MNHS Press will publish a book on the 120-year history of the Minnesota State Capitol and its role as the heart of civic life in the state, a place for celebrations, demonstrations, arguments and accomplishments. The book will include stories of its construction and restoration, fine art and furnishings, laborers and craftspeople, and politics and lifestyles within our "house of democracy."
A comprehensive overhaul and expansion of the existing outdoor tour system at the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum was competed by contractors, volunteers and Museum staff. The overhaul involved outdoor tour map re-creation, kiosk guide improvement, script re-writes and audio track replacement. Two new kiosks and an outdoor display of the 1898 School cornerstone and capstone were also installed.
To contract with qualified professionals to prepare construction documents for the preservation of the Owatonna City and Fireman's Hall, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
To study and prepare preliminary design work for replacement of the existing heating and cooling system in the 1915 Historic Palace Theatre, listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places
PAM Education is a training series developed for homeowners, realtors, community members and professionals in fields that frequently interact with historic buildings and districts. This year the program had a significant focus on reaching new audiences.
The MMCDC retained the services of an historical consultant to complete National Register Nomination for the Park Rapids National Guard Armory. After diligent research, applied evaluation methodology and appropriate application of NR Criteria, it was determined that the Armory was ineligible for inclusion in the NR.
To research and share knowledge among diverse partners around Anishnaabe cultural practices and their ecological legacies in fire-dependent pine forests.
The Society purchased PastPerfect 4.0 software to track and record accessions. Previously, these records were kept in a hand-written logbook. To begin the process of reviewing and inventorying the collections, the artifacts were first re-organized and the storage rooms were thoroughly cleaned. Materials were divided and organized to be stored in two areas with different but appropriate temperature and humidity levels.
To stabilize structural elements on the Pattern Shop, a contributing building in the St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Manitoba Railway Company Shops Historic District listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and now used as a social services facility.
To hire a qualified consultant to develop a Historic Structure Report that will help preserve the St. Paul Public Library/James J. Hill Reference Library, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Paul & Babe’s GeoHunt is a summer-long geocaching event that features unique sites along the 54-mile Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway driving route. The sport of geocaching involves hiding camouflage containers (which are called caches) so that people can look for and find the containers using GPS technology. Once they find the containers, participants collect special cards (found in the caches/containers). After collecting a series of 10 cards, participants can earn a GeoCoin.
To hire a qualified historian to complete the nomination expansion to the National Register of Historic Places for the St. Paul Minneapolis and Manitoba Railway Company Shops (Jackson Street Shops).
Since 1976, Penumbra Theatre has ignited dialogue and social action in the Twin Cities and beyond by presenting original, compelling works grounded in the history of African American artistic expression and social justice. The 2016-2017 season marks Penumbra's 40th anniversary, and MNHS is developing an exhibit on the theater's rich history and legacy, in partnership with Penumbra and the University of Minnesota Libraries Archives and Special Collections.
In 2017, St. Paul's world renown Penumbra Theatre will celebrate its 40 anniversary. This exhibit, a three way partnership between MNHS, Penumbra Theatre and the University of Minnesota, will highlight the central role this local theater company played in the burgeoning Black Arts Movement through documents, artifacts, costumes, videoed performances and interviews, and stage sets. Exhibit opens February 18 and runs through July 31, 2017.
Outcome goals: MHC attendance greater than 240,000 in FY17. Net Promoter Score goal +50 or higher.
