A consultant was hired to facilitate a process to grow the capacity of the organization to preserve and interpret history through a national training standard, known as StEPs. The StEPs program is an on-going process for continuous improvement.
In order to grow the capacity of the organization to preserve and interpret history a consultant was hired by the DCHV to lead selected members and the board through the Standards and Excellence Program for History Organizations' (StEPs) self-assessment program.
To grow the capacity of the organization to preserve and interpret history through a national training standard, the Firefighter's Hall and Museum completed four of six areas of the StEPs Program at the Bronze level. The areas completed were the Mission, Values and Governance, Management, Audience and Interpretation sections. The FHM does not have historic structures or landscapes so that area does not apply. The Collections area was too large to complete before the June deadline. The Museum plans to continue the StEPs work and the collections project is a top priority.
To offer new arts and history programming at the Stevens County Fair. Demonstrations will include soap making, butter churning, and how to make candle and games.
In FYs 14 and 15, MNHS staff reviewed thousands of Native American items and records resulting in the identification of nearly 500 objects as culturally sensitive. This material will require a higher standard of research, care and preservation. In addition, MNHS staff visited elders and professional staff at two tribal communities in the state explicitly to discuss culturally sensitive material. In FY 15, MNHS received a formal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act claim to repatriate approximately 36 items.
To hire a qualified historian to write an evaluation to determine eligibility for listing the Stickney Building in the National Register of Historic Places.
Archival storage boxes were purchased to re-house and properly store the city's historic collections located in the Kremer House Museum and Library. Steel storage shelves were purchased to house the boxes of photographs, newspapers and non-clothing items that are stored in the attic. Many volunteers assisted with the cleaning, organizing, boxing and labeling of items. The collections are now more accessible, including long forgotten and newly rediscovered items now available for use and/or reference as a result of this re-organization.
Partner Organizations: Anoka County Historical Society, Hennepin History Museum.
Suburbanization has reached nearly all corners of Hennepin and Anoka Counties. The two counties are bound together by the state's largest school district: Anoka-Hennepin. Working together, the Anoka and Hennepin County Historical Societies are gathering resources located in numerous repositories so that they, and future historians, will have a logical starting place from which to draw information about the suburbanization of Anoka and Hennepin counties.
Stories & Narratives of Lake Street is a collective hxstory project focused on Lake Street in South Minneapolis- documenting narratives that currently exist- but are not uplifted. It will document the impact of Lake Street on/of BIPOC & underrepresented groups along this notable corridor, involving both Public and Oral Hxstory. This youth-led project will provide empowerment, leadership and skill-development for youth to learn and understand the impact that Lake St. has on their communities.
To repoint masonry and restore first floor façade and architectural details on the Stranger's Refuge Lodge #74 IOOF, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, to be reused as the public library.
The Children's Discovery Museum's (CDM) new 3,000 piece Wizard of Oz (WOZ) collection will be properly archived, conservation materials purchased, and exhibit concept and design drawings completed. CDM facilitators and educators will travel to other children's museums in Minnesota for staff enrichment and professional development.
Strive engages with the community in creating Black Joy Literary Clubs that empower voices from the Black community to rise above stereotypes, demographic disparities, and negative media portrayals. We provide a platform for communal work in taking control of the Black narrative and in educating with truth and lived experience. Joy comes from sharing authentic stories and power lies within the voices of everyday Black people to break down harmful stereotypes and strengthen our community.
To improve the lighting in the arts area that features textiles, photography, culinary, gardening and hobbies exhibits, and the antique automobiles display area. Funds will also be used to hire a strolling performer during the fair.
To hire qualified professionals to conduct a structural engineering assessment for the Fairmont Opera House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
To hire a qualified engineer to conduct a structural assessment of the 1917 Danebod Folk School Brick Building, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
To hire a qualified consultant to develop a structural study that will help preserve the Scriver Building, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
To hire a qualified engineer to conduct a structural assessment of the 1887 Alano Society of Minneapolis Clubhouse (John Washburn House), listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
