Field Note

On May 18, the Stearns History Museum and the Rainbow Wellness Collective hosted a class on historic masonry repair taught by John Beaty, design reviewer at the Minnesota Historical Society. Here John is showing participants how to safely remove mortar from the rear of the Lahr Building in downtown St. Cloud. 

Heritage Preservation Grants

Spotlighted Project: South Attic Level Masonry, Terracotta and Window Restoration
The Brown County Museum, housed in the former New Ulm Post Office building since 1985, is a significant historic site reflecting local German culture. Built in 1909, the building survived three lightning strikes, which later caused masonry and terracotta damage. Extensive restoration work has been completed, including repairs to gabled ends, bricks, and windows. This ongoing multi-phase project aims to preserve the unique architecture and history of New Ulm for future generations.
Recipient: Brown County
Funded Amount: $153,736.00
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.

Small Grant Deadline
The next small grant deadline (requests of $10,000 or less) for the MHCHG program is Friday, July 12, 2024.

June Grants Open House
June 6 - 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 Robbinsdale Historical Society. Have a blog? Let us know!

The Circle
The complicated intersection of Oakdale, West Broadway, Lowry Avenue, and Victory Memorial Drive has been a Northside crossroads for over a century. A variety of development pressures and transportation innovations led to the creation of a roundabout that served the area until the early 1960s.

In the 1890s, the Camden and Victory neighborhoods of North Minneapolis were mostly rural, from 53rd Avenue North down to Lowry Avenue. After industry arrived, the area filled in with the homes of shingle makers, flour millers, brick makers, and railroad construction workers. Lowry Avenue became a busy street after the first Lowry Bridge over the Mississippi River was completed in 1905. Continue Reading »

More MN Blog posts

• Charles McCormick Reeve – general and prison warden - Washington County Historical Society
• The Sanborn family brought racial covenants to Robbinsdale. Now the city is renaming Sanborn Park - U of MN Libraries
• People left their homes for a new land in harsh wilderness of Wyoming - Chisago County Historical Society
• Spirits Dancing: The Night Sky, Indigenous Knowledge, & Living Connections to the Cosmos - Ramsey County Historical Society
• Anna Tranberg Coen: A Life In Photographs - Morrison County Historical Society
• Fruitful Searching in the FamilySearch Database - Hennepin History Museum
• ASI Announces Spring Community Fund Recipients - American Swedish Institute

From the Tube

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

Rediscovering "Anguish"
In 2005, ACHS produced an award-winning exhibit focusing on the veterans of the Vietnam War. One of these veterans, Bruce Sommer, created a piece of art titled “Anguish” as part of his healing process. In this episode, Collections Manager Kassandra Mackenthun visits with Gather Committee member Jo Rhoady to hear more about the art, Jo’s connection, and how ACHS plans to revisit the exhibit material.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director, and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator. Listen to podcast »

More MN Tube posts

• MnSHIP Retire Forms - Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office
• Minnesota State Historic Preservation Review Board Meeting May 14 2024 - Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office
• Downtown Shakopee Tour - Shakopee Heritage Society
• Stories in the Stones from the Cemeteries of Pipestone County - Pipestone County Museum
• Love & Solidarity Series: Border Rules: An Abolitionist Refusal - East Side Freedom Library
• BookEnds Online Edition Lin Enger - Wadena County Historical Society
• THE NELLIES: Nellie Messina Lessman - Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum
• Countering Chaos: Navigating Election Disinformation. MPI Spring Symposium 2024 at Norway House - Norway House

Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »

Job Opportunities

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

LOCAL

• Historical Site Specialist - City of Plymouth, Plymouth, MN
• Director of Development - Bell Museum, St. Paul, MN
• Curriculum Designer - Penumbra Theatre, St. Paul, MN
• Program & Gallery Manager - ArtReach St. Croix, Stillwater, MN
• Programs Specialist - Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis, MN
• Director of Development - Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis, MN
• Event Assistant - Bell Museum, Falcon Heights, MN
• Director of Development - Bell Museum, Falcon Heights, MN

REGIONAL

• Event Sales and Planning Specialist - Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI
• Signature Event Planner - Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI
• Director of Campus Facilities and Grounds - Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI
• Development, Membership, and Marketing Manager - Cable Natural History Museum, Cable, WI
• Operations Manager - Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center - South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD
• Education Program Coordinator - Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines, IA

