To bring a variety of arts and cultural heritage programming to the Lincoln County Fair. The fair will host live jazz, folk and bluegrass bands, in addition to a clogging performance. A demonstration area will also be created in the Open Class Exhibits Building. In that space, an artist will present on drawing and painting, and attendees can make their own art at the fair with provided supplies.
To enhance the free arts and cultural heritage performances on Pope County Fair's Free Stage by installing a permanent sound system and bring a Medicine Wagon Show to perform multiple shows each day of the fair. Additionally, to mount historical markers around the fair to explain the history of the buildings and fairgrounds.
To offer free arts activities for children, host fine arts demonstrations, and create a space for teenagers to attend music shows at the Watonwan County Fair.
To build display cases to increase the fair's capacity to display quilting exhibits. Without secure cases, quilters do not bring their best pieces to at the fair. Funds will also be used to host North County Music, and provide art supplies and create a "kids coop" where children to work on art projects during the fair.
To complete the interior display areas of the historically accurate Forestry Ranger Station. Exhibits will feature the early history of forest fire fighting, an account of forestry activity on the Red Lake Indian Reservation, draft horse logging equipment, lumberjack tools, and a tribute to Paul Bunyon. Additionally, funds will be used for a stage where speakers can tell stories and teach about forestry stewardship.
Partner Organizations: Anoka County Historical Society, Carver County Historical Society, Dakota County Historical Society, Minnesota Association of Museums, North Star Museum of Boy Scouting and Girl Scouting, Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, Ramsey County Historical Society, Scott County Historical Society, and White Bear Lake Area Historical Society.
The partnership of nine organizations is conducting a study to determine if it is feasible and beneficial for organizations to share resources to meet essential, but not mission-related functions-so-called "back of office" needs.
The Cass Gilbert Society website was expanded and upgraded with special emphasis on the buildings and other works of Cass Gilbert. Previously the site featured 40 works. That number has been doubled to 80 works. All are illustrated with historic and/or contemporary photographs. All are linked to published references and/or online resources. A major innovation was the development and incorporation of a searchable database for the featured works. As more featured works are added, they will be incorporated into the searchable database.
The USS Essex, a National Register Property located in Duluth, is Minnesota's only US Navy shipwreck, and the only known shipwreck originally built by renown shipbuilder Donald McKay. Its current location on the shoreline of Minnesota Point is unfavorable for long-term preservation. To ensure the long-term preservation of the Essex this project developed several options for the future of the Essex, and the requirements needed to fulfill those options.
