Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grants

History Matters Day Rescheduled
Due to severe weather conditions in Minnesota, organizers postponed History Matters Day at the State Capitol, which was scheduled for Presidents' Day, February 21, 2011. 

Join us on March 9, 2011, at the State Capitol, 10:30-3:30, for an informal version of History Matters Day. Schedule meetings with your representatives and senators to discuss the important work of history, and your thoughts on the Minnesota History Coalition Recommendation, which will be presented that day to the House Legacy Committee.

Radio Interviews
In keeping with the transparency of the grants program, a series of radio interviews on local stations has been organized to talk about the statewide impact by highlighting local grant projects. Upcoming live interviews include Litchfield (KLFD 8:20 a.m.) and Northfield (KYMN 9 a.m.) on March 2, and Winona (KWNO 8:15 a.m.) on March 3.

From the Blog

Changing the conversation to what we can do (0 comments) - Is it OK for historical organizations to host blockbuster traveling exhibitions? What would the pros and cons be for your organization? What is keeping your board, staff, or volunteers from stepping outside their comfort zone and trying something different?

30 Percent Satisfaction (new post) - The Minnesota State Demographer released a report on 60 progress indicators. Comparing salary at local historical organizations to this report, compensation appears to lag at 70-88 percent of the average Minnesota worker.

Facebook Findings

Minnesota Local History gained a few more fans last week, bringing the numbers up to 408. It's a slow but steady progression toward 500!

History of Surveying in Minnesota - check out this new video of surveyor David Claypool explaining how land was surveyed.

Minnesota Air National Guard Museum - video of our recent visit to a museum that has to be prepared to pack and move everything on 4 hours' notice. Check out the huge counterweights to open the hangar doors on an authentic Cold War era building!

Job Opportunities

Tourism Coordinator
Austin (MN) Convention and Visitors Bureau seeks Tourism Coordinator. Deadline: March 4, 2011.

Executive Director
Linden Hill, Little Falls MN, seeks Executive Director. Send resume to Ann Owen. Deadline: March 15, 2011.

Museum Manager
National Capital Radio and Television Museum, Bowie MD, seeks part-time Museum Manager. Email resume, cover letter and three references to Dr. Chris Sterling. Deadline: March 28, 2011.

Intern
Amana Heritage Society, Amana IA, seeks Intern.

Do History Here

Lake Minnetonka History
Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society sponsors free presentation of "Digging into Local History" by Tom Skramstad, Thursday February 24, 2011, 7 p.m., Southshore Center in Shorewood. Contact Kathy Endres, 612-419-7296, for more information.

Family Camp
Stearns History Museum hosts "Family Camp Day" Saturday February 26, 2011, 12:30 to 4 p.m. Indoor and outdoor activities. Call Stearns History Center, 320-253-8424, to register.

Minnesota Author Talk
William Durbin, Minnesota author of several young adult novels, will speak Saturday March 5, 2011, 1 p.m. at Minnesota Discovery Center, Chisholm MN. Call 800-372-6437 for more information.

History Round Table
Join Brooklyn Historical Society for History Round Table on Saturday March 5, 2011, 8:15 a.m., Embassy Suites, Brooklyn Center MN. Featured speaker Rod Johnson, Minnesota Archaeological Society. Call 763-560-8893 for more information or to RSVP.

Urban Expedition
Landmark Center presents "Urban Expedition: Chile!," Sunday March 6, 2011. Authentic cultural experiences. Free, but please bring food shelf items for Halle Q. Brown Food Shelf. Call 651-292-3276 for more information.

Anniversary Exhibit
Stearns History Museum celebrates 75 years with a community exhibit, inviting members of the community to loan items or photographs for display. Deadline: March 7, 2011. Contact Jessica, 320-253-8424, with questions or to reserve a space for your artifact.

Friends of LeDuc Meeting
Friends of LeDuc of Historic Hastings will meet Tuesday March 8, 2011, 7 p.m. at the Estate. Following a short business meeting, Kandice Nelson will speak on the history of the Burnsville Performing Arts Center. Contact DCHS, 651-437-7055, for more information.

Breakfast Club
Stearns History Museum Breakfast Club hosts Marla Waseka, who will present "Find Value in Your Gem Box House," Wednesday March 9, 2011, 9 a.m. Call 320-253-8424 for more information.

Maple Sugaring
Pond Dakota Heritage Society, Bloomington MN, offers drop-in maple sugaring program on Sunday March 13, 2011, 2 to 4 p.m. Call 952-563-8738 for more information.

Dakota Indian Settlement
Jeff Williamson will speak about the settlement of about 20 Dakota people who were allowed to stay in Bloomington under the protection of Gideon Pond after the U.S./Dakota War of 1862. Sunday March 20, 2011, 2 p.m. at the historic Pond House, Bloomington MN. Call 952-563-8738 for more information.

Saint John's Abbey Tour
Join Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County on Thursday May 12, 2011 for a trip to Saint John's Abbey, Collegeville MN, to see original pages from "The Saint John's Bible." Day-long program, $50/person. Call Lynn Catherine, 218-299-5511 x6739 for more information or to reserve your seat.

Continuing Education

Mentorship
Midwest Art Conservation Center offers 2011 Mentorship Program. Deadline: February 28, 2011.

Standards Seminar
National Preservation Institute and Wisconsin Historical Society present "The Secretary of the Interior's Standards: Treatment Considerations" in Madison WI, April 6-7, 2011. Register online.

MACC Workshops
Midwest Art Conservation Center announces its 2011 workshop schedule.

News

AASLH Nominations Due
American Association for State and Local History Leadership in History Awards nominations are due March 1, 2011. Questions? Contact State Leadership Team Leader Melinda Hutchinson.

House Museum Survey
Operate a historic house museum? Graduate student LeeAnn Brooks is seeking your wisdom in a survey. Can you help a college student?

Museums Advocacy Day
Join American Association for State and Local History, American Association of Museums, and your colleagues for Museums Advocacy Day 2011, February 28-March 1, Washington DC.

Flood Predictors
With the amount of snow we have received in Minnesota this winter, come this spring you may wish to check out NOAA's streamflow and flood predictors.

Atlas of Rural America
Check out the online resource, Atlas of Rural America.

Minnesota Milestones
The State Demographer recently released the annual report, Minnesota Milestones. Check in on 60 progress markers for the state.

Using Community Service
Blue Avocado has some practical advice about using those "alternatively sentenced."

Field Note

Work continues on many Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grants projects. Northfield Historical Society received a grant for $200,642 to make the Scriver Building ADA accessible. Executive Director Hayes Scriven (center) chats about the project with general contractor Ray Cox of Northfield Construction (left) and Senator Al DeKruif (right).

As you wrap up your organizations' projects, keep your legislators updated on your progress. Their firsthand experience could determine future funding for history projects in Minnesota!