Field Note

Grants Office and Local History Services Staff conducted a site visit at the University of Minnesota's Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine for a grant-funded project to increase public access to 4,000 healthcare instruments by creating detailed information, reference images, and 3D models.

Heritage Preservation Grants

Historic St. Louis County Jail Window Restoration
Restoration of the 90 historic windows, which included removal of non-historic glass block, manufacture of new windows that replicate the historic design, and installation of new windows to introduce natural ventilation and light into the former St. Louis County jail, now converted into a 33-unit mixed-income residential apartment building named “Leijona.”

The restoration of the windows revived the historic character of the former jail building, enhancing its significance in the Civic Center Historic District. The removal of its blighted status has made the building safe and operational. This project has improved public access to the building's interior and preserved its historical integrity worthy of its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. 
Recipient: City of Duluth
Funded Amount: $240,000
Project Details

Large Grant Deadline
Pre-applications for the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants large grant round (requests over $10,000) will be due Friday, May 31, 2024. This is a required part of the large grant application process. Contact the Grants Office with questions.

Grants Office Webinar: MnSHIP is Here, Come Learn About It
April 18 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: An important new tool to understand historic structures is live and available. If you research or generate research on historic properties in MN, you need to know about The Minnesota Statewide Historic Inventory Portal (MnSHIP). MnSHIP enables in-depth research, access to historic inventory data, and novel ways to enter new historic inventory data into the system. There is so much to learn about and accomplish with MnSHIP. Join this webinar by one of the driving forces behind this years-long effort. Presented by the MN State Historic Preservation Office’s National Register Architectural Historian Ginny Way.
Join online: meet.google.com/zwx-krei-com
Join by phone: ‪(US) +1 386-361-3086‬ PIN: ‪420 891 978‬#

Additional Funding Sources »
Heritage Preservation Grants YouTube Playlist »

From the Blog

This week's blog post is from the Lyon County Historical Society. Have a blog? Let us know!

The History of Cookbooks
The display case in the front entry of the museum has been changed to feature a few of the cookbooks in the Lyon County Museum’s collection. The display case includes a few kitchen items as well.

A cookbook is a collection of recipes, instructions, and information about the preparation and serving of foods.  The printing press revolutionized the culinary arts by making cookbooks widely available. The first known to have been printed, in 1485, was produced by an Italian, Bartolema Scappi. Continue Reading »

More MN Blog posts

• Brandon High School Class Play 1953 - Brandon History Center
• Piecing together the lives of formerly enslaved people - U of MN Libraries
• General William Carey Brown - Nicollet County Historical Society
• History: Stillwater Country Club: 100 years of golf in the Valley - Washington County Historical Society
• A look back in crime... - Isanti County Historical Society

From the Tube

This week's post is from Kashubian Cultural Institute and Polish Museum. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!

More MN Tube posts

• The Fleck Corn Crib ACO Silo: One of a Kind! - Minnesota Bricks
• Immigration Then and Now in SE MN - History Center of Olmsted County
• Chik-Wauk and Hamm's Beer - Gunflint Trail Historical Society Chik-Wauk Museum
• THE NELLIES: Abigail Knott Adkins - Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum
• Viking Age Foodways - Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County
• Thomas Press Conference with Two Harbors Mayor - April 2024 - Lake Superior Railroad Museum
• Patty Wetterling: "Dear Jacob" - Stearns History Museum

Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »

Job Opportunities

Minnesota Historical Society's Job Announcement, Internship, Fellowship, and Volunteer Opportunity pages.

LOCAL

• RFP: Research Exhibit Planning Services - Lyon County Historical Society, Marshall, MN
• Administrative & Development Manager - Douglas County Historical Society, Alexandria MN
• R.D. Hubbard House Assistant - Blue Earth County Historical Society, Mankato, MN
• Facilities Manager - Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
• Janitor - Night Shift - Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis, MN
• Content Strategist - Minneapolis Institute of Art - Minneapolis, MN

REGIONAL

• Museum Curator - Badlands National Park, National Park Service, Interior, SD
• Retail & Theater Representative - Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI
• Collections Move Technician, Geology - Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI 
• Education and Community Program Director - Jewish Museum Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 
• Registrar - John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, WI
• Executive Director - Heritage Hill State Historical Park, Green Bay, WI 
• Laboratory Coordinator/Archeology Curator -  Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, WI
• Junior Graphic Designer - Wisconsin Historical Foundation/Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, WI

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

• Volunteer Services Manager - Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL
• Volunteer Services Coordinator I - Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL
• Seasonal Historical Site Interpreter - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Vincennes, IN
• RFP: Develop educational lessons for grades 7 through 9 - Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis, IN
• Associate Director of Experience & Education - Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, Muncie, IN
• Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer - The Morton Arboretum - Lisle, IL
• Development Officer - Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum, Detroit, MI
• Chief Executive Officer - Motown Museum, Detroit, MI
• Features Editor - Historical Society of Michigan, Lansing, MI
• Collections Manager - Hope College Kruizenga Art Museum, Holland, MI  

INTERNSHIPS/VOLUNTEERS/FELLOWSHIPS

• Conservation, Kress Fellow - Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis, IN
• Summer Archives Fellow - Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA
• Shaker Historical Society - Summer Photo Archives Intern, Shaker Heights, OH 
• Archives Cataloguer Intern - Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, Southampton, ON

Additional Job Postings in the Field »

Do History Here

Image used with permission. From the collections of the History Center of Olmsted County.

