The concrete floor in the exhibit and storage area of a former garage structure, located on the Clearwater Historical Society museum grounds, was removed and replaced. The severely deteriorated floor with an insafe step down had been barred to public access. With the floor replaced storage capacity has been increased, artifacts are more accessible, space is more usable and the building is now in compliance with ADA requirements.
A professional historian was hired and research was conducted as preparation for a concert production of "Temperance and Temptation". Historical information, music and lyrics for temperance and anti-temperance songs and compelling images were incorporated into the performances. The result was an artistic performance grounded in Minnesota history.
To broaden public access to primary historic records through a digital reader/printer and additional microfilm rolls to augment the current collection.
MNHS awarded seven research fellowships for the third year of the Legacy Research Fellowships program in FY16. Four scholars received $5,000 awards and three received $1,000 awards. The fellows used resources from the Gale Family Library to explore a wide range of Minnesota history topics including:
* A review of Minnesota's development and
Indian lands
* Visual arts in Minnesota
* Forts in Minnesota after the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862
* Minnesota reflections on World War I
The fourth class of scholars was selected in November 2016 and begin work in January 2017.
