Field Note

MNHS staff from the Grants Office and Local History Services conducted a site visit on July 25, 2024 to the historic Sandstone School in Sandstone, MN. Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants program funds are being used for a new EPDM roof and repairs to the combined cornice and hidden gutter. The City of Sandstone has committed to preserving and rehabilitating the structure for affordable housing. 

Heritage Preservation Grants

Spotlighted Project: Pre-Construction Documents-Exterior Masonry of Sauk Centre Blue Valley Creamery
The Pre-Construction Documents are an important stepping stone to the next step in preserving the building. A Conditions Assessment on the Creamery Building generated the scope and sequence of work needed on the historic building to convert it into a museum within the acceptable Standards of the Secretary of the Interior. With the completed exterior masonry construction documents, they can begin the actual construction phase that will preserve the Creamery's exterior masonry. That process in itself is part of the larger objective of preserving the entire Creamery structure for future public use as a museum.

Currently, the Sauk Centre Area History Museum is located in the basement of the Sauk Centre Library. The museum is at maximum capacity for records and artifacts and has outgrown its space. The Creamery, a National Register of Historic Places building in a Historic District, adds to the history of Sauk Centre and preserves some of the history of the rural farming community. Agriculture and dairy farming, in particular, is a large part of Minnesota's history. Preservation of this history is essential to understanding the roots and Sauk Centre's place in Minnesota history. The public will have access to the history of Sauk Centre's Dairy industry and the part the Blue Valley Creamery contributed to that industry. 
Recipient: Sauk Centre Area History Museum and Research Center
Funded Amount: $48,718
Project details

NEW GRANT PROGRAM
Commemorate 50 Years of Southeast Asians in Minnesota
August 23 (Required Pre-Application Deadline) - Commemorate 50 Years of Southeast Asians in Minnesota is a competitive grant program funded by the State’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. It will provide historical and cultural heritage grants to cultural community organizations, historical organizations, and veterans organizations statewide. Grants may range from $10,001-$100,000 and are specifically for activities related to the commemoration of 50 years of Southeast Asians in Minnesota, a momentous occasion in our state's history. Email questions to Gillian Maguire. Learn more »

AUGUST Grants Open House
August 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 »

Grants Office YouTube Playlist »

From the Blog

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

Bug-Bee Hive Resort began in 1918 with the purchase of 60 acres of wooded land on Lake Koronis
In June 2000, I had the opportunity to interview Jack and Audrey Bugbee, owners of Bug-Bee Hive Resort. To this day, I am grateful that they were able to take time out of their busy season to answer my questions.

The legacy of Bug-Bee Hive Resort started with W.G. Bugbee purchasing 60 acres of wooded land on the northwest shore of Lake Koronis in September 1918. Continue Reading »

More MN Blog posts

• Journey “Up North” and back in time to northern Minnesota’s resorts - MN Digital Library News
• Past Traditions: Freshman Camp - U of MN Library
• New MDL Contributor: Adams Area Historical Society - MN Digital Library News
• Children of the slash pile - Minnesota Brown
• Tomorrow Begins Today: Thoughts on Minnesota’s Connection to the Underground Railroad - Rethos
• Abbott and Gerolamy's steamboat - Paynesville Historical Society
• Fillmore County Flashback Rushford Wagon Factory - Rushford Area Historical Society

From the Tube

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

More MN Tube posts

• Billy Blackwell - Anishinaabe Families of the Gunflint Trail area - Gunflint Trail Historical Society Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center
• Garden Tour of New Prague - New Prague Area Historical Society
• The Northern Pacific Railway, Abandoned Pembina Extension - Minnesota Bricks
• March of the Governors: Jesse Ventura - Ramsey County Historical Society
• Anoka County Fair Mini History - Anoka County Historical Society
• When Women Had No Names - Norman County Historical and Genealogy Society

Heritage Preservation YouTube Playlist »

Job Opportunities

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

MNHS

• Facilities Coordinator - MN History Center
• Reference Assistant I - MN History Center
• Events Assistant - Mill City Museum
• Site Supervisor - Historic Fort Snelling

LOCAL

• Manager - Ely-Winton Historical Society, Ely, MN
• Executive Director - National Eagle Center, Wabasha, MN
• Donor Relations Coordinator - Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN
• Cataloging and Processing Archivist - St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
• Asset Protection Associate - Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Winona, MN
• Lab Manager - Bell Museum, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN

