Commemorative Statues, Memorials, and Historic Preservation Program Supports $2 million in Grants to Minnesota Local Communities
For immediate release
Dated: February 19, 2026
Contacts: Nick Jungheim, 651-259-3060, nick.jungheim@mnhs.org or Allison Ortiz, 651-259-3051, allison.ortiz@mnhs.org
Location: Minnesota History Center
ST. PAUL, Minn. (February 19, 2026) – The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) is pleased to announce the newest recipients of eight Commemorative Statues, Memorials, and Historic Preservation (CSMHP) grants totaling $2 million.
The CSMHP Grant Program’s goal is to assist local communities in preserving their history through statues and memorials as well as preserving facilities and structures. This round of awards was approved by the MNHS Executive Council on December 11, 2025.
The CSMHP’s Program is made possible by the Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008. The Legacy Amendment supports efforts to preserve Minnesota land, water and legacy, including Minnesota history and cultural heritage.
Commemorative Statues, Memorials, and Historic Preservation Grant Recipients
Recipients of CSMHP grants from the fiscal year 2025 and fiscal year 2026 are listed in alphabetical order below. Each project will preserve and enhance Minnesota’s cultural and historical resources. Grants are competitive and awarded according to the request for proposal and application review criteria.
5501 France LLC, South St. Paul, $248,500
To hire qualified professionals for roof repairs, masonry wall restoration, and parapet reconstruction, along with updating the kitchen to meet modern codes, installing a new air conditioning