No Local History News next week

Local History News will observe the Memorial Day holiday and will not be published next week. It will return to your inboxes on June 3, 2009. Enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday weekend!

Legacy Amendment Update

The MN House and Senate passed the Legacy Amendment Act on Monday night. The bill contains funding for history within the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. For the 2010-2011 biennium, the total amount of funding estimated for history is $22 million.

The Governor has until midnight on Friday May 22, 2009 to sign the bill, veto it entirely, or issue line item vetoes. Read the bill for more information on appropriations, accountability, and other topics.

Many thanks to everyone who contacted their legislators. Please take a moment to thank your legislators for their support of the Legacy Amendment.

From the Local History Blog...

Evolution of Local History Websites(new post) The manager of one of the oldest local history websites comments on what has changed since 1997. Answer: a lot.

Employment Opportunities

Curator of 3-D Collections
History Center of Olmsted County in Rochester MN is accepting applications for a Curator of 3-D Collections. Position is responsible for management of 3-D collections including accessioning, deaccessioning, exhibit production and some program responsibilities. Experience with PastPerfect is desirable. Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to: Executive Director, History Center of Olmsted County, 1195 West Circle Drive SW, Rochester MN 55902.

Local History Events

Film and Forum at Nicollet County Historical Society
View the 1994 documentary "The Dakota Conflict" at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday May 21, 2009 at the Treaty Site History Center in St. Peter. The hour-long film is a production of Twin Cities Public Television. Shari Lamke and Steve Spencer from TPT will answer questions after the film. Contact Jessica or Ben at 507-934-2160.

Greatest Generation exhibit
Enjoy three days of family activities to celebrate the opening of Minnesota Historical Society's exhibit "Minnesota's Greatest Generation: The Depression, The War, The Boom." Saturday May 23 through Monday May 25, 2009, noon-5.

Pie and ice cream social in Rockford
Rockford Area Historical Society will host a Pie and Ice Cream Social at the historic Ames-Florida-Stork House in Rockford on Memorial Day May 25, 2009, 10-2.

Preservation Talks . . . a community conversation
Could Conservation Districts become a successful tool for preserving Saint Paul's oldest neighborhoods? Historic Saint Paul & Minnesota Landmarks host on Friday May 29, 2009, 12 to 1:15 p.m. at Landmark Center, Room 317, 75 West 5th Street, Saint Paul. Contact Dina Vaynerman, 651-292-3276.

Chaska to York in 49 Days
Hear the amazing story of Colton Witte and Sean Bloomfield's 2,250 mile canoe trip from the Minnesota River to Hudson Bay on Saturday May 30, 2009, 2 p.m. at the Treaty Site History Center in St. Peter. Contact Jessica or Ben at 507-934-2160.

Book Signing
Sacred Heart Area Historical Society will hold a book signing for Sacred Heart - Town & Country...More Than a Lifetime on Thursday June 4, 2009, 6-7 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Area Museum. The book commemorates 150 years of Sacred Heart history. Bring your copy to be signed. The Society's quarterly meeting will follow. Open to the public. Refreshments provided. Contact Linda Larsen, 320-523-3745, for more information.

Walk with the Moon
Carver County Historical Society hosts an educational hike at Seminary Fen on Monday June 8, 2009, 7-9 p.m. "Walk with the Moon" and learn ecological history. Recommended for adults and children age 12 and older. Free. Contact Erin Anderson at 952-442-4234 for more information.

Mayowood Family Festival
Enjoy the great outdoors at the 3rd Annual Mayowood Family Festival, Saturday June 13, 2009, 9-4 in Rochester MN. Get a glimpse of life in the early 1900s at Dr. Charles H. Mayo's beautiful country estate. Contact the History Center of Olmsted County, 507-282-9447, for more information.

Local News Roundup

Property tax exemptions for charities
Minnesota Legislature's Conference Committee on Taxes (HF2323/SF1704) passed the clarifications to the existing charitable property tax exemptions on Saturday May 9, 2009. The bill must be signed by the governor prior to becoming law.

Fund your mission

Museums are eligible for stimulus money
Museums will be allowed to compete for funds available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, better known as the Stimulus Bill.

Fundraising made easy
GuideStar recently published "Do-It-Yourself Fundraising: How to Get Money for Your Nonprofit."

Continuing Education Opportunities

S.O.S. Save Our Stuff!
Iowa State University hosts this conference at Carver Hall, Department of History, on Friday June 5, 2009, 9-4:30. Register by May 26, 2009 by contacting Lucy David, 319-338-0514, or Nancy Kraft, 319-335-5286

AASLH book sale
American Association for State and Local History offers selected titles at 30% off, now through May 25, 2009.

7th Annual Digital Library Meeting
Join the Minnesota Digital Library for its annual meeting at the Gorecki Center, College of St. Benedict, in St. Joseph MN on June 8, 2009. Register.

Scholarships to the National Trust Conference
The Diversity Scholarship Program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation is accepting applications for the 2009 Diversity Scholars. Selected candidates will receive a scholarship to attend the National Preservation Conference October 13-17, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee.

AASLH Annual Meeting
American Association for State and Local History holds its annual meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, August 26-29, 2009. Register online or by mail or fax.

Small Museums Conference
Small Museums Association is planning its 26th Annual Conference in Ocean City, Maryland, February 21-23, 2010. Small Museum Conference seeks sessions that address the current economic recession. Submit proposals to Pam Williams by July 20, 2009.

AAM Emerging Museum Professionals Survey
If you are an emerging museum professional (EMP) in the first 10 years of working for or with museums, AAM would like to hear from you. Please fill out a short survey so AAM can learn more about what you need and expect from the museum field.

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