Field Note

On Tuesday, February 26, Local History Services and Grants staff met with the Lake of the
Woods County Historical Society and their contractor to review the progress on a
Legacy-funded grant to install a new exhibit at their museum in Baudette. MNHS staff learned about the plans and toured the gallery as the installation was being conducted.

Heritage Preservation Grants

Spotlighted Project: Grey Eagle Village Hall Conditions Assessment
The project involved creating a condition assessment report conducted by a qualified architect for the Grey Eagle Village Hall, which dates back to 1934 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The assessment included an examination of all interior and exterior spaces and materials to evaluate their current condition and to identify any necessary repairs. 

The primary objective of this initiative is to rehabilitate the Grey Eagle Village Hall, turning it into a vibrant community center that serves not only the city but also the surrounding areas. Once restored, the building will provide a variety of functions, including space for recreation, exhibitions, community education classes, concerts, theater performances, celebrations, receptions, and meetings for local organizations and clubs.
Recipient: City of Grey Eagle
Amount Funded: $10,000
Project Details

Small Grant Deadline
The next small grant deadline (requests of $10,000 or less) for the MHCHG program is Friday, April 11, 2025.

APRIL Grants Open House
April 3 - 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 »

Grants Office YouTube Playlist »

From the Blog

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

Anna Gates - Suffragist and Moorhead's First Female Police Officer
Anna Gates, nee Liedahl, was born in Norway in 1869. Like so many in this region, she immigrated with her family to the United States and by 1881 had settled in Leonard, North Dakota. She would later move to Fargo and work in homes. In 1896, Anna married Elbert Gates, a mail carrier from Moorhead and moved across the river.

Anna was unlike many suffrage supporters, she was working class and an immigrant. At the time, many of the suffrage supporters in the country came from wealthier backgrounds and had more established American families. Still, Anna didn't let this stop her and she would eventually become Chairmen of District 49's Minnesota Woman's Suffrage Association.
Continue reading »

More MN Blog posts

• The Beauty Spot - Robbinsdale Historical Society
• The Return of an Iconic Treasure: Paulson Hall Mural - American Swedish Institute
• Women's History: Nancy Ball Angell - Meeker County Historical Society
• Addressing the ‘Trust Gap’ Harming History in the Twin Cities - Ramsey County Historical Society
• Amanda Jackson: Stillwater’s teacher - Washington County Historical Society

From the Tube

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

Toni Hughes: from weather "girl" to weather reporter
From 1969-1978, Toni Hughes gave the weather report on Twin Cities WTCN-TV, now KARE 11.
Like most stations at the time, she was never an accredited meteorologist, but as a model and dancer – plus an alumna of St. Kate’s and the U – she looked and sounded great on camera and raised viewership and ratings.
Hiring her was a bold move for the station because Toni Hughes was an African-American woman, the first to appear regularly on weeknight newscasts in Minnesota.
Sadly, a decade in, the station got caught up in the so-called “news wars” and felt pressured to hire a professional meteorologist. Claiming she was a “freelancer,” the station let Toni go without notice or severance.
Ms. Hughes went on to be a health director at Cigna Healthcare. She died young of a rare blood disease. Listen to podcast »

More MN Tube posts

• Double Feature: Seeking NJB (Nice Jewish Boy) & Unrequited Love: Looking at love and Loss in the Archives - U of MN Libraries
• Keeping the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway Line Alive – A New Bridge at Carver, Minnesota - Minnesota Bricks
• August Nimtz: Marx, Douglass and the Fight for Racial Equality: a Panel with Kyle Edwards - East Side Freedom Library
• Founding Clay County, Minnesota - Historical and Cultural Center of Clay County
• Barn Quilts of Stevens County, MN and the people who live here - Stevens County Historical Society

Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »