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

• Controller - Chicago Children's Museum, Chicago, IL
• Project Manager - Chicago Children's Museum, Chicago, IL
• Manager of Student and Family Programs (Bilingual) - Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Chicago, IL
• Program Assistant - Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL
• Archives Technician - National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Valmeyer, IL
• Digital Projects and Metadata Assistant - Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
• Engagement Specialist - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN
• Public Programs Manager - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN
• Graphic Designer - Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis, IN
• Administrative Assistant - Kelton House Museum and Garden/Junior League, Columbus, OH
• Director of Development - American Sign Museum, Cincinnati, OH
• Archival Assistant - American Jewish Archives, Cincinnati, OH
• Digital Asset Management Systems Administrator - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland, OH
• Curator of Collections - Sloan Museum of Discovery, Flint, MI
• Archivist for Athletics - Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
• Collections Interpreter - Center for Collections and Research, Bloomfield Hills, MI
• Head of LaBudde Special Collections & University Archives - University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO
• Archivist - Ree & Jun Kaneko Foundation, Omaha, NE
• Vettoretto Curator of North American Archaeology - Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, ON
• Supervisor, Conservation and Technical Services - Canadian Museum of War, Ottawa ON
• Customer Success Specialist - CatalogIt, Remote

INTERNSHIPS/VOLUNTEERS/FELLOWSHIPS

• Collections Assistant Intern - Museum of Danish America, Elk Horn, IA

Additional Job Postings in the Field »

Do History Here

Image used with permission. From the collections of the Sandstone History Center.

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

Unveiling a Hidden History: The Forced Displacement of the Sámi People
May 23 @ 1 pm - Online: Co-sponsors - East Side Freedom Library, Norway House, Ramsey County Historical Society, Ramsey Library - Author Elin Anna Labba will be exploring her book "The Rocks Will Echo Our Sorrow" which investigates the deeply personal and historical account of the forced displacement of the Sámi people from their ancestral lands in northern Norway and Sweden. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Presentation: Exploring the Untold History of German Prisoners of War in Minnesota
May 23 @ 12 pm - Bemidji - Beltrami County History Center - Fia Larsen, an intern
and volunteer at the Beltrami County Historical Society  will delve into the fascinating history of German POW labor camps in Greater Minnesota. These camps played a crucial role during the war, serving as both a housing facility and a source of labor for agricultural and forestry tasks. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Screening: American Experience: Ruthless- Monopoly's Secret History Film
May 30 @ 7 pm - Albert Lea: Freeborn County Historical Museum - Come and screen the film "Ruthless - Monopoly’s Secret History." For generations, Monopoly has been America's favorite board game, a love letter to unbridled capitalism and—for better or worse—the impulses that make our free-market society tick. But behind the myth of the game's creation is an untold tale of theft, obsession and corporate double-dealing. Come and enjoy this film. Cost: Free members/$5 nonmembers. Learn more »

Tour: Behind the Scenes Tours
May 30 @ 10 am, 2 pm & 6 pm - Albert Lea: Freeborn County Historical Museum - Have you ever wondered what is behind the scenes at the museum? What is around the corner from the exhibits, or what is stored away in our back rooms? This is your chance to see for yourself. Join curator Risha Lilienthal as you adventure through the parts of the museum that are not open to the public, including the archives and exhibit preparation area. Cost: Free members/$5 nonmembers. Learn more »

Tour: Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Tour
May 31 @ 7 pm - Fergus Falls: Otter Tail County Historical Society - Explore the life stories of Clitherall's founders in a serene setting. At a hill overlooking Clitherall Lake lies the burial ground of the Cutlerites, a Mormon group who settled Otter Tail County. Led by Alpheus Cutler, they journeyed from Iowa to Minnesota after a vision. Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, on Hiram and Rachel Murdock's homestead, was established for them. Cost: $10. Learn more »

Event: ICONIC: LGBTQ+ History Drag Brunch Celebration
June 1 @ 10 am to 12 pm - Minneapolis: Telling Queer History - Learn about LGBTQ+ history through the art of drag performances - and get this - YOU are invited to arrive dressed up too! Cost: $10 - $200. Location: Prospect Park Neighborhood. Learn more »

