Legacy Amendment Updates

Legacy Open House
Passage of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution last November raises new funds from a sales tax increase, to be divided among projects benefitting the outdoors, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage. One appropriation made from the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund is dedicated to a "statewide survey of Minnesota's sites of historical, archaeological, and cultural significance." A total of $500,000 was appropriated for the biennium beginning July 1, 2009 and ending June 30, 2011. 

Minnesota Historical Society, Minnesota Office of the State Archaeologist and Minnesota Indian Affairs Council will host an open house to provide an opportunity for agencies, organizations and members of the public to learn about plans for implementation of the survey. Information will be available that explains the legislative language that established the survey, provides examples of the types of projects that may be undertaken, and describes who will be responsible for oversight of the projects. The public is invited to attend and provide comments, suggestions and ideas for the survey.

The open house will be held on Wednesday September 9, 2009, 5-7 p.m., at the Historic Fort Snelling Visitor Center. Comments can also be submitted by email to Patricia Emerson, or by mail to Patricia Emerson, Fort Snelling History Center, 200 Tower Avenue, St. Paul, MN  55111.

For further information, contact Patricia Emerson, 612-725-2410.

Legacy Grants Comment Area (2 new comments) - Feedback on the Legacy Amendment and draft guidelines are always welcome. Voice your opinion today!

From the Blog

Dollars from Social Media (new discussion) Social Media seems to be a very useful tool for nonprofit history organizations. Fundraising through Social Media may be next.

Webite Redesign Using Wordpress (no new comments) - How do you keep your organization's website updated and inviting for members and visitors?

Job Opportunities

Museum Registrar/Exhibit Manager
Plymouth County Historical Museum in Le Mars IA seeks part time museum registrar/exhibit manager. Sixteen hours/week, flexible but prefer 1-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Deadline: September 1, 2009. Mail resume to Plymouth County Historical Museum, 335 First Ave. SW, Le Mars IA 51031.

Exhibits Props Specialist
Minnesota Children's Museum seeks part time Exhibits Props Specialist. Bachelor's degree in Costume Design or related field required. Send resume and cover letter by September 2, 2009 to Minnesota Children's Museum or fax to 651-225-6006.

Policy Analyst
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and Minnesota Budget Project seeks Policy Analyst. Master of Arts or equivalent in public policy, economics, or related field required. Full time, includes benefits. Apply by Tuesday September 15, 2009.

Do History Here

Fowl Stories
Join Nicollet County Historical Society for a special program on Sunday August 30, 2 p.m. Pell Johnson will discuss his new book "Fowl Stories - The Adventures of Water Fowlers on Swan Lake, A Prairie Jewel." Call Jessica or Ben for more information, 507-934-2160.

History of One Room School Consolidation
Rice County Historical Society hosts Dr. Charles Kyte, who will present a program on "The History of Consolidation in Rice County and Minnesota" on Tuesday September 1, 2009 at 7 p.m. at the Rice County Historical Society in Faribault. Refreshments. Admission $1 members, $3 non-members. Call 507-332-2121 for reservations.

New Prague Walking Tour
Walking tour of downtown New Prague, Wednesday September 2, 2009 at 7 p.m. Tickets $10. Contact Scott County Historical Society, 952-445-0378, to register.

State Hospital Talk
Otter Tail County Historical Society hosts "Myths & Legends: Stories from the Fergus Falls State Hospital" at 5:30 p.m. on Friday September 4, 2009 at the State Hospital. Admission $5. Call 218-736-6038 for more information or to register.

Truman Smith Story
Hear the compelling story of an early banker in St. Paul, Truman M. Smith, who lost everything in the financial crash of 1857 and turned to a new career in horticulture. Gibbs Museum of Pioneer and Dakotah Life, St. Paul, Thursday September 17, 2009, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Free. RSVP 651-222-0701.

Continuing Education

Using Regional Flavor Workshop
Learn how to collaborate with nonprofits, local government, and entrepreneurs as a rural economic development strategy on Thursday September 10, 2009, 9-5, at the MapleLag Resort, Callaway MN. Although free, registration in advance is required: Deborah McLaren, 651-983-9880.

Fine Arts Insurance Seminar
Iowa Registrars Committee is hosting a seminar about fine arts insurance at Cedar Rapids Museum of Art on Friday October 23, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $15, or $8 for students; includes materials, lunch and refreshments. Travel stipends available. Contact Jennifer Kovarik or Teri Van Dorston with questions.  

Student Symposium
Minnesota Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians Fourth Annual Student Symposium takes place on Saturday September 26, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free and open to the public. Located at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul MN at the Owens Science Hall and O'Shaughnessy Science Hall.

Grant Deadlines

State Farm Grants
State Farm Youth Advisory Board service learning grants available. Nonprofits are eligible by demonstrating how they will actively engage students in public K-12 schools in meaningful service-learning programs. Deadline: October 2, 2009. Apply online.

Target Field Trip Grants
Target Corporation will award 5,000 field trip grants of up to $800 each for the coming K-12 school year. Grants will be awarded in February 2010. Open to education professionals who are at least 18 years old and work for an accredited K-12 school. Applications can be completed online anytime between August 5 and November 3, 2009.

Conservation Grants
Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (FAIC) and Tru Vue Inc. are partnering to offer grants supporting projects in glazing applications for preservation of museum and library collections. Deadline: November 1, 2009. Guidelines and forms online. 

News

This Place Matters
There is still time to enter your favorite place in the Places That Matter Photo Contest offered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Fireman's Fund Insurance. Submit your photos online. Deadline: September 15, 2009.

Denim & Diamonds Fundraiser
Join Becker County Historical Society at their Annual Fundraiser on Thursday September 24, 2009. Social and silent auction beginning at 6 p.m. at the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes MN. Tickets are $50/person available at the Becker County Museum, 218-847-2938.

Display Case Available
Need an exhibit case? Display case originally belonging to the Holtzerman Store in St. Paul is available. Contact Peter Dodge for more information.

Field Note