Field Note

Participants from the Minnesota Alliance for Local History Museums and the Minnesota Alliance for Heritage Response teamed up at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, MN last week to organize supplies for 12 emergency caches that are to be distributed throughout the state. These emergency caches will be free to use for any cultural organization, and should help with recovery and response from anything from a minor water leak to a major disaster. Once they're completely set up, almost the entire state will be within 90 minutes of at least one emergency cache. The caches include supplies for collections salvage, documentation, basic tools, and equipment such as generators and dehumidifiers. This project was funded with money provided by Minitex. To access the caches, all you need to do is call the Mutual Assistance phone number at 612-208-3150.

Above: Ferris Grand/Masonic Hall Block Legacy Grants: North Façade Repointing, Construction Drawings, and Reuse Study. Recipient: Pipestone County Historical Society

History Matters Day at the Capitol is Thursday, February 29

Speak up for history! Join MNHS to show your support for history initiatives beginning at 9 am on February 29. This hybrid event will take place at the Minnesota State Capitol in Room G19 and will be live-streamed on Zoom.

During History Matters Day at the Capitol, you can connect with your representatives to say thank you and urge them to provide strong support for asset preservation, facilities improvement, and historic preservation grants. More information to come! Learn more & Register »

Heritage Preservation Grants

FEBRUARY Grants Open House
February 1 - Online: The Grants Office will hold a virtual Grants Office Open House using Google Meet from 2 to 3:30 pm in order to provide additional grants support to our communities. We encourage people to RSVP to Gillian with a short summary of what you want to talk about and she will try to ensure that someone helpful will be available. Learn more »

From the Blog

This week's blog post is from the Hennepin History Museum. Have a blog? Let us know!

"Before a Woman Enters the Booth"
Officially adopted in 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment states that the “right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” Before this important victory, suffragists in Minnesota had secured the right to vote in school board elections in 1875 and in library board elections in 1898. However, this second triumph would prove bittersweet. In response, the rules for ballot initiatives were changed and women in Minnesota would be officially barred from voting for any higher offices until the passage for the next twenty-two years. 

During this period, to accommodate both sexes in the voting booth, special machines were introduced that were equipped with a mechanism that physically blocked women from casting illegal ballots. The ballot box seen here from the collection at Hennepin History Museum is an example of such a voting machine and today it’s one of the last remaining of its kind. Continue Reading »

More MN Blog posts

• Exciting announcement: Graeser Park is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places! - Robbinsdale Historical Society
• February 2024 Notes from the President - Danish American Center
• Middle schoolers explore turning points in history at Wilson Library - U of MN Libraries
• January Friday History: Maternity of Mary - Kraus-Anderson

From the Tube

This week's post is from Legacy of the Lakes Museum. Have a video channel or podcast? Let us know!

More MN Tube posts

• What is a Refugee? - Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County
• BookEnds Online Edition - Maren Cooper - Wadena County Historical Society
• Indigenous fire and conservation with Ferin Davis Anderson - Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
• Climate of the Gunflint Trail, Past, Present, & Future - Gunflint Trail Historical Society Chik-Wauk Museum
• Life at G-Force with E. Andrew Wood - History Center of Olmsted County History Center
• Mammoths, Mastodons, and More! - Brown County Historical Society
• This Old Kitchen: Onion Souffle - Gibbs Farm
• Indian Wars Everywhere - Ramsey County Historical Society
• Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad Remnants, Carver to Merriam Junction Minnesota - Minnesota Bricks

Job Opportunities

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

MNHS

• Interpreter I - Oliver Kelley Farm
• Program Facilitator I - Historic Fort Snelling
• Program Facilitator II - Split Rock Lighthouse
• Copywriter - MN History Center

LOCAL

• Curator - St. Louis County Historical Society, Duluth, MN
• IDEAL Center PD Project Leader - Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN

REGIONAL

• Director - Iowa Quilt Museum, Winterset, IA
• Seasonal Garden and Landscape Assistant - Brucemore, Cedar Rapids, IA
• Visitor Services Assistant - Brucemore, Cedar Rapids, IA
• Membership and Database Coordinator - Figge Art Museum, Davenport, IA
• Grants and Operations Manager - Iowa Arts Council, Iowa Economic Development Authority, Des Moines, IA
• Annual Fund Manager - National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Dubuque, IA
• Curator of Exhibits - Beloit College, Logan Museum of Anthropology, Beloit, WI
• Museum Curator - Dahl Automotive, La Crosse, WI
• Community Programs and Engagement Manager - Milwaukee County Historical Society, Milwaukee WI
• Marketing Director - Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee, WI
• Archeologist - Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, WI
• Archeologist, Project Director - Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, WI 
• Event Assistant - Chazen Museum of Art, Madison, WI