Submit your history organization's news and events to localhistorynews@mnhs.org.

Presentation: Movie Made Jews: A Lecture by Helene Meyers
April 17 @ 7:30 to 9 pm - St. Paul: Minnesota Jewish Community Center - This talk explores the diverse and pluralistic American Jewish cinematic tradition, showcasing both self-identifying Jews and observant individuals in fiction films and documentaries. It highlights the cultural impact of Jewish movies in shaping viewers' perceptions and promoting alliance politics. Helene Meyers is Professor Emerita of English at Southwestern University, where she held the McManis University Chair. This event is presented as part of the Twin Cities Jewish Film Festival‘s 30th anniversary celebration. Location: Capp Center. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Never Trust a Thin Cook and Other Lessons from Italy’s Culinary Capital - A Celebration of St. Paul’s Sister City: Modena, Italy
April 18 @ 3:30 to 5 pm - St. Paul: Ramsey County Historical Society - "I simply want to live in the place with the best food in the world." This dream led author Eric Dregni to Italy, first to Milan and eventually to a small, fog-covered town to the north: Modena, the birthplace of balsamic vinegar, Ferrari, and Luciano Pavarotti. Listen to his tales, brimming with adventures both expected and unexpected, awkward social moments, and most importantly, very good food. Location: Concordia Library, Concordia University. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Event: Hundreds of Students from Across Minnesota Compete in State History Day
April 20 @ 9 am to 6:30 pm - Minneapolis: MN State History Day - Students from around Minnesota participated in regional competitions and advanced to the state competition. The theme of National History Day’s 50th Anniversary is “Turning Points in History.”  Students in grades 6-12 created exhibits, documentaries, websites, and performances on their topics. Location: Minneapolis Convention Center. Learn more »

Great Decisions
Ramsey County Library - Partnering with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of the University of Minnesota, Global Minnesota and the Foreign Policy Association for an online version of their annual Great Decisions series on the most critical issues facing America each year. Study the issues and then join the discussions led by expert speakers. Cost: Free. Learn more »

• April 26 - Climate Technology and Competition With Todd Lefko
• May 10 - Science Across Borders With Christie Siver

Rehab Lab: Plumbing the Depths of Toilet Repair
May 6 @ 6:30 to 8:30 pm - Minneapolis: Rethos - Need some toilet tips? Join Minnesota Tool Library, Rethos, and other DIYers for a crash course in toilet repair! Learn how to diagnose common toilet issues and determine the best course of action. Cost: $60. Learn more »

Presentation: Veterans Coffee - A Gold Star Family
May 7 @ 1:30 pm - Marshall: Lyon County Museum - Veterans are invited to bring their spouses and family members and enjoy coffee and treats while visiting with fellow veterans in the ice cream shop at the museum. At 2 pm Deb Ahmann will present A Gold Star Family. On June 19, 1969, Thomas Bradley from Minnesota was killed in action while serving his country in Vietnam. Deb Ahmann, Tom’s sister, will share stories about her family and Tom’s life and service. For more information email Lyon County Museum.  

Event: Adoption Party - ACHS Collection Gems
May 14 @ 6pm - Anoka: Anoka County Historical Society - Bring some attention to the veterans you know! Join Collections Manager Kassy when we open the boxes, and, with snacks and laughter, showcase our favorite things in the collection. Adopt at this military-themed event. Cost: $10. Learn more »

Presentation: What a Rush - The 80s Professional Wrestling Boom and its Ties to Minnesota
May 16 @ 12 to 6 pm - St. Cloud: Stearns History Museum - Come on down to Pantown to relive the glorious boom years of professional wrestling in the 1980s, and learn about the many connections to not only Minnesota, but Stearns County! Cost: Free members/$10 nonmembers. Learn more »

Workshop: Intro to Masonry: Materials, Methods and Maintenance
May 18 @ 9 am to 1 pm - St. Cloud: Stearns History Museum - Learn about masonry at this hands-on, information-packed workshop taught by John Beaty, design reviewer for the Minnesota Historical Society. An expert in the repair of historic masonry, John will share his knowledge and expertise with workshop attendees, covering everything from the ins and outs of masonry to how to identify problem areas and what to do about them. Location: Rainbow Wellness Collective. Cost: $20 members/$30 nonmembers. Learn more »

Explore Minnesota - State of MN's Tourism website
Listings: History & Heritage Events | Historic Exhibits | Lectures & Workshops
Submit an event »

Continuing Education

Highlighted Museum:  North Star Museum of Boy Scouting & Girl Scouting, North St. Paul, MN.
Photograph by McGhiever, distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 license.

