Partner Organizations: Historic St. Paul, The St. Paul Heritage Preservation Commission and Ramsey County Historical Society.
Traditionally, the goal of historic properties surveys is to collect information to make determinations of National Register eligibility or local landmark designation. This ACHF project took that objective a step further.
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.
Purpose of this project is to promote heritage tourism and public education of the City’s downtown area by creating an audio-visual tour of the downtown area’s historic charm and heritage value.
Professional planning services were used to assist with the development of the Baudette Depot Historic Project to include preservation and display of Canadian National Railway artifacts, historical documents and various other memorabilia in a self-guided interpretive exhibit highlighting the importance of railway transportation in Minnesota's Canadian border history and settlement of the region.
To hire qualified historians to prepare the texts of approximately 20 markers that will facilitate public access to the history of Saint John's University campus.
To hire qualified professionals to complete an interdisciplinary pilot study to begin to document the shifting environmental backdrop for cultural changes in the Pedersen Site and Lake Benton regions.
To contract with qualified professionals to prepare construction documents for the preservation of State Bank of Clements, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
To contract with qualified professionals to prepare construction documents for the preservation of the Historic Canby Theatre, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
To hire a qualified specialist to conduct a conditions assessment of the Oberholtzer Estate's historic stonework on Mallard Island, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
To hire a qualified consultant to develop a Historic Structure Report that will help preserve the 1892 District 3 Rollag School, eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
A consultant was hired to research and assemble materials to implement plans for the Summer 2011 Walking and Biking Tours to historic resources in the city of Minneapolis. Tour guides were recruited and 29 neighborhood routes were chosen. A brochure was created. A tour page was developed on the Preserve Minneapolis website and advertisements were posted in magazines , newspapers and on various non-profit websites. Preserve Minneapolis collaborated on this project with AIA MN and the Minneapolis HPC.
The city of Springfield hired a qualifed historian to conduct a historic context study of this brick manufacturing town. The result is a brief history of the city with an emphasis on its historic buildings. Copies were given to the City Council and Planning Commission, the city Library, the Springfield Historical society, The Brown County Historical society, the local state senator and representative, the local school and is available on the city website.
Amount adjusted as a survey is being completed through other sources.
The city hired a preservation consultant to complete a Historic Context Study for the City of Buffalo. The general history of the community, organized by theme, provides useful information about the city's historic resources. Copies of the completed report have been given to the City Council and Planning Commission, the City Library, the Wright County Historical Society, the state Senator and Representative for the area and is available on the City's website.
The goal of the Historic Old Highland Project is to use the social history and architectural documentation to update and expand an existing self-guided Walking Tour Guide of significant properties in the Old Highland neighborhood.
Evaluated the status of the 110-year old north and south tower roofs on Landmark Center, the "Old Federal Court's Building" in downtown St. Paul. It is located at 75 W. Fifth St., anchoring the beautiful and historic Rice Park. The building was the first building in Minnesota listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969, and it was extensively renovated in the 1970s to provide for a new use as an arts and cultural center for the community.
Field survey investigations were conducted during September and October of 2010 in order to inventory, record and analyze the physical condition of architectural and structural features of the Onamia Soo Line Railroad Depot which currently is serving as a public library and Soo Line Boxcar. Based on existing conditions, recommendations for repairs were prepared along with yearly inspection logs and a list of maintenance duties.
To contract with qualified professionals to prepare planning documents that will help preserve the Pipestone Masonic Temple (Ferris Grand Block), listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Historic Fort Snelling is an MNHS historic site and the state's first National Historic Landmark. A major project at the site prioritizes the adaptive reuse of two historic buildings concentrating on opportunities for public use, education, engagement and reflection. This project supports an MNHS strategic priority and speaks to the mission by returning historic facilities to public use while fostering new dialogues. A master plan was done in 2015, and predesign was completed in June 2016.
To coincide with the centennial of the United States entry into World War I, MNHS is developing a series of public programs, school programs, publications and online resources to increase awareness and understanding of the World War I era and its enduring legacy for Minnesota. Outreach to veterans communities and the active military is underway. An intensive series of public programs for lifelong learners was held in fall 2016.
Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps and MNHS began implementing lessons learned from the past two years to increase the viability of a historic preservation activity built on a conservation corps model. The first year focused on building the capacity of the corps through further expansion of service projects, skills training and networks.
The Historic Recognition Grant program is designed to preserve, recognize and promote the historic legacy of Minnesota, with a focus on commemoration of Minnesota's role in the U.S. Civil War.
MNHS, through a onetime competitive process, awarded nine grants to eight history-minded organizations in eight counties. The Historic Recognition Grants Program grants are based on project priorities delineated by the Governor's Civil War Commemoration Task Force.
To hire a qualified consultant to write a historic structure report for the Alliance Francaise building, a contributing structure in the Warehouse District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
To hire a qualified consultant to develop a Historic Structure Report that will help preserve the Riley Lucas Bartholomew House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
To hire a qualified consultant to develop a Historic Structure Report that will help preserve the Harrington Merrill House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
To hire a qualified consultant to develop a Historic Structure Report for the former Arlington Hills Branch Library, a Carnegie Library listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The website currently under development will include an explanation of the digitization process and importance of the conservation project and 3D-scanning techniques performed during 2012 and 2013. It will also house the 3D images, providing a user-friendly way to search images by categories and learn the interpretation of the carvings.
The Minnesota Historical Society continued to work on revitalizing some of the state's most important and prominent historic sites. Program planners developed new programs at Historic Fort Snelling, Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post and the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site. Evaluation results showed that 81% of program guests surveyed felt that these programs increased their knowledge of Minnesota history, places and culture. 71% of guests responded that these programs increased their personal connection to history.