REGIONAL

• Registrar - Museum of Danish America, Elk Horn, IA
• Processing Archivist - Iowa State University, Ames, IA
• Security Officer - Stanley Museum of Art, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
• Registrar - Museum of Danish America, Elk Horn, IA
• Special Projects and Outreach Coordinator - State Historical Society of Iowa, Des Moines, IA
• Metadata Specialist - Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, WI
• Food and Beverage Manager - Old World Wisconsin, Wisconsin Historical Society, Eagle, WI
• Senior Director of Guest Experience & Facilities - Betty Brinn Children's Museum, Milwaukee, WI
• Museum & Archives Manager - Door County Historical Museum & Door County Archives, Sturgeon Bay, WI
• Marketing Manager - John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, WI
• Museum Curator - Indian Arts and Crafts Board, U.S. Department of the Interior, Rapid City, SD

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL

• Archival Specialist - Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection, Chicago Public Library, Chicago, IL
• Manager, Registration and Exhibitions - Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
• Chief Preparator - Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
• Museum Services Generalist - Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
• Engagement Specialist - Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Indianapolis, IN
• Historic Site Interpreter - New Harmony, Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, New Harmony, IN
• Archives Collections Specialist - Ball State University, Muncie, IN
• Archives Records Analyst - Ball State University, Muncie, IN
• Museum Educator - Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
• Curator of Art and Artifacts - Massillon Museum, Massillon, OH
• Museum Educator (General Curriculum) - Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids, MI
• Media Intern (2) - Keweenaw National Historical Park, National Park Service, Calumet, MI
• Exhibitions & Publications Project Manager - University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
• Eastern Division Chief (Museum and Historic Site Administrator 3) - Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg, PA
• Western Division Chief (Museum and Historic Site Administrator 3) - Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg, PA
• Education and Programs Manager - LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
• Executive Director - Historic Rock Ford, Lancaster, PA
• Head of Special Collections & College Archives - Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA
• African American History Programming Specialist - Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis, MO
• Teen Historian Apprentice - Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis, MO
• African American History Initiative Programming Specialist - Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis, MO
• President and Chief Executive Officer - St. Louis Science Center, St. Louis, MO
• Collections Manager - Charles M Schulz Museum and Research Center, Santa Rosa, CA
• Exhibit Fabrication Specialist - Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton, AB
• Graphic Production Technician - Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton, AB

INTERNSHIPS/VOLUNTEERS/FELLOWSHIPS

• Education Intern - Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Minneapolis, MN
• Archive Services Intern - Ohio History Connection, Columbus, OH
• Collections and Curatorial Intern - Dalnavert Museum and Visitors' Centre, Winnipeg, MB
• Museum Programs and Communications Intern - Dalnavert Museum and Visitors' Centre, Winnipeg, MB

MNHS Internship and Volunteer Opportunities

• Centennial History Research Intern - MN History Center

Additional Job Postings in the Field »

Do History Here

Image used with permission. From the collections of the Little Canada Historical Society.

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

Exhibit: Why Treaties Matter
Now through August 30 - Albert Lea: Freeborn County Historical Museum - This exhibit explores relationships between Dakota and Ojibwe Indian Nations and the U.S. government in this place we now call Minnesota. Learn more »

Presentation: Gather 'Round Railroad Lecture Series
August 1 @ 7 pm (CT) - Rochester & Online: History Center of Olmsted County - Steve Glischinski, correspondent for Trains Magazine and author of several books on railroading will share his vast knowledge and imagery of railroads, as well as answer questions from the crowd. Cost: $5. Learn more »

Walking Tour: Discover Bemidji: History & Heritage Walk
August 3 @ 9 to 11 am - Bemidji: Beltrami County History Center - An engaging and educational experience designed for both new residents and visitors to explore the rich history and vibrant downtown of Bemidji. Learn more »

Pop-up event: Local Textile Artist Shannon Westrum
August 3 @ 10 am - Bemidji: Beltrami County History Center -  Special pop-up event featuring local artist Shannon Westrum who will showcase her unique blend of traditional and modern weaving techniques. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness her artistic process in real-time as she actively demonstrates her craft. Learn more »

Dedication Ceremony for Civil War Veteran James E. Farnham 
August 3 @ 1 pm - Glenwood: Pope County Historical Society - The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War will hold a dedication ceremony at the grave of James Emmett Farnham, the last Civil War veteran buried in Pope County. Civil War attire is encouraged. Location: Glenwood City Cemetery. Learn more »

Display - Historic Brandon Calendars
August 3 - Brandon: Brandon History Center - During Brandon's Summerfest stop in the auditorium to view the display of historic Brandon calendars. Learn more »

Walking Tour: Skunk Hollow-The Story of a Swamp
August 4 @ 1 to 2:30 pm -  St. Louis Park: Hennepin History Museum - St. Louis Park Historical Society Trustee Bill Beyer will lead people on a meander through the south side of Skunk Hollow, in this second of a two-part series of tours about this infamous area of St. Louis Park. Cost: $10 – $14. Learn more »