Managing Cash Flow
April 24 - 9 to 11 am (CT) - Online: Propel Nonprofits - While standard nonprofit financial reports – the budget, income statement, and balance sheet – provide important management information, these statements alone do not tell whether there is enough cash on hand to pay for an unexpected expense, to take on a new opportunity, or even to cover payroll next month. This workshop will help you anticipate and prepare for the ebb and flow of cash coming in and going out of your organization and identify ways to avoid and manage cash flow challenges. Cost: $60. Learn more »

Storytelling for Impact
April 30 @  2 pm (CT) - Online: Firespring - The presenter will go through tips, techniques and tools to help the modern marketer tell better and more impactful stories to activate their audiences around ideas and actions. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Regional Emergency Networks: VACDaRN’s Response to Vermont’s Severe Weather and Flooding 
May 1 @ 12 to 1 pm (CT) - Online: Connecting to Collections Care - As part of FAIC’s annual May Day programming, two members of the VACDaRN Steering Team will speak about their work in the immediate aftermath of Vermont’s severe weather and flooding on July 10, 2023, the long tale of recovery, and what they learned we need to improve before the next disaster.  Cost: Free. Learn more »

Reuse in Real Estate: Helping Clients Make Sustainable Choices
May 9 @ 2 to 3 pm (CT) - Online: Rethos - While many consumers think sustainability requires new "green" products, reused materials are our best option to reduce our carbon emissions and energy usage. You will learn where to find local reuse and repair resources, how to best share information with clients, and why reuse is essential to building a more sustainable future. Cost: Free for general public. Learn more »

TIPS & TOOLS

• How Museums are Helping Homeless People - MuseumNext

Additional Educational Opportunities »

Funding & Awards

Arts Experiences Grant Program Now Open
June 21 - (Deadline): Minnesota State Arts Board - Arts Experiences helps to support arts experiences for Minnesotans throughout the state. Funds may be used for a variety of arts programming such as creating and/or presenting concerts, plays, tours, exhibitions, arts festivals, public art, or other kinds of activities that provide Minnesotans opportunities to engage in arts activities that are instilled into community or public life. Applicants may request between $5,000 - $35,000. Learn more »

Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) Regional Grant Program      
The Teaching with Primary Sources Regional program promotes the widespread, sustained and effective use of primary sources from the Library of Congress in K-12 classrooms by increasing access to the TPS program. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Learn more »

Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program                
The USDA offers a Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program for essential community facilities in rural areas, which includes museums and libraries. Learn more »

Research Grants at Presidential Libraries                
Several private foundations associated with Presidential Libraries provide grants-in-aid to assist researchers studying Presidential Library holdings. Learn more »

News

New Director at Fillmore County Historical Society
In February the Fillmore County Historical Society hired Demery Maughan, as their new Executive Director. Demery is originally from Fountain, Minnesota with deep family ties to the area. She has a degree in History from Augsburg University. Welcome!

Historical society makes searching for veterans easier
Patriot - The Carver County Historical Society has added a technology upgrade to the exhibit “Extraordinary Sacrifices: Carver County’s Servicemen and Women in Wartime.” The exhibit’s highly-popular display of Carver County veteran photos has been replaced by two touchscreen monitors hosting a searchable digital database complete with veteran photos and service information. Continue reading »

In Fergus Falls, the ruins of a massive dam collapse attract visitors across Minnesota
CBS - ..."There's still debris and there's still pilings in the water. Nothing was ever cleared out," said Chris Schuelke, executive director for the Otter Tail County Historical Society. Schuelke is talking about the old city-light dam. Built in 1908, it was once a major source of power — until it crumbled without warning... Watch video »

Historical Society begins property and restoration projects at Chippewa City Church
WTIP - The Cook County Historical Society is preparing for a busy spring and summer, with several restoration and other projects underway. This year, the Cook County Historical Society (CCHS) is focusing on one of the leading restoration projects, the Chippewa City Church, to help ensure its legacy for the next 100 years. Continue reading »

Featured Book 100 Things to Do in Minnesota Before You Die by Julie Jo Larson Reedy Press. Author Event Date: April 20 @ 1 pm Location: Blue Earth County History Center, Mankato, MN	Featured Article Minnesota History Of Generations and Greatness Volume 60, Issue 4, 2006-07	Featured Article MNopedia Minnesota Miracle (legislation) Featured MNopedia Article
Minnesota History Organizations Directory  • County, Chapters, and Local • Statewide/Topical Historical • Regional History Coalitions • Professional Organizations	Minnesota Main Streets Reinvigorate your community's commercial district.	Preservation Specialists Directory Look up products or services.

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