Small Grant Deadline
The next deadline for the small Fast Track Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants is next Friday, June 15, 2012. Proposals must meet grant program guidelines and have a budget of $7000 or less. Contact the Grants Office or Melinda Hutchinson, 651-259-3459, with questions.

Read More About It
Information about previous grant projects and more is available on the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants Facebook page.

Spotlighted Project: Cataloging Tax Assessor Photo Collection

Recipient: Richfield Historical Society
Funding Amount: $4,620
Project Overview

Preservation of a historically important collection of photographs, taken for the purposes of insurance underwriting in the mid-1950s. Curatorial and conservational control over a valuable record of Richfield's architecture at the peak of its post-war development has been achieved and is now more available to the public.

Documentation & Promotion

Want to take better photos documenting your project? Check out our Photographing Tips for MHCHG Projects page.

Learn how to digitally sign your PDF documents using Adobe Reader. It's easy!

You may have noticed the addition of the word "Heritage" to the name "Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grants."

This change in name helps us clarify our funding priorities and puts us in line with the larger overall branding and promotion of the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

With this comes a change in how MHCHG projects are to display the MHCHG and Legacy logos so the public will know how Legacy funds are being used. All printed materials and web pages related to a program that receives any amount of MHCHG funding require a Legacy logo.

Minnesota African American Museum Grand Opening

After many years of planning and fundraising, the Minnesota African American Museum opened its doors on June 1, 2012. Minnesota now joins the 44 other states that have a museum dedicated to African American history.

Facebook Findings

Yeah, Minnesota Local History fans, we've passed the 800 mark with 817 Likes! News of note:

• New Minnesota African American Museum and Cultural Center (MAAM) is now open.
• What did your organization do to honor Memorial Day?
• History programming for Memorial Day.
• An infographic on birth dates, which could be a resource for history research libraries.
• Douglas County Historical Society enhances a local cemetery.

Education Director
Octagon Center for the Arts, Ames IA, seeks Education Director. Deadline: June 8, 2012.

Executive Director
Art Guild of Burlington (IA) seeks Executive Director. Deadline: June 8, 2012.

Interpretation Coordinator
Golden History Museums, Golden CO, seeks Interpretation Coordinator for Astor House Museum, Golden History Center, and Clear Creek History Park. Deadline: June 24, 2012.

Director
City of Muscatine IA seeks Director for the Muscatine Art Center and Musser Museum. Deadline: June 29, 2012.

Visitor Experience and Gift Shop Manager
Brucemore, Cedar Rapids IA, seeks Visitor Experience and Gift Shop Manager. Position open until filled.

Marketing/Special Events Coordinator
Iowa Children's Museum, Coralville IA, seeks Marketing/Special Events Coordinator. Email ICM for more information.

Assistant Museum Educator
Wisconsin Historical Museum, Madison WI, seeks Assistant Museum Educator. Submit cover letter, resume and class schedule (if applicable) to Beth A. Lemke. Position open until filled.

New Ulm History Talk
New Ulm Public Library welcomes Bob Paulson, author of "Franz Massopust, German-Bohemian Pathfinder and Founder of New Ulm, Minnesota: A Tragic Family Saga," Thursday June 7, 2012, 7 p.m. Call 507-359-8334 for more information.

Exhibit Opening
Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) and St. Louis County Historical Society, Duluth MN, host an exhibit opening event for "Return to the River: The History of the St. Louis River and the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District," Thursday June 7, 2012, 5:30-7 p.m., St. Louis County Arts & Heritage Center (the Depot). Free. Contact Karen Anderson, 218-740-4776, or Susan Schwanekamp, 218-733-7586, for more information.

Walking Tour
Maplewood Area Historical Society, Maplewood MN, hosts a walking tour of Lookout Park, the oldest park in Maplewood, Saturday June 9, 2012, noon. Call 651-900-3539 for information and directions.

Chocolate Fundraiser
Winona County Historical Society, Winona MN, holds their annual summer fundraiser Chocolate, Shakespeare and Champagne, Saturday June 9, 2012, 7-9 p.m. at the Historic Huff-Lamberton House, Winona. Join them for chocolate desserts, champagne, and a preview of Season 9 performances from Great River Shakespeare Festival. Tickets: $20/WCHS members, $25/nonmembers. Call 507-454-2723 for more information.

Exhibit Opening
Minnesota Discovery Center, Chisholm MN, invites the public to the opening of "Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites," a traveling exhibit from the Minnesota Children's Museum, Saturday June 9, 2012, 10:30-11:30 a.m. The exhibit will be open through September 23, 2012. Call 800-372-6437 for more information.

New Exhibit
Winona County Historical Society, Winona MN, opens "History a Go-Go: Winona in the 1960s" with member reception June 11, 2012, 5-7 p.m. The exhibit runs June 11 through October 7, 2012. Call 507-454-2723 for more information.