Exhibit: Cruising the Yellowstone Trail at the Renville County Fairgrounds
August 7 to 9 - Bird Island: Renville County Genealogical Society - The Yellowstone Trail was the first transcontinental automobile highway in the United States, established in 1912. It ran from Plymouth, Massachusetts to Seattle, Washington, passing through 13 states including Minnesota. Submit your own pictures of past & present Mainstreet and travel along the Yellowstone Trail. In addition to the wall display, you can view a video on the Yellowstone Trail. For more information email them at sonja@hcinet.net

Workshop: Getting Started in Genealogy 
August 8 @ 7 to 8 pm - Stillwater: Washington County Heritage Center - Are you interested in family history but are not sure where to start? This workshop will show you how to ask the right questions, find and evaluate sources, use tools such as DNA, and organize and share your findings. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Presentation: Captain John Smith and the USS Bunker Hill
August 12 @ 2 pm - Owatonna: Steele County History Center - Special program on local veteran, double ace, and decorated Naval officer, Captain John Smith. One of the survivors of the Japanese attack on the U.S.S. Bunker Hill in 1945. Cost: $5. Learn more »

Book Reading: Wild Things: A Trans-Glam-Punk-Rock Love Story
August 17 @ 2 to 4 pm - Minneapolis: Quatrefoil Library - Author Lynette Reini-Grandell will read selections from her memoir. In the 1970s, Lynette Reini fell in love with Steve Grandell, who later came out as transgender and became Venus de Mars, leading the band All the Pretty Horses. They embraced their true selves in the art and music scenes of Minneapolis and New York in the 1990s and early 2000s. Reading will be followed by Q&A and social time. 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:  1877 Peterson Station Museum, Peterson, MN.
Photograph by S. Clyde.

Stopping Stones: Honoring Enslaved Ancestors at Log Cabin Village in Fort Worth, Texas
August 21 @ 10 to 11 am (CT) - Online: Texas Historical Commission - In 2023, Log Cabin Village honored the lives of two individuals enslaved at the Port Sullivan Plantation Home that today serves as the Village’s main entrance and museum store. During this webinar, Village staff Rena Lawrence and Shae Nawoj will share the research that led to the installation of two memorial Stopping Stones and the ways such efforts can be used to tell the stories of our enslaved ancestors in a meaningful and relevant way. Cost: Free. Learn more »

Creating Timely and Culturally Relevant Sports Interpretation 
August 22 @ 2 pm (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History - Interpreting Sports Founder and CEO Kathryn Leann Harris will walk you through the steps of identifying culturally relevant sports narratives from your own community such as local teams and fandoms and how to connect these stories to larger American history themes such as women’s history, military history, technology, Indigenous history, and civil rights. Cost: $2 members/$45 nonmembers. Learn more »

Old Collection, New Pride: Fresh Takes to Diversify Programming
August 23 @ 11 am to 12:30 pm (CT) - Online: Museum Association of New York - Discover how niche museums creatively connect their collections to LGBTQ-friendly community events, inspiring inclusive programming. Learn from The Whaling Museum's use of historic archives in family programs with drag performers, and the Corning Museum of Glass's efforts to enhance inclusivity through community engagement. Gain insights, strategies, and practical tips to celebrate gender diversity through your collection. Cost: Free. Learn more »

A to Z of HR: HR Administration
August 8 @ 10 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits - Join the second session of the A to Z of Human Resources series to explore the core administrative functions and processes vital to a well-informed staff and well-prepared organization. Cost: $50 members/$70 nonmembers. Learn more »

Fundamentals of Nonprofit Finance
August 20 @ 9 am to 12 pm (CT) - Online: Propel Nonprofits - This workshop is right for you if you are new to the nonprofit sector, nonprofit finance, or your position as staff or board member. Cost: $85. Learn more »

From Endangered Place to Community Asset: Updates on Three “11 Most Endangered” Historic Places
August 28 @ 12 pm (CT) - Online: National Trust for Historic Preservation - Join Preservation Leadership Forum for a conversation about what happens after a site is placed on the 11 Most Endangered list. Hear from representatives of Harada House in Riverside, California (listed in 2020), L.V. Hull Home and Studio in Kosciusko, Mississippi (listed in 2023), and the Cindy Walker House in Mexia, Texas (listed in 2024) about how these once private homes are being transformed into centers of community life, and learn from the challenges they have found along the way. Cost: Free. Learn more »

TIPS & TOOLS

• 20 ways nonprofits can build capacity with small teams - Forbes
• The Business of Museums - Museum Questions

Additional Educational Opportunities »

Funding & Awards

Small Town Grant Program
August 26 - (Deadline): Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation - These grants seek to invest in collaborative initiatives which improve the way your community works together, solves challenges, creates a welcoming community and sense of belonging for all. SMIF seeks proposals from communities under 10,000 which impact the culture, education, economy and/or social aspects of the town. Learn more »