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

• Associate Director of Education (Museum Section Head II) - Illinois State Museum, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Springfield, IL
• Building Operations Assistant - Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago, IL
• Museum Curator/Collections Manager - National Museum of the American Sailor, Great Lakes Naval Training Center, IL
• Museum Curator - Sullivan County Public Library, Sullivan, IN
• Conservation Fellow - Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI
• Local History Outreach Librarian - Capital Area District Libraries, Lansing, MI
• Exhibit Department Manager - Ohio History Center, Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH
• Architectural Historian - Mannik & Smith Group, Inc., Maumee, OH
• Museum and Historic Site Administrator 2 - Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, Lancaster, PA
• Communications Coordinator - Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis, MO
• Signature Event Specialist - Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis, MO
• Associate Registrar - The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO
• Membership Coordinator - Douglas County Historical Society, Omaha, NE
• Curator & Archivist - Sam Waller Museum, The Pas, MB

INTERNSHIPS/VOLUNTEERS/FELLOWSHIPS

• Internships - Kandiyohi County Historical Society, Willmar, MN
• Board of Trustees - Blue Earth County Historical Society, Mankato, MN
• Video Production Intern - American Battlefield Trust, Washington, DC

Additional Job Postings in the Field »

Do History Here

Image used with permission. From the collections of the Nobles County Historical Society.

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

Panel Discussion: 2024 Black History Month: An Elder's view
February 1 @ 12 to 2 pm (CT) - Online: City of St. Paul - Hear a panel discussion with Local Elders: Dr. Mahmoud El Kati, Vusumuzi Zulu, Gwen Matthews, Charles Caldwell and Mari Harris who have made incredible contributions in the Artistic World as an African American educator, historian, author, storyteller, singer, performer and artist. From jazz to hip-hop, from poetry to painting, hear about their greatest successes and challenges as African American creatives. The late Mother Nathando Zulu will be honored in a performance by "Big Momma" Gwen Ellis. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Event: St. Paul Winter Carnival's Rondo Night
February 1 @ 5:30 to 9 pm - St. Paul: Ramsey County Historical Society - Looking for a fun way to kick off Black History Month celebrations? St. Paul Winter Carnival's Rondo Night returns this year at Landmark Center in the courtyard. The evening includes delicious food, music, cultural entertainment, vendor booths, local celebs, and more. Stop by the Ramsey County Historical Society table to learn about the fascinating histories of St. Paul’s vibrant African American communities. Local authors Marion Jones Kennon, Leetta Douglas, Nieeta Presley, and Frank White will be on hand to answer Rondo history questions and sign magazines. Learn more »

Film Screening: "The League" - Thursday Films at the Capri
February 1 @ 7 to 9 pm - Minneapolis: MSP Film Society - The League celebrates the dynamic journey of Negro League baseball’s triumphs and challenges through the first half of the twentieth century, told through previously unearthed archival footage and never-before-seen interviews with legendary players. The Capri Theater's premiere Northside movie series continues in 2023-24 with another slate of films worthy of your attention and time! Programmed in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society, First Thursday Films at the Capri aims to create a space for dialogue and better understanding. Location: Capri Theater. Learn more »