U.S.-Dakota War Talk
New Ulm Public Library welcomes historian Stephen Osman for an overview of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, Tuesday June 12, 2012, 7 p.m. Call 507-359-8334 for more information.

Fashions of the Titanic
Friends of LeDuc of Historic Hastings meets at the LeDuc Historic Estate, Hastings MN, Tuesday June 12, 2012, 7 p.m. for a short business meeting and program on "Fashions of the Titanic," presented by Kevin Geraghty and Sarah French. Free. Call 651-437-7055 for more information.

Breakfast Club
Stearns History Museum, St. Cloud MN, hosts author Connie Lounsbury, who will speak on "How to Write Your Life Story," Wednesday June 13, 2012, 9-10 a.m. Call 320-253-8424 for more information.

Campfire Cooking
Carlton County Historical Society, Cloquet MN, will host "Creative Campfire Cooking" with naturalist Kristine Hiller, Wednesday June 13, 2012, 1 p.m. This is the last in a series of programs designed in conjunction with the "What's Cooking?" exhibit. Call 218-879-1938 for more information.

Roundtable Discussion
Steele County Historical Society, Owatonna MN, hosts its second Roundtable Discussion, Thursday June 14, 2012, 7 p.m. at the History Center. The topic will be Beaver Lake. Call 507-451-1420 for more information.

Wedding Dress Preservation
Scott County Historical Society, Shakopee MN, presents a class on preserving your wedding dress, Thursday June 14, 2012, 6:30-8 p.m. Bring your clean wedding dress (if dry cleaning request deionized water/rinse); all packing materials are included with the class fee of $65/SCHS members or $75/nonmembers. Contact SCHS, 952-445-0378, to register.

Civil War Roundtable
Cannon Valley Civil War Roundtable holds its annual picnic, Thursday June 14, 2012, 6 p.m., at Fort Ahlman, north of Morristown MN. Program to follow. Call Dan Peterson, 507-459-3140, for more information.

Open House
Rice County Historical Society, Faribault MN, announces that the Alexander Faribault House will be open for tours as part of Heritage Days Celebration, Saturday June 16, 2012, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free admission. Call 507-332-2121 for more information.

White Bear Lake History
Join White Bear Lake Area Historical Society at the Ramsey County Library-White Bear Lake for "White Bear Lake--Land of Lakes and Legends," Monday June 18, 2012, 6-7 p.m. Free. Call 651-407-5327 for more information.

LeDuc Summer Camp
Children experience a slice of life from the 1860s at the "Life with the LeDucs" Summer Camp, LeDuc Historic Estate, Hastings MN, June 19-21, 2012, 8 a.m. to noon. Camp is open to children ages 10-14. Register now through Hastings Community Education. Call 651-437-7055 for more information.

Historic Pub Crawl
White Bear Lake Area Historical Society, White Bear Lake MN, hosts the popular Historic Pub Crawl, downtown White Bear Lake, Wednesday June 20, 2012, 6-9 p.m. Tickets: $25 WBLAHS members; $30 nonmembers. Cocktails not included. Reservations required; call 651-407-5327.

Lunch with the History People
St. Louis County Historical Society, Duluth MN, hosts historian Pam Brunfelt, who will speak about World War II in her presentation "Iron and Steel in WWII: the Arsenal of Democracy," Thursday June 21, 2012, noon to 1 p.m., Ruth Maney Room, St. Louis County Heritage & Arts Center (the Depot). Contact Julie Bolos, 218-733-7568, for more information.

Taconite Mine Tours
Minnesota Discovery Center, Hibbing Taconite, and Shubat Transportation team up this summer to provide Hibbing Taconite Mine Tours to the public, Thursdays June 21-August 16, 2012, 1-2:30 p.m. Cost: $5/person; children under 10 not allowed. Experience mining on the Iron Range. Call 800-372-6437 for reservations.

Scandinavian Festivals
Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, Moorhead MN, announces the 35th Annual Scandinavian Hjemkomst and Annual Midwest Viking Festivals, June 22-23, 2012, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hjemkomst Center. Call 218-299-5511 for more information.

Walking Tour
White Bear Lake Area Historical Society hosts "Downtown White Bear Lake Then and Now--A Walking Tour," Sunday June 24, 2012, 1-3 p.m. Tickets: $15/person; $12 WBLAHS members. Reservations required; call 651-407-5327.

Book Release Party
Celebrate with Pond-Dakota Heritage Society, Bloomington MN, the release of the book "A Thrilling Narrative of Indian Captivity: Dispatches from the Dakota War," by Mary Butler Renville, Sunday June 24, 2012, 2 p.m. Dakota scholars and non-Dakota editors teamed up to translate letters written by John Baptiste Renville. Books available for purchase and signing. Call 952-563-8693 for more information.

History in a Pint
Veterans' Memorial Hall, a program of the St. Louis County Historical Society, Duluth MN, hosts the next "History in a Pint," Thursday June 28, 2012, 6 p.m., American Legion Post 71, West Duluth. Three local World War II veterans will discuss their experiences during the Great Depression and the War. For more information contact Dan Hartman, 218-310-5356.