Job Opportunities

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

LOCAL

• Executive Director - History Center of Olmsted County, Rochester, MN
• Associate Curator of Climate and Clean Water - Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Winona, MN
• Museum Educator - Bell Museum, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN
• Facilities Coordinator - Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis, MN
• Janitorial Services Supervisor (Night Shift) - Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis, MN
• Summer Visitor Assistant: Galleries OR Box Office - Minnesota Children's Museum, St. Paul, MN
• Program Manager - Minnesota Humanities Center, St. Paul, MN
• Arts & Education Director - New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, New York Mills, MN

REGIONAL

• Director of Registration - Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI
• Tour Guide - Historic Reed School, Wisconsin Historical Society, Neillsville, WI
• Archaeologist III - KLJ, Rapid City, SD 
• Special Events and Membership Manager - Grout Museum District, Waterloo, IA

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

• Annual Giving Director - Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL
• Historical Site Interpreter - Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site, Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Rome City, IN
• Collections Manager - Shelby County Historical Society, Shelbyville, IN
• Historical Site Interpreter - Whitewater Canal State Historic Site, Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Metamora, IN
• Collections Manager - Grover Center Museum, Shelby County Historical Society, Shelbyville, IN
• Event Coordinator - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN
• Associate Director of Sales & Marketing - Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland, OH
• Local History Outreach Librarian - Capital Area District Libraries, Lansing, MI
• Outreach Specialist - Presbyterian Historical Society, Philadelphia, PA
• Head of the Eberly Family Special Collections Library - Penn State University, University Park, PA
• Director - Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
• Temporary Park Superintendent I - Bowring Ranch State Historical Park, Marriman, NE
• Curatorial Assistant - Grimsby Museum, Grimsby, ON
• Summer Events Coordinator - Grimsby Museum, Grimsby, ON
• Educational Programmer - Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
• Collections Management Assistant - Swift Current Museum, City of Swift Current, Swift Current, SK
• Assistant Curator - Exhibits - Museum of Surrey, City of Surrey, Surrey, BC

INTERNSHIPS/VOLUNTEERS/FELLOWSHIPS

• Data and Demographics Intern - Minnesota Children's Museum, St. Paul, MN
• Talent Resources Intern - Minnesota Children's Museum, St. Paul, MN
• Traveling Exhibits Props and Costumes Intern - Minnesota Children's Museum, St. Paul, MN
• Exhibit Fabrication Intern - Minnesota Children's Museum, St. Paul, MN
• Traveling Exhibits Intern - Minnesota Children's Museum, St. Paul, MN
• Collections & Archival Management Intern (Textile Inventory) - Detroit Historical Society, Detroit, MI

Additional Job Postings in the Field »

Do History Here

Image used with permission. From the collections of the Milaca Area Historical Society.

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

History Harvest - Ulen
April 2 @ 1 to 4 pm - Ulen: Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County - One of several History Harvests throughout the county in March and April with the goal to collect the memories people have of the significance of buildings and structures from throughout the county. These structures can still be standing or they may be long gone. The interviews will be archived in the Clay County Archives, but the stories will be shared with the public via the North Star Story Map at northstarstorymap.com. Location: Ulen Senior Center. Learn more »

Hygge Happy Hour: BARN Business Mixer with Writer/Director Camilla Roman
April 3 @ 4 to 8 pm - Minneapolis: Norway House - This series highlights entrepreneurs, innovators, and creatives with Nordic connections, offering a space to network and exchange ideas. This month, we are thrilled to welcome Norwegian writer and director Camilla Roman, who is currently in Minnesota scouting locations for her upcoming feature film, Where the Water Runs Deep—a gripping crime and family drama set in the state. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Film Series: Kitty to Cooperstown
April 3 @ 2 to 3:30 pm - St. Peter: Nicollet County Historical Society - "Kitty to Cooperstown" chronicles the extraordinary journey of Jim Kaat, one of baseball's most enduring legends. This documentary traces Kaat's eight-decade-long career, from on the mound to in the booth. Through exclusive interviews with Hall of Fame players and reporters, "Kitty to Cooperstown" delves deep into Kaat's life, showcasing his dedication, resilience, and passion for the game. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Movie Screening: "The Property" at MSPIFF
April 4 @ 1:45 pm & 9 @ 1:20 pm - Minneapolis: Polish American Cultural Institute of Minnesota - "The Property" is a romantic dramedy that follows Regina and her granddaughter Mika on a journey to Poland to reclaim their family property, which was seized during World War II. The Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF), is one of the largest and longest-running international film festivals in the country. Cost: $19. Learn more »

