Shutdown Update

Shutdown Effects
Local History Office has fielded a number of questions recently regarding the potential state shutdown. Would this impact Minnesota Historical Society?

In the event of a state government shutdown, all MHS programs and operation would be suspended beginning July 1. Funding from the State of Minnesota comprises more than half of the Society's operating budget. All of the Society's 26 historic sites and museums statewide would be closed, as well as general offices - including grants and local history services - that support all of the Society's functions. 

Therefore, next week's issue of Local History News may be the last until the legislature and governor resolve the state's budget. If you have announcements otherwise to be made for the middle and latter parts of July, you may wish to consider sending those by Monday June 27, 2011.

Until the state gives official notice of a shutdown, the Minnesota Historical Society, including the Grants Office, Local History Services, and its historic sites and museums, remains open and ready to serve the public. Tell your legislators that history matters!

Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage

Countdown: Eight Days
Eight is enough! Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grants recipients have just over one week left to complete projects. Contact the Grants Office as soon as possible with any last minute questions or concerns. All projects must be completed by Thursday June 30, 2011.

From the Blog

Higher History Wages on the Horizon? (new post) - Is the service industry (local history jobs included) due for an overhaul? Improved compensation would make it easier for staff to earn a living and help organizations retain skilled workers. Is reform in the air?

Esko Historical Museum Tour (podcast) - Take a short tour of the Esko Historical Museum, Esko MN. Video tour made during MHS staff site visit on April 21, 2011.

Facebook Findings

Minnesota Local History's fan base grew to 572 this past week, a jump of eight, apparently our theme number. Field Services is working "Eight Days a Week" to keep you in the know on local history issues.  

Job Opportunities

Do History Here

Exhibit Opening
Northfield Historical Society, Northfield MN, announces opening of "Historic Stanton Airfield: Where History Touches the Sky," Thursday June 23, 2011, 6 p.m. Contact NHS, 507-645-9268, for more information.

Funky Junk Workshop
Minnesota Discovery Center hosts Funky Junk Workshop Thursday June 23, 2011, 5-8 p.m. Learn how to turn rusty watering cans, buckets, doors and other 'junky' items into something fun, useful and decorative. Free for members; nonmembers may purchase a membership to participate. Call 800-372-6437 x234 for more information. Workshop repeated Thursday July 7, 2011.

Civil War Days
Wasioja Civil War Days takes place June 24-26, 2011 in Wasioja MN. Activities for all ages. Order tickets online.

CCC Exhibit
Cook County Historical Society, Grand Marais MN, will have a grand opening for their Civilian Conservation Corps exhibit over Fourth of July weekend. Barbara Sommer will speak on her book "Hard Work and a Good Deal" Saturday July 2, 2011. Contact Carrie McHugh, 218-387-2883, for more information.

Living History Sunday
Experience the excitement and challenges of life along the Minnesota River in the 1800s at The Landing-Minnesota River Heritage Park, Shakopee MN, Sunday July 3, 2011, noon to 5 p.m. Contact Tom Knisely, 763-694-7617, for more information.

Independence Day 1889
Party like it's 1889 and celebrate America's birthday at The Landing-Minnesota River Heritage Park, Shakopee MN, Monday July 4, 2011, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact Tom Knisely, 763-694-7617, for more information.

Family Fun Picnic
Join Terrace Mill Foundation, Terrace MN, on July 4, 2011 for a Family Fun Picnic, beginning 5 p.m. Coffee and lemonade provided. Games begin 6:30 p.m. Call 320-278-3253 for more information.

Chuckwagon Supper
Steele County Historical Society invites you to their 6th Annual Chuckwagon Supper, Saturday July 9, 2011, 5-8 p.m. Tickets: $12/person; children 6 and under free with a paying adult. Space is limited; call 507-451-1420 to reserve tickets.

Civil War Exhibit
Minnesota Military Museum, Little Falls MN, announces new exhibit commemorating the 150th anniversary of the start of the American Civil War. "Minnesota's Two Civil Wars: 1861-1866" tells of Minnesota's involvement in the War Attempted Secession and the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Exhibit opens July 9, 2011; ceremony at 11 a.m. Call 320-632-7374 for more information.

Extravaganza
Steele County Historical Society announces the 25th Annual Extravaganza, Sunday July 10, 2011, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission; lots of activities for the whole family. Call 507-451-1420 for more information.

Lunch Talk
Enjoy Lunch with the History People, presented by St. Louis County Historical Society. Guest speaker Joanie Juster, discussing "Alaska Far Away: The New Deal Pioneers of the Matanuska Colony," Thursday July 14, 2011, 12:45-3 p.m., Zinema 2, Duluth. Contact Julie Bolos, 218-733-7568, for more information.

Edwin Lundie Homes Tour
Schroeder Area Historical Society hosts seventh annual Lundie and Vacation Home Tour, Saturday July 16, 2011, on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Registration begins 11 a.m. at Cross River Heritage Center. Contact Steven Lukas for more information.

Goin' to the Chapel
Rice County Historical Society offers Sixth Annual Fair Weddings, Saturday July 23, 2011, historic Holy Innocents Church, Rice County Fairgrounds. Don't miss this opportunity to tie the knot, or re-tie it, for free! To reserve the church, or for more information, contact RCHS, 507-332-2121.

Children's Crafts
Minnesota Discovery Center offers children's crafts Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and Fridays at 11 a.m. through the summer. Crafts are included with admission. Call 800-372-6437 for more information.

Historic House Tours
White Bear Lake Area Historical Society offers Fillebrown House tours this summer, Sundays through August 28, 2011, 1-4 p.m. Contact WBLAHS, 651-407-5327, for more information.

Continuing Education

News

Women's Legislative History
Minnesota Legislative Reference Library published an interactive timeline of legislation affecting women, including a glimpse at women legislators and their biographies.

Native Nations Exhibit
New traveling exhibit "Why Treaties Matter: Self-Government in the Dakota and Ojibwe Nations" explores Native nations in Minnesota and their history of treaty making with the United States. Grand opening August 3, 2011 at White Earth Tribal Headquarters, White Earth Reservation; many other venues through 2012. Collaboration of Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, Minnesota Humanities Center, and Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian.

Field Note

Washington County Historical Society, Stillwater MN, has selected three college students for their summer internship program. Kristine Dizon (left) attends University of Minnesota-Twin Cites, Sean Pallas (center) just graduated from University of Minnesota-Duluth, and Cindy Shovell (right) will begin work toward her masters degree this fall at St. Cloud State University.

Photo courtesy Washington County Historical Society.