth Armory, undergoing rehabilitation for use as a community center. The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
To hire a qualified consultant to prepare a Conditions Assessment for the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad Company Passenger Station to establish a rehabilitation plan for the structure, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
To hire a qualified historian to complete an evaluation to determine eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places for the circa 1876 Dunning School.