Event: 24th Annual Rhubarb Fest 
June 2 @ 1 to 4 pm - New Brighton: New Brighton History Center - Intended to honor the Hipp Family and the many young men and women who worked the fields at Joe Hipp’s Lakeside Berry Farm in Long Lake Park from the 1920s to the 1980s. Learn more »

Presentation: The Early History of Excelsior and the South Shore
with historian Scott D. McGinnis
June 3 @ 7 pm -  Excelsior: Lake Minnetonka Historical Society - Lake Minnetonka’s first settled village was Excelsior, founded in 1853. Scott McGinnis will explore its pre-settlement period, as well as the lives and work of its townspeople. From the establishment of schools, churches and commerce to the hotels and boarding houses that sprung up ready to welcome tourists from around the country, Scott will offer glimpses of the south shore’s early history which may still be seen today. Location: Excelsior Brewing Company. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Event: Joseph A. Amato Research Center Dedication and Program
June 6 @ 6 to 7 pm - Marshall: Lyon County Museum - Tour the newly dedicated Joseph A. Amato Research Center on the main floor of the Lyon County Museum. Named in honor of recognition of Amato's work in rural and regional history. Joe Amato will give the talk, "How Southwest Minnesota Became Home. Forty Years of Living in and Studying a Place." Cost: Free. Learn more »

Exhibit: An Artist in Her Own Right: A New Exhibition at ASI this June
June 8 – October 27 - Minneapolis: American Swedish Institute - this exhibition highlights the lasting impact Karin Bergöö Larsson's (1859–1928) work has made on design and textiles, bringing attention to her individualistic approach to artistry and her legacy. Learn more »

On June 9 there will be a special exhibition preview. Guests will enjoy a special artist discussion from the renowned Swedish textile artist, Helena Hernmarck. Learn more »

Annual Meeting: Pie, Ice Cream & Business - Chisago County Historical Society
June 9 @ 2 pm - Rush City: Chisago County Historical Society - After business, local author and architect Jim Lammers will present "Barns of the St. Croix Valley." Location: Rush City Community Center. Learn more »

Tour: 120 years of Community A Stoll Through History 
Nicollet County Historical Society - Lace up your walking shoes & explore history! This National Travel & Tourism Week, explore North Mankato's historic sites and hidden gems with their self-guided walking tour. Learn about the city's rich past and discover architectural treasures. Download Brochure »

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

Continuing Education

Highlighted Museum: Old Home Town Museum, Stephen, MN.

HR for Small Museums
May 31 @ 1 to 2:30 pm (CT) - Online: Oregon Museums Association - Two industry experts will guide you through the maze of regulations and best practices, ensuring your museum remains legally sound and employee-friendly. The presenters will help you navigate how to craft effective policies for your unique environment and discuss labor laws including unionized workplaces. Cost: $30. Learn more »

Unlock Partnerships With Financial Institutions
June 3 @ 1 pm - Online: Grant Station Webinar - Learn the different types of financial institutions and the pros and cons of working with them; how the Community Reinvestment Act can benefit you; the actions you need to take when researching banks in your community; and, recommended steps to develop, maintain, and grow relationships with your community banks. Cost: $39. Learn more »

Engaging with Your Local Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB)
June 10 @ 9 to 10 am (CT) - Online: Ohio Museums Association - Everyone knows that it’s important to develop a relationship with your local CVB, but what does that actually look like? During this conversation, this panel will deep-dive into CVB-Museum partnerships in two different parts of the state (Ohio). Hear from panel members to learn how these relationships were formed, ideas for collaboration, and how each partner brings value to the other. Cost: $10 members/$15 nonmembers. Learn more »

Archival Needs Assessments
June 17 @ 5 pm (CT) - Online: Backlog Archivists & Historians - Staff will explain their Archival Needs Assessment service, providing personalized recommendations for applying archival standards. This service includes one-on-one evaluations of repository needs, strengths, and vulnerabilities, tailored to the institution's uniqueness. Suitable for all institutions seeking an outside perspective on their operations, regardless of size or collections. Cost: Free. Learn more » 

Digital Preservation Storage 101
June 18 @ 11:30 am to 12:30 pm - Online: Northeast Document Conservation Center - Providing the right kind of storage with the right number of copies for your digital files can make the difference between losing and saving your organization's digital cultural heritage. If you are completely new to digital preservation storage, or simply need a refresher or tips for how to work with your IT department, this webinar will help you improve storage at your institution. The instructor will cover requirements for storage environments as well as several affordable and scalable options to meet small and mid-size organization's needs for storage. Cost: $45. Learn more »