An immersive evening of intrigue aboard the SS Libertania
April 5 @ 5:30 pm - Anoka: Anoka County History Center - Join the bustling energy of travelers and cargo awaiting their next adventure aboard the SS Libertania to solve a murder mystery. Collaborate with fellow passengers to uncover clues and identify the killer before time runs out. This momentous journey will soon become a poignant reminder of a world on the brink of profound change as history unfolded in ways they could scarcely imagine. Cost: $45. Learn more »

30th Annual Quilt Show
Now through April 11 - South St. Paul: Dakota County Historical Society & Dakota County Star Quilters - The theme of the exhibit is “The Threads That Bind Us.” Visitors will be able to view approximately 100 quilts and can vote on their favorites. On April 8 at 3 pm and again at 6:30 pm, Sue Heinz will present a special lecture "You've Got a Friend Named Elmer" sharing simple piecing techniques that require no pins, clips, or gadgets for precisely matching stripes and accurately piecing circles and eliminating bias stretch forever. Learn more »

Program: "We Suffered Much: Charles Wood Irish and the Dakota Territory Survey of 1879-1881" 
April 8 @ 6:30 to 7:30 pm - Marshall: Lyon County Museum - Cindy Wilson will be presenting her book, "We Suffered Much: Charles Wood Irish and the Dakota Territory Survey of 1879-1881." In her talk, she will use photography, historical documents, and drone video to explain her motivation for writing the book and to provide background on Charles Wood Irish and his family. Wilson will highlight key events from the early stages of her research project and will conclude with a particular research journey that she undertook. Cost: Pay-as-you-can. Learn more »

Book Launch: "Go Away, Rock Snot" Celebrating Child Author-Artists with Minnesota Children's Press
April 8 @ 3:30 to 7:30 pm - Grand Marais Johnson Heritage Post Gallery/Historic Cook County - Join child authors and illustrators as they unveil their newest publication, Go Away, Rock Snot! The book, which explores the real science behind a gooey biological menace threatening freshwater sources, is the latest project produced by Minnesota Children's Press. All attendees will receive a copy of the book. Learn more »

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

Continuing Education

Highlighted Museum: Sandstone History and Art Center, Sandstone, MN.
Photograph by McGhiever, distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

Working Your Core - Core documents that is! 
March 27 @ 1 to 2 pm (CT) - Online: American Alliance of Museums - Julie Hart, AAM’s Senior Director of Standards & Excellence, and Kelly Falcone-Hall, President & CEO, Western Reserve Historical Society will talk about how five core documents can help your museum reflect professional practices. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Navigating Donations - Legal and Ethical Aspects of Donations with the Appraisers Association 
March 27 @ 1 to 3:30 pm (CT) - Online: Association of Academic Galleries and Museums - Understanding the roles and responsibilities of the donor, donee, and the various museum and gallery staff (development office, curators, registrars, and others). Additional discussion will address the legal and ethical aspects of a donation, including the need for an appraisal and related tax documents. Cost: $29 member/$59 nonmember. Learn more »

How to Fundraise During Times of Fear and Uncertainty
April 1 @ 1 pm (CT) - Online: GrantStation - Fundraising Culture Change Expert Lori L. Jacobwith will outline seven essential actions to help your organization move past fear and uncertainty and develop a clear, strategic approach to fundraising in challenging times. Cost: $69. Learn more »