Nick Coleman Sr. Program
Ramsey County Library--Roseville hosts author John Milton, who will talk about his new biography of Nick Coleman, Sr., "For the Good of the Order," Thursday June 28, 2012, 7 p.m. A panel of former legislators will attend to discuss "old-time" Minnesota politics. Call 651-724-6022 for more information.

Civil War Cemetery Tour
Meet a costumed guide from Scott County Historical Society at Valley Cemetery, Shakopee MN, to learn about the history of Scott County Civil War veterans, Thursday June 28, 2012, 6:30-8 p.m. Fee: $12; $10 SCHS members. Register through Shakopee Community Education. Call 952-445-0378 for more information.

Old Time School
Register now for Old Time School through Isanti County Historical Society, Cambridge MN. Children who were in grades 1-8 this year are eligible. School is offered four weeks this summer: June 4-8; June 11-15; June 18-22; and June 25-29. Fee: $50/one-week session. Call Karen Lood, 763-689-2830, for more information.

House Tours
White Bear Lake Area Historical Society, White Bear Lake MN, offers one-hour tours of Fillebrown House, an 1879 lakeside cottage, Sunday July 1 and Sunday August 5, 2012, 1-4 p.m. Tickets: $5/adults; $3 children 12 and under. Free to WBLAHS members. Call 651-407-5327 for more information.

Night at the Museum
Stearns History Museum, St. Cloud MN, presents the Summer 2012 Children's Camp, "Night at the Museum," from 6:30 p.m. July 17 to 9 a.m. July 18, 2012. Enjoy stories by the fire, movies, and a special secret event to remember! Cost: $50. Contact Debi Pack, 320-253-8424, for more information. Registration deadline: July 1, 2012.

Do Ya Dig It?
Stearns History Center, St. Cloud MN, offers a three-day camp in which participants can unbury the past during an archaeological dig, dig into family history, and explore Heritage Park for natural wonders. Camp dates: July 23, 24, 25, 2012, 1-3 p.m. each day. Cost: $45. Contact Debi Pack, 320-253-8424, for more information. Registration deadline: July 1, 2012.

Art Summer Camp
LeDuc Historic Estate, Hastings MN, offers summer camp for children ages 10-14, August 7-9, 2012, 8 a.m. to noon. Camp led by local artists and LeDuc educators; students combine paint, fresh air, and creativity to make their own masterpieces. Register now through Hastings Community Education.

Summer Classes
Small Museum Pro! offers online summer classes in Collections Care and Education and Outreach.

AAM Webinar
American Association of Museums hosts live webinar, "Increasing Your Museum's Contributed Income: How to Get More Gifts No Matter Your Size," Wednesday June 13, 2012, 2-3:30 p.m. ET. Cost: Free/Staff of AAM Institutional Members; $40/AAM Individual Members; $90/Non-members.

Reminder: Registration Open
Minnesota Digital Library holds its 10th Annual Meeting, Monday June 18, 2012, 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Continuing Education & Conference Center, U of M Twin Cities St. Paul Campus. Fee: $25. Registration deadline: this Friday, June 8, 2012.

Grantwriting Clinic
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits offers "Grantwriting Clinic for Beginners," Tuesday July 17, 2012, 9 a.m. to noon, MCN Conference Room, St. Paul MN. Fee: $85/MCN members.

501(c)(3) Webinar
Internal Revenue Service offers free webinar, "Starting off Right--What New 501(c)(3) Organizations Need to Know." Includes tips on annual filing requirements and the types of records organizations should maintain.

Retirement Open House
Roseau County Historical Society, Roseau MN, invites colleagues to celebrate Charleen Haugen's retirement at an open house, Monday June 18, 2012, 3-6 p.m. at the Roseau City Center.

Minnesota Preservation Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2012 Minnesota Preservation Awards, a program of the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota (PAM). Nominations due Friday June 29, 2012.

World War I Centennial
National WWI Museum, Kansas City MO, is beginning to plan for the upcoming Centennial Anniversary and Commemoration of the First World War.

Available: Card Catalog Cabinet
Minnesota Historical Society History Center, St. Paul MN, has one wooden 48-drawer card catalog cabinet available; free. Contact Richard Miller, 651-259-3152, for more information.

Free School Tour Program
Experiential learning is alive and well at LeDuc Historic Estate and Dakota County Historical Society, Hastings MN. Minnesota educators are encouraged to participate in a free program to develop a tour or visit that meets the needs of any classroom. For more information or to schedule, contact LeDuc Historic Estate, 651-437-7055.

Special Collections Public Hours
Hennepin County Library's Special Collections Department, 4th floor, Minneapolis Central Library, is expanding and simplifying their public hours. They will be open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and the first and third Saturdays of each month. Contact Special Collections, 612-543-8200, for more information.