Through a competitive process, the Heritage Partnership Program awards grants to historical organizations statewide to support programs that will build the capacity of partnering organizations to preserve and enhance access to Minnesota's history and cultural resources. The program supports the creation and development of sustainable, history-based partnerships throughout the state.
Once known for its clean water, fertile soil, and healthy habitat, in more recent times the Heron Lake Watershed in southwestern Minnesota has been heavily impacted by pollution from intensive agriculture, feedlots, non-compliant septic systems, and urban stormwater runoff. The Heron Lake Watershed District is using this appropriation for public outreach and installation and monitoring of water quality improvement projects aimed at reducing sediment and nutrient loading for the benefit of public health, recreation, and wildlife habitat.
The project will involve monitoring twelve stream sites and one lake in Jackson County. The stream sites are known to be impaired. The purpose of monitoring in multiple locations is to determine the source of the impairments.
No project funds were spent. The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council did not request that any services be performed with project funds. Accordingly, the $50,000 appropriation will be returned to the Outdoor Heritage Fund.
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.
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.
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.
The award-winning History Live! program served more than 8,400 students in FY16, bringing the total number of students served since the program's launch to more than 37,000. In FY17, the Interactive Video Conferencing studio was updated to incorporate new technologies, reduce costs and meet customer needs.
History Live! is working in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council to launch a new lesson that integrates student use of handheld technology with the interactive program.
Through this partnership, University of Minnesota and ACTC students from diverse backgrounds explored the museum field and issues related to diversity and museums during a semester-long course followed by a paid internship. The program also engages students in discussions on the underrepresentation of communities of color and American Indian nations in historical organizations and public history graduate programs. The class is offered in the fall for ACTC students and as a spring semester course at the University of Minnesota.
Partner: The University of Minnesota--Twin Cities
University of Minnesota students from diverse backgrounds explored the museum field through a semester-long course at the U, followed by a paid summer internship at the Minnesota Historical Society. The course introduced students to issues related to diversity and museums. Students then chose from a wide range of internship positions and also interacted with professionals in the field during a museum study trip to Washington, D.C.
