Grant Activities: The short term goals are to use language and traditional teachings as literacy tools through the development of an Anishinaabemowin Family Literacy program taking place throughout the 2012-2013 school years. The Anishinaabemowin Revitalization team will consist of school staff, elders, tribal government employees, parents, and community members. A written plan for revitalization will be concluded by June 2013. An increased capacity for immersion programming will result through the development of local speakers, materials, and an effective school based program.
Otter Cove Children's Museum will be a state-of-the-art educational and cultural center in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, providing a much-needed accessible, indoor play space for the children of Otter Tail County and beyond. Otter Cove was started and driven by a group of moms but the actual place, Otter Cove, is for children and the "critters" who live there; the otter in the Otter Romp Playground, the fox at the cafe, the beaver at the dentist office, the raccoon at the grocery store, the swan on the stage, the mice at the bookstore, and the skunk at the veterinarian.
Thanks to the support of the Minnesota Humanities Center in 2019, Otter Cove Children's Museum was able to complete the design, building, and installation of a variety of exhibits and interactive art features prior to our grand opening. Despite a delayed opening and months of limited operations due to the pandemic, Otter Cove's first year has been nothing short of incredible, attracting 17,299 children and families from 289 unique zip codes (179 of them in MN), 27 states, and 4 countries!
Thanks to the support of the Minnesota Humanities Center in 2019, Otter Cove Children's Museum was able to complete the design, building, and installation of a variety of exhibits and interactive art features prior to our grand opening. Despite a delayed opening and months of limited operations due to the pandemic, Otter Cove's first year has been nothing short of incredible, attracting 17,299 children and families from 289 unique zip codes (179 of them in MN), 27 states, and 4 countries! Our guests have been so impressed that we have such a a high-quality facility in a rural region.
This project includes new exhibit components and enhancements; facilitating diverse workshops and performances for children and families, and four mini camps for children ages 6-12 during school/summer breaks.
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."
To enhance Yellow Medicine County Fair's capacity to host arts and cultural heritage events in their Outdoor Heritage Center by purchasing bleacher seating, a stage, and improving the floor to make the area more handicap accessible.
To increase access to arts and cultural heritage programming at the Yellow Medicine County Fair by building an Outdoor Heritage Center. The new center will provide a space for demonstrations, presentations, and interactive activities.
To increase access to arts and cultural heritage programming at the Rock County Fair by building an Outdoor Exhibition and Performance Area. The new center will provide a space for demonstrations, presentations, musical performances, and interactive activities in a high traffic area that also accommodates large crowds.
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.
We will lift up Minnesota American Indian arts, culture, and heritage and increase our audience through five new activities: presenting “Reunion of the Buffalo Herd”; staging a full production of Tatanka for video recording; establishing an annual RedTalks Symposium; creating a live interview series featuring American Indian elders and traditional healers; and creating an American Indian Artists Hub to promote our artists.
The mission of Oyate Nipi Kte (The People Shall Live) is to support the recovery of Dakota traditional knowledge including language, spirituality, and life-ways; develop initiatives for sustainable living based on a Dakota environment ethic; facilitate an understanding of the harmful effects of colonization; and empower individuals and collective communities to more effectively resist colonization and strengthen Dakota Sovereignty.
We will add to the number of American Indians presenting artistic work and ideas, and expand our audiences to promote a vibrant, honest American Indian world view in Minnesota by supporting 3 short term projects led by artists in our coalition: The January Buffalo Show, RedTalk Symposium, and Live At the Buffalo Show CD Audio Mastering and short run printing.
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.
