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.
To hire a qualified architect to conduct a conditions assessment of the Crookston Carnegie Public Library, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
To hire a consultant to develop the first phase of a Historic Structures Report for the Alliance Francaise building, part of the Minneapolis Warehouse Historic District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Partner: Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps
The Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps develops lifelong workforce skills by connecting young people to the earth, cultures, and traditions through historic preservation work and outdoor service. In partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society, a feasibility study was conducted and a business plan developed outlining the initiative's purpose and goals, detailing the proposed scope and strategies, and demonstrating that the initiative is financially viable.
Historic Fort Snelling is an MNHS historic site targeted for revitalization. This revitalization is one of MNHS's current strategic priorities. The Historic Fort Snelling revitalization project completed a master plan in June 2015. The predesign phase kicked off in September 2015 and continues through FY16. The project manager position, which coordinates various MNHS educational programs and building activities, was partially supported with Legacy funds.
The Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps and MNHS are refining the lessons learned from the fall 2014 demonstration project to increase the viability of a historic preservation activity built on a conservation corps model. The pilot phase focused on building
the capacity of the corps through diversification of revenue and expansion of service projects, skills training, and networks.
Through a competitive process, the Historic Recognition Grant Program awards grants to historical organizations statewide to support programs that preserve, recognize, and promote the historic legacy of Minnesota, with a focus on commemoration of Minnesota's role in the American Civil War.
In the third year of this project, MNHS staff continued to inventory and rehouse archaeological collections from Historic Fort Snelling. As part of MNHS involvement with the University of Minnesota's Heritage Collaborative, student interns spent the 2015 fall semester assisting project staff with inventory and research. Artifact data was shared with University faculty for use in their courses. To date, over 98,000 catalog records have been created, describing more than 180,000 artifacts recovered during archaeological excavations at Historic Fort Snelling.
Telling Queer History will support the collection and preservation of personal oral histories from LGBTQIA+ communities in rural Minnesota; historical research for our archives and LGBTQ+ history walking tours; and community outreach in greater Minnesota. This grant will also support the early development of a series of supplemental curriculum products detailing Minnesota LGBTQ+ history, creating a potential new earned revenue stream for TQH.