Panel: Black Citizenship Panel Discussion: Minnesota Post-Civil War
February 3 @ 1 @ 2:30 pm - Minnesota Historical Society - Celebrate the exhibit opening of "Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow" by joining two local scholars—Drs. William Green and James Robinson—for a program on the history of African Americans in Minnesota during the post-Emancipation era. This new exhibit tells the history of African Americans' struggle for full citizenship and racial equality in the 50 years following the Civil War. Learn how this struggle took shape in Minnesota and how African Americans navigated newfound freedoms and opportunities, established vibrant communities and institutions, and built a foundation for Minnesota’s Black community for decades to come. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Panel: Women in Local Government: A Conversation With Golden Valley Leaders
February 8 @ 7 pm - Golden Valley: Golden Valley Historical Society - Come for an insightful evening of dialogue and community connection. Gain valuable insights into the role of women in local government during this panel discussion followed by a Q & A. Golden Valley residents and local leaders Helen Bassett, Denise LaMere-Anderson, and Marti Micks will share their unique perspectives, experiences, and expertise on women in leadership roles. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Workshop: Make Vintage Valentines at the Winona History Center
February 11 @ 12 to 3 pm - Winona: Winona History Center - Make some vintage-inspired Valentines for your sweeties and explore the museum. Design ideas and all the supplies are provided. Open to all ages and abilities, but best for those 6 and older. The tradition of Valentine cards can be traced back a few hundred years, but they gained more popularity in the early 19th century in England. In America, Hallmark began printing Valentine cards in the 1910s. Cost: $3 members/$5 nonmembers. Learn more »

Presentation: The Early History of Wayzata and the North Shore
February 12 @ 7 pm - Wayzata: Lake Minnetonka Historical Society - Go on a journey through the early history of Wayzata, beginning with its pre-settlement period and progressing through Wayzata’s founding in 1854, including settler’s stories of life in this growing village. Location: Wayzata Community Room. Cost: $5. Learn more »

Presentation: St. Cloud Area Genealogists Meeting - “Funeral Homes and Family History: They’re Dying to Meet You”
February 20 @ 7 to 9 pm - Online: Stearns History Museum - Most genealogists know to look in a cemetery to find their ancestors, but what about the funeral home? Funeral home records can provide loads of genealogically rich information. This presentation will teach participants what types of records are typically found in funeral homes, how to locate these resources online and "in the field," as well as provide real-life examples of how to search for ancillary clues in funeral home records. Learn more »

Event: 11th Annual Civil War Symposium
March 23 @ 9 am to 5 pm - Mankato: Friends of the Boy in Blue Civil War Memorial - This year's symposium synopsis is 'War is Hell: Total War in ‘64.' The use of "total war" in 1864 was both effective as well as setting a precedent for future wars. The Civil War became the world’s first "modern war"; it resembled World War I more than the Napoleonic Wars or anything that came before it. This symposium will examine that bloody transformation. The symposium features a full day of speakers, costumed interpreters, Civil War-era music, exhibits, books and authors, panel discussions, and more. Location: Morson-Ario-Strand VFW. Cost: $25 members/$30 nonmembers. Learn more »

Continuing Education

Highlighted Museum: North Oaks Farm, operated by the Hill Farm Historical Society, North Oaks, MN.
Photograph by Bobak Ha'Eri, distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference
February 26 & 27 - Rochester & Online: The Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference is the annual learning opportunity designed specifically for the Minnesota tourism industry. This educational event includes national keynote speakers, topical breakout sessions, networking, and plenty of fresh and actionable ideas. Location: Mayo Civic Center. Learn more »

How to Deaccession
February 1 @ 2 pm (CT) - Online: Relicura - While deaccessioning is a healthy activity for any collection, the act of disposing of anything can seem taboo and carries the risk of upsetting stakeholders if not handled with care. This webinar will discuss why deaccessioning is an important aspect of our work. Then they will cover deaccession principles, constructing a policy, and how to gently handle the feelings that can come with the act of disposal. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Creative Solutions for Accessibility
February 15 @ 11 am (CT) - Online: Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts - This program will present case studies demonstrating how organizations can find unique approaches to advancing access for people with disabilities. From touch tours at archives to apps that help visitors deeply engage with historic sites regardless of ability, and more, find inspiration for your own work in these stories. Following the presentation, you will have a chance to do your own creative brainstorming as a group on how you might deepen accessibility at your institution. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Minnesota Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference
February 25 & 26 - St. Paul: Minnesota Council for the Social Studies - Don't miss out on your chance to receive some amazing professional development opportunities. Featuring 37 sessions, 30+ exhibitors, 2 open museum exhibits ("Black Citizenship in the Era of Jim Crow" and "The Life & Art of Charles M. Schulz") and a keynote address by Dr. Ed. Ayers and Annie Evans from the University of Richmond, attendees will have the opportunity to earn CEUs and make valuable connections to strengthen their professional learning community. Special Guest Appearance by Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon. Location: Minnesota History Center. Learn more »