TIPS & TOOLS

• The National Archives and Records Administration has announced a new multiyear agreement with Ancestry to digitize, index, and publish tens of millions of historical United States records, previously unavailable online. Learn more »

Additional Educational Opportunities »

Funding & Awards

Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community Honor 
June 5 - (Deadline): McKnight Foundation in partnership with the Minnesota Council of Foundations - This awards program celebrates seven everyday champions from across the state whose compassion and contributions serve as the heartbeat of our communities, and who inspire others to join in creating a more caring and connected state. Each honoree receives $10,000 in recognition of the significant impact they have had on the state of Minnesota and its communities. Learn more »

AMM Exhibit Professionals Conference Fellowship
June 7 – (Deadline): Association of Midwest Museums and Museum EXP - The first-ever Exhibit Professionals Conference Fellowship, featuring an all-inclusive experience to attend the AMM 2024 Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Professionals working in any exhibit discipline and located in one of the eight Midwest states of the AMM network are invited to apply. Learn more »

Media Projects
August 14 - (Deadline): National Endowment for the Humanities - These grants support the development, production, and distribution of radio programs, podcasts, documentary films, and documentary film series  that engage general audiences with humanities ideas in creative and appealing ways. Learn more »

Public Humanities Projects
August 14 - (Deadline): National Endowment for the Humanities - These grants support projects that bring the ideas of the humanities to life for general audiences through public programming. Projects must engage humanities scholarship to analyze significant themes in disciplines such as history, literature, ethics, and art history. Learn more »

Site Preservation Grant
November 1 - (Deadline): Archaeological Institute of America - The goal of the grant, which carries a maximum award of $15,000, is to enhance global preservation efforts and promote awareness of the need to protect threatened archaeological sites. The AIA seeks to support projects that not only directly preserve archaeological sites, but those that also include public outreach and education components that create a positive impact on the local community, students, and the discipline of archaeology as a whole. Learn more »

Art Projects Improving Street Safety
Bloomberg Philanthropies' Asphalt Art Initiative aims to help cities use art and community engagement to improve street safety and revitalize public space. Learn more »

Blandin Foundation Grants for Rural Minnesota                
The Blandin Foundation, a private foundation based in Grand Rapids, MN, is the largest Minnesota-based foundation serving only rural communities. Start by visiting the About Grants page for details on eligibility and how to submit an inquiry if your project aligns with the Foundation’s focus areas. Learn more »

Additional Funding Opportunities »

News

‘I’m glad it’s home’: A family heirloom links back to Bemidji’s founding and Indigenous history
MPR — This story begins with an anxious exchange between an Ojibwe leader and a young settler during a period of uncertainty. Now the object central to that exchange can be found at the Beltrami County Historical Society. Continue reading »

Bob Bruggers, the Hall of Famer with a Hall of Fame-worthy life story
Star Tribune — "The depot was placed on a small plot of land and became home to the Danube Historical Society. The twins are unofficial curators of the two stuffed floors of memorabilia, which include endless newspaper clippings from the West Central Tribune (Willmar), the area weeklies including the defunct Danube Enterprise, and the Twin Cities dailies." Continue reading »

110 years later, popcorn wagon still popping and popular
The Journal — In Sept. 1914, Meyers Jorgenson applied for and received a license to operate a popcorn wagon in New Ulm. Jorgenson’s idea was to sell bags of fresh popcorn in the downtown from a newly purchased popcorn wagon. He purchased the wagon new from the C. Cretor’s Company for $1,200. For the next 12 years, Jorgenson would successfully sell popcorn from his wagon in the downtown area of New Ulm. The popcorn wagon was typically parked at the corner of Center and Minnesota Street. Continue reading »

Featured Book Making the Carry: The Lives of John and Tchi-Ki-Wis Linklater, by Timothy Cochrane. University of Minnesota Press. 2024 Minnesota Book Award winner for Nonfiction	Featured Article Minnesota History Nelle Palmer of Stillwater: Entertainer and Innkeeper Volume 48, Issue 5, 1983	Featured Article MNopedia Pilgrim Baptist Church, St. Paul   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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