Mid/Large Grant Deadline
For those organizations who went through the pre-application process, final applications for the mid/large Legacy grants round are due by midnight this Friday July 27, 2012. If you have questions on the content of the grant proposal, please contact the reviewer listed in your pre-application review letter. For general grants program questions contact Melinda Hutchinson, 651-259-3459, or John Fulton, 651-259-3467.

Small Grants
The next small (Fast Track) grants deadline will be Friday August 17, 2012. Contact the Grants Office with questions.

Applying for funds to purchase a Digital Microfilm/fiche Reader/Printer/Scanner has just gotten simpler!

Because microfilm readers are commonly used by many schools, libraries, genealogical societies and historical organizations for access to their microfilmed newspapers and historic document collections, a Microfilm/fiche Reader Structured Grant Option has been created to provide a simplified application process.

Local History Newsletter Digest: 2012 Tourism Award given to Maxine Ronglien, State School Orphanage Museum

Maxine Ronglien recognized for her nearly two decades of work at the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum.

Facebook Findings

Minnesota Local History made its goal--up 7 this week, to 855! Our colleagues over at Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office are now up to 410 likes, and Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grants holds steady at 144. 'Like' these groups to keep up with the latest in the Minnesota local history, historic preservation, and grants worlds!

Director
My Waterloo Days, Waterloo IA, seeks Director. Deadline: August 6, 2012.

State Historic Preservation Officer
State of Vermont seeks State Historic Preservation Officer, posting number 30466. Position open until filled.

Manager
Living History Farms, Urbandale IA, seeks 1900 Farm Manager. 

Lecture Tonight
Barbara Sommer will speak on "A Good Deal: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Southeastern Minnesota," Olmsted County Fairgrounds, Rochester MN, tonight, Wednesday July 25, 2012, 7 p.m. Also view an exhibit "Working for Uncle Sam: Legacies of the CCC and WPA," at Floral Hall. Call 504-280-6888 for more information.

Mobile Oral History
Scott County Historical Society, Shakopee MN, will give Scott County Fair visitors an opportunity to capture and record their oral histories at the Mobile Oral History recording studio, July 25-29, 2012.

Documentary Screening
Join Nicollet County Historical Society, St. Peter MN, at Fort Ridgely Historic Site, Fairfax MN, for a screening of the thought-provoking documentary film "Reel Injun," Saturday July 28, 2012, 2 p.m. Explore the portrayal of American Indians through the history of cinema. Free, but state park vehicle sticker required. Call 507-426-7888 or 507-934-2160 for more information.

Movie Matinee
Join Carlton County Historical Society, Cloquet MN, for a screening of two films from their collection, "Horsemen of the Western Trails" and a mystery movie that has no provenance. Both movies will be shown using a vintage projector. Call 218-879-1938 for more information.

Scottish Christmas in July
Harkin Store, nine miles northwest of New Ulm MN, will celebrate a Scottish Christmas in honor of Alexander Harkin's native Scotland, Sunday July 29, 2012, 1-4 p.m. Enjoy Scottish goodies, decorations, and Christmas items in the gift shop. Operated by Nicollet County Historical Society. Call 507-354-8666 or 507-934-2160 for more information.

U.S.-Dakota War Talk
John LaBatte will present a program on "The Christian Indians and the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862," Fort Ridgely Historic Site, Fairfax MN, Saturday August 4, 2012, 1 p.m. Battlefield tour to follow at 2:30 p.m. Fort Ridgely Historic Site is operated by Nicollet County Historical Society, St. Peter MN. Call 507-426-7888 or 507-934-2160 for more information.

Dakota Poetry
Blue Earth County Historical Society, Mankato MN, hosts the eighth event in the "Discover the Dakota" series, Dakota Poetry, Saturday August 4, 2012, 10 a.m. to noon. Free. Call 507-345-5566 for more information.

World War II Exhibit
Lac qui Parle County Historical Society, Madison MN, announces the opening of "Minnesota Homefront, World War II," a traveling exhibit from the Minnesota Historical Society, August 5, 2012. Call 320-598-7678 for more information.

U.S.-Dakota War Observance
Join Ness Church Preservation Foundation and Ness Church Cemetery Association, Litchfield MN, for the 150th Anniversary Observance of the U.S.-Dakota War. Representatives from the Dakota nation will perform a "Healing Ceremony," Sunday August 19, 2012.

Emergency Funding
Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, Duluth MN, created the 2012 Flood Immediate Response Fund to support Duluth-Superior area nonprofits affected by recent flooding. Interested nonprofits should submit a letter of inquiry.

Arts Funding
Willmar Area Community Foundation has funding opportunities for organizations serving Willmar and the Kandiyohi County area. Fund for the Arts program supports small and medium-sized community organizations leading arts activities conducted by community organizations.

Awards Nominations
The Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums invites you to nominate a candidate for one of their awards programs. Deadline: Sunday July 29, 2012.

Awards Nominations
Minnesota Genealogical Society invites you to nominate a genealogy friend or colleague for one of six MGS service and achievement awards. Deadline: August 1, 2012.

Attendance Trends
Read the findings of a survey on how museum attendance has fared since the economic downturn in the United States.

Creativity on a Shoestring
Linda Norris requests feedback for the Museums & Creative Practice project. What are your experiences with working in and with small museums, and being creative on a small budget?

School stories are among the few that need little explanation in order for someone to relate to them. The donation of this desk to the Washington County Historical Society, Stillwater MN, will help it share the story of District 27/102/833 (Woodbury).

Although the school is now a residence, its memories live in the stories and artifacts at WCHS and the desk will find a special place for display at the Hay Lake School Museum in Scandia MN. How is your organization preparing for the back-to-school season?