Discussions and Questions

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What does it take to be a local historian? (3 Messages)

Microfiche reader/printer available

The library at St. Paul Academy and Summit School in St. Paul has a Canon PC70 microfiche reader/printer machine which needs a new home. It works fine and there are extra positive and negative toner cartridges and light bulbs. It has an A03 23x lens and uses plain white paper. Interested parties should e-mail or phone Marghe Tabar, 651-696-1304.

Local Events

Daughters of the Game in Cokato

Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Cokato Library, the Cokato Historical Society presents the authors of the 2005 book Daughters of the Game: The First Era of Minnesota Girls High School Basketball, 1891 – 1942 on Monday, October 30, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at Cokato City Hall. Please contact the museum for further information.

History authors come to South St. Paul

The Dakota County Historical Society will host a history author day on Saturday, October 14, 2006 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Society's Lawshe Memorial Museum in South St. Paul. Eighteen authors whose works chronicle Native American and early Minnesota history will be present to discuss and sign their books. This event is free and open to the public. For more information or directions call 651-552-7548.

News

Cokato Website Notes 10th Anniversary

Electronic communications are critical to the work local historical organizations do. The Cokato Historical Society notes in its most recent newsletter that planning for its site began in the fall of 1996, and debuted in early summer 1997. It was one of the earliest local historical organization websites in Minnesota.

Performance Management available

The American Association for State and Local History’s Performance Management program helps museums and historic houses define success based on measurement of visitor satisfaction, root cause analysis, fixing problems, and planning to re-measure three to five years later to confirm problems have been corrected. AASLH is currently accepting reservations for the January 2007 Performance Management group. Contact Cherie Cook, 316-721-9956.

New Director at Carlton County Historical Society

Cloquet Pine Journal introduced its readers to Anne Dugan. Read the story.

How can you tell if an organization is effective?

GuideStar recently tackled that question. Read more.

November/December Interpreter now online

Read the November/December issue of the Minnesota History Interpreter before it lands in your mailbox. Part I of a Tech Talk on track lighting is also available.

MDL next phase seeks applications

Minnesota Digital Library Coalition is accepting applications for digitization projects for the 2006 phase of the development of "Minnesota Reflections," the MDL's database of digital images and documents contributed by institutions from across the state. The application form and the "Call for Project Proposals," which describes the requirements for image, document and map projects, are available under the "News and events" section of the Minnesota Digital Library Web site.

Grant Deadlines

CAP grants now available

The 2007 Conservation Assessment Program application is now available! This technical assistance program helps small and mid-sized museums by providing a general assessment of their collections and historic buildings. Eligible applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until December 1, 2006.

MAP grant deadline

The deadline for Museum Assessment Program grants is February 15, 2007. More information.

Upcoming Conferences and Workshops

Input for preservation summit

Laura Bush, First Lady of the United States and Honorary Chair of the Preserve America initiative, announced that in cooperation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation she will lead a national Preserve America Summit to mark the 40th anniversary of the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act. In preparation for the Summit in New Orleans on October 18-20, 2006 the public can comment on the 11 issue areas that are under discussion by a series of expert panels. The information and electronic form for submitting comments is accessible through both the ACHP and Preserve America web sites.

Field Note

The Fort Ripley marker, shown here during installation in 2003 overlooking the Mississippi River, is an example of the role that historical markers play in telling the story of the past. Critics sometimes wonder if such a permanent measure is appropriate. Others believe that unless once-important places are marked, they will be forgotten. Feel free to email your thoughts.

Workers installing a black metal marker with raised lettering painted gold, on lecturn pedastal overlooking the Mississippi River in autumn.