Public Scholars
August 28 - (Deadline): National Endowment for the Humanities - This program offers grants to individual authors for research, writing, travel, and other activities leading to the creation and publication of well-researched nonfiction books in the humanities written for the broad public. Learn more »

John T. & Elizabeth C. Adams Arts Fund
October 1 - (Deadline): Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation - These grants primarily help attract programs or principals of artistic quality from outside the region to enrich performances, exhibits and professional artistic services for arts organizations within the region. Learn more »

Unity Fund
October 1 - (Deadline): Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation - These grants serve as a catalyst for achieving equity and justice for people of African Heritage in the community, utilizing the resources of the fund to effect changes in the community that will provide African Heritage persons opportunities to fully experience the community’s benefits. Learn more »

Archival Projects
November 7 - (Deadline): National Archives and Records Administration - These grants support projects that promote access to America's historical records to encourage understanding of our democracy, history, and culture. Learn more »

Translation Project Fellowships
January 16, 2025 - (Deadline): National Endowment for the Arts - These grants support projects for the translation of specific works of prose, poetry, or drama from other languages into English. Learn more »

Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA) - Workplace Safety Consultation (WSC) Safety Grant Program
The Safety Grant Program awards funds up to $10,000 to qualifying employers for projects designed to reduce the risk of injury and illness to their workers. Learn more »

Additional Funding Opportunities »

News

—

MN Digital Newspaper Hub - July 2024 content update
A content update to the Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub added 8,996 new issues and 144,949 new newspaper pages.

New publicly available titles & date spans:

• Long Prairie leader (Long Prairie, Minn.) 1941-1954 added
• Shattuck spectator (Faribault, Minn.) 1930-1933
• Martin County independent (Fairmont, Minn.) 1918
• Rice County journal (Northfield, Minn.) 1872-1883
• Willmar daily tribune (Willmar, Minn.) 1930
• Windom reporter (Windom, Minn.) 1926-1928 added
• Lamberton leader (Lamberton, Minn.) 1890-1893
• Lamberton star (Lamberton, Minn.) 1896-1911
• Twin City observer (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1943-1965
• Duluth herald (Duluth, Minn.) 1923-1936 added

New issues for the years 2008-2015 were also added to several existing current newspaper titles, available to view only in the MNHS Library.

Keeping history alive at the George Stoppel Farmstead
KIMT — The History Center of Olmsted County is working to preserve the George Stoppel Farmstead. A lecture was held on July 25 and dove into the immigration of the family behind these historical buildings--the Stoppel brothers--who came from Germany in the 1800s and arrived in Minnesota before it was even a state. The Center has already restored the smokehouse and now they are in the beginning phases of a $500,000 project of stabilizing the barn. The Farmstead is currently used for tours, but the History Center is hoping this renovation process will be a positive step in its larger vision of creating a recreational historical park for people to come and visit. Continue reading »

Sign raises awareness of Chief Hole-in-the-Day’s resting place
Morrison County Record — Floyd Richmond is a self-proclaimed history buff--especially local history. He can tell you all about Chief Hole-in-the Day, his cabin out on the Little Elk River, and his burial site at the highest point in Little Falls. Floyd can also tell you about the local lore regarding that burial spot, and how the Chief’s presence there would result in protecting Little Falls from weather-related catastrophes. Continue reading »

New work group focuses on African American historic preservation
The Minnesota Daily — The City of Minneapolis has appointed 15 members to the new African American Historic Work Group to honor and preserve the city’s African American history. The work group consists of local artists, community planners and educators who select places in the city of historic importance that need preservation. Continue reading »

Androy owners awarded funds to preserve historic building
Mesabi Tribune — The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) has awarded funds to the owners of the Androy Apartments to help preserve and extend the life of the iconic building, located on Howard Street. Trellis Co. was awarded $946,990 in 9% housing tax credits to help preserve and extend the life of the Androy. Granted in late 2023, this award is anticipated to generate approximately $8 million for renovation of the apartment building and extend its affordability for residents, according to information posted on the City of Hibbing website. Continue reading »

Historical mural graces Memorial Building walls
Mesabi Tribune — A new historical mural featuring iconic Hibbing landmarks can be found just down the hallway from the Hibbing Historical Society Museum on the lower level of the Hibbing Memorial Building. Continue reading »

Featured Book Deeper Blues: The Life, Songs, and Salvation of Cornbread Harris by Andrea Swensson. University of Minnesota Press. Book Release Event Date: August 16 @ 7 pm Location: Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis, MN	Featured Article Minnesota History Who wrote the "Diary of Thomas Connor"? a fur trade mystery Volume 46, Issue 5, 1979	Featured Article MNopedia Honeycrisp apple 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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