Museums In Uncertain Times
April 7 & 14 @ 3 to 4 pm (CT) - Online: Indiana University Indianapolis, Museum Studies - How are you and your museum navigating the changing political landscape? In these two conversations, professionals in the field will discuss the current political discourse that impacts museum work at all levels. Topics include debates surrounding DEI initiatives, government funding cuts, content censoring, and how museums are responding. Learn more »

• April 7 - PART 1: Institutions, DEI, and the Road Ahead
• April 14 - PART 2: The Resilience of Museum Professionals

Public History Educators Meet Up: Blog Writing Workshop 
April 9 @ 2 pm (CT) - Online: National Council on Public History - A monthly informal, 45-minute zoom gathering for the community of public history educators from around the country. Join this month for advice on how to write blog posts for a public history audience. Learn more »

250 by 2026 Wikipedia Course
April 9 to May 28 - Online course: Wiki Education is partnering with the American Association for State and Local History to improve Wikipedia’s depth and coverage of American history. Wiki Education invites subject-matter experts to participate in an 8-week virtual course as they learn how to edit Wikipedia. Course participants will receive training from Wikipedia experts to expand and deepen the site’s articles related to American history. Cost: Free. Learn more »

TIPS & TOOLS

• Defend the Institute of Museum and Library Services - Take Action Now! - American Association for State and Local History
• Forward Together: an Update on IMLS - American Association for State and Local History

UPCOMING CONFERENCES IN MINNESOTA

April 10 - 12, 2025, Minneapolis, MN Scholarships available.

April 22 - 24, 2025 White Bear Lake, MN

May 6 - 7, 2025 St. Paul, MN Scholarships available.

Additional Educational Opportunities »

Funding & Awards

Community Building Grant Program 
Deadline - ongoing: Compeer Financial - This grant program supports brick-and-mortar projects in communities across Compeer Financial’s service territory in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Support is provided for building projects that allow community members to gather or that provide opportunities for education and showcase agriculture. Projects must be located in a rural community or serve agriculture or farmers. Funds are designated for new construction or major renovations. Grant amount: $2,500 to $10,000. Learn more »

Early American Art and Heritage Projects Supported
Rolling Deadlines: Americana Foundation - American Heritage program area supports projects and programs throughout the United States that seek to broaden the inclusivity of early American art and the early American historical narrative to "tell the full story of" the American experience. Learn more »

Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation (FAIC) Grants and Scholarships
Grants and scholarships are available in several categories including Professional Development, Conservation, Outreach, and Emergency Preparedness & Response. Learn more »

Additional Funding & Award Opportunities »

News

Vintage Museum Photo: Outdoor food kiosks at Iron World USA, Chisholm, MN. (1986). Previously known as the Iron Range Interpretive Center, it is now the Minnesota Discovery Center. View additional photos on Instagram »
This new section features slides taken of Minnesota history museums from the 1970s through the 1990s by David Nystuen, the MNHS Field Services Coordinator, and other Field Services representatives during that time period.

Beltrami museum seeks community involvement for May event on menstruation
MPR - In announcing its new event the Beltrami County Historical Society is seeking public input for the exhibit titled “Women's History, Period. (The Evolution of Menstruation).” Emily Thabes, the executive director for BCHS, said the weeklong event at the end of May will feature guest speakers and cover a multitude of topics historical and contemporary, including period poverty. Continue reading »

Fascinated by fossils, Minnesota man builds a small-town science museum bone by bone
MPR - A small storefront on Main Street in Blue Earth has been home to many businesses since it was built in 1892. Its creaky wooden floor is now covered with fossil displays as the Southern Minnesota Museum of Natural History takes shape. Continue reading »

Featured Book Home Club: Up-and-Comers and Comebacks at Acme Comedy Company by Patrick Strait. Minnesota Historical Society Press. Book Launch Date: March 26 @ 8 to 10 pm Location: Acme Comedy Company Minneapolis MN	Featured Article Minnesota History Miss Carrie H. Lippincott: The Woman Behind the Seed Empire and the Fight for Her Name Volume 69, Issue 3, 2024	Featured Article MNopedia Uusi Kotimaa 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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