MNHS continues actively preserving and making accessible newspapers published in the state. In FY16, MNHS concentrated efforts on the backlog of hardcopy newspapers, piloting an approach to microfilming and digitizing issues in mass quantity to reduce the physical storage burden and increase access for researchers and local historical societies. MNHS also began testing in-house digitization of current newspapers, securing equipment and developing processes and staff expertise to support this activity. Online access continues to be offered through the Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub.
To hire a qualified consultant to develop a Historic Structure Report that will help preserve the Dinehart-Holt House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Disabled Veterans Rest Camp (DVRC), located on Big Marine Lake in Washington County, is open to all military veterans and military families. Founded in 1926 to help disabled veterans recover from World War I, the non-profit, campground relies on donations and volunteers to host most activities that provide relief and recreation. With so many more Guard and Reserve deployments, more veterans and their families are turning to the camp for family fund and recreation while their loved one is deployed and during the transition back to civilian life.
To provide an educational overview of Isanti County over the five days of the Isanti County Fair. "Discovering Living History at the 135th Isanti County Fair" will provide visitors with an authentic, historically accurate old west experience, opportunity to hear live bluegrass music and interact with German folk musicians, and wander through exhibits showcasing artifacts of Minnesota's past.
To provide opportunities to Pine County artists to show their talents to the 30,000 attendees of the Pine County Fair. Funds will cover 30 hours of arts programming, consisting of demonstrations and workshops, and 30 hours of music by local musicians. Additionally, a sun shade will be purchased to encourage visitors to stay for programming.
To enhance art activities and experiences at the Chisago County Fair. Projects will include constructing secure display cases to showcase the work of local artists, featuring bluegrass musicians, a caricature artist, and creating a hands-on mural exhibit.
We will determine the distribution, relative density, and spatial occupancy patterns of 3 small weasel species in Minnesota to fill key knowledge gaps in weasel distribution and status in Minnesota.
We will determine the distribution, status, and habitat use of fishers in the southern half of Minnesota to provide the information needed to manage fishers in this region.
To have the District #50 School, currently serving as Milford Township Hall, evaluated for possible inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
Can we maximize native wetland restoration while minimizing impact on human land use? Evaluating the water-resources impact of targeted agricultural ditch removal on ecosystem restoration.
The Sauk River Watershed District (SRWD) is the drainage authority for Stearns and Pope Counties. The SRWD manages 12 public drainage systems totaling over 90 miles. The majority of the public systems provide drainage for agricultural land uses and were constructed in the early 1900s.
This feasibility study will produce strategies for wetland restoration and ditch hydrology changes to reduce the amount of phosphorus and solids that drain into Typo and Martin Lakes, the Sunrise River and St. Croix River. Total Maximum Daily Loads and other plans have identified this area as key for pollutant reduction, and the study will determine scope and effects of potential projects, allowing the district to prioritize those that will have the great impact on water quality.
Minnesota Historical Society staff are working to serve Twin Cities area schools with increasingly diverse demographics. Staff are providing more support services for students competing in History Day and American Indian History Day. Staff are also promoting and recruiting students for programs that engage students in history like the American Indian Museum Fellowship Program and the Summer History Immersion Program. These funds also provide general staff and logistical support for diversity outreach efforts.
Partners: Associated Colleges of the Twin Cities (ACTC), Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MNSCU), Minneapolis Public Schools, St. Paul Public Schools, Through this program, partners are extending the reach of Minnesota History Day while providing History Day support for students from diverse backgrounds and strengthening the mentoring skills of Minnesota college students. Undergraduate students from ACTC and MNSCU colleges are trained to become History Day mentors and work with History Day students at local schools.
We will research : 1) interest in and preferences for experiences with nature and wildlife among diverse communities, and 2) barriers to more robust engagement with wildlife resources and activities.
Partners: Minnesota Humanities Center for Indian Fellows; Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES) for Summer Technology Workshop
MNHS is working to serve Twin Cities area schools with increasingly diverse demographics. Staff members provide support services for students competing in National History Day in Minnesota and American Indian History Day. In addition, MNHS promotes and recruits diverse students for programs that engage participants in history. Two of these programs are the American Indian Museum Fellowship Program and the Summer History Immersion Program.
MNHS is working to engage Twin Cities youth in programming in order to increase their interest in history and the Minnesota Historical Society. MNHS promotes and recruits diverse students for programs that engage them in understanding how public organizations present historical narratives. One of these programs is the American Indian Museum Fellowship program (above). The funds also provide logistical support for diversity outreach efforts, which includes having tables at events and community engagement activities.
This project will help to expand the inaugural Diverse Texts Conference for educators. This conference was designed to promote literature representing diverse people and perspectives and provide workshops and sessions on guidance for integrating such texts in K-College classrooms. The expansion includes two author-speakers from the Red Lake Tribal Lands, books written by the authors for conference participants, a drumming performance, an authentic Anishinaabe meal, and a fireside event that includes oral storytelling that highlights Minnesota tribal experiences.