TIPS & TOOLS

• Worker's Home transformed to show Black family's struggles and triumphs in 1950s - South Bend Tribune
• Free Grant Research Tools You May Not Know About - Funding for Good
• Conservation Wiki: Exhibition Standards & Guidelines - American Institute for Conservation

Additional Educational Opportunities »

Funding & Awards

Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is seeking nominations for its “Of the Year” awards 
February 29 - (Deadline): Northwest Minnesota Arts Council - Nominees must reside in the council’s seven-county service area in northwestern Minnesota: Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau. The awards, given annually to recognize artists and arts activists in the region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism, are: Arts Advocate of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Northwest Star Award. Learn more »

Archives Collaboratives
February 15 - (Draft Deadline) | May 3 - (Final Deadline): National Archives and Records Administration - This program welcomes collaborations among three or more organizations that target institutional advancement for small and underserved communities. Archives Collaboratives may: be located in the same community, state, or geographic region; be "virtual" or online collaboratives; share affinities among the scope and subject matter of their collections; have similar organizational missions; serve similar types of user communities. Apply for a Planning Grant (up to $25,000) or an Implementation Grant (up to $100,000). Learn more »

Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation
March 1 - (Deadline): National Trust for Historic Preservation - Grants for planning activities and education efforts focused on preservation. Learn more »

NAGPRA Consultation/Documentation Grants & Repatriation Grants
March 8 - (Deadline): Consultation/Documentation Grants support the efforts of museums, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations in consulting and documenting NAGPRA-related human remains and cultural items in non-Federal collections.
May 9 - (Deadline): Repatriation Grants defray costs associated with the packaging, transportation, contamination removal, and/or storage of NAGPRA-related human remains and cultural items. Learn more »

2023 AARP Community Challenge
March 15 - (Deadline): AARP - This program provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. Learn more »

Tennant Foundation
March 25 & September 22 - (Deadlines): The Tennant Foundation provides modest operating grants to organizations serving the Minneapolis community; their typical grant range is $1,500-$10,000. Tennant is particularly interested in requests that further their commitment to creating a cleaner, safer, and healthier world. Priority areas of giving include environmental programs, social services, workforce readiness through education and vocational rehabilitation, and cultural and arts organizations. Learn more »

News

Carol Carey fought the wrecking ball in St. Paul. She won, a hundred times.
StarTribune – Carey, longtime director of Historic St. Paul, is retiring after 20 years of saving history. Often, historic preservation focuses on saving from demolition the grand, stately properties of the long-ago elite. To Carol Carey, preserving history also meant infusing new life into scores of St. Paul's working-class houses and storefronts, one humble address at a time. Continue reading »

Freeborn County Historical Museum highlights 2024
KAAL TV – The Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library and Village held its annual meeting, celebrating 76 years. During the anniversary meeting, members talked about triumphs and struggles faced in 2023, while leaders shared what was ahead for 2024. Watch video »

Professor, historian honored for social justice advocacy
Mankato Free Press – You don’t always make friends advocating for social justice, said Jameel Haque. The Mankato professor, historian and Kessel Peace Institute director knows backlash comes with the territory. In 2020 people from across the political spectrum got mad at him for his push to rename Sibley Park due to Henry Sibley’s prominent role in the hanging of 38 Dakota men in 1862. Whether his focus is local with the park or global with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, he said his goals are less about popularity and more about raising awareness of social issues. Continue reading »

The Reason Foley Grew to the Town it is Today
WJON – Foley is a town of 2,603 people located where Highways 23 and 25 intersect in Benton County.  Mary Ostby is the Executive Director of the Benton County Historical Society.  She and Mayor Elect Jack Brosh joined me on WJON to talk about Foley. Continue reading »

West Central Area Baseball Hall of Fame announces the Class of 2024 Inductees
Kandiyohi County Historical Society is proud to announce the Class of 2024 inductees into the West Central Minnesota Hall of Fame. This year's inductees include David I. Dollerschell, Irvin Holtz, and David Lohn. Learn more »

Featured Book To Banish Forever: A Secret Society, the Ho-Chunk, and Ethnic Cleansing in Minnesota, by Cathy Coats. Minnesota Historical Society Press. Recorded broadcast of Book Release at "All My Relations Arts" »	Featured Article Minnesota History Horse racing on ice was popular in the Twin Cities Volume 41, Issue 8, 1969	Featured Article MNopedia Chanhassen Dinner Theatres 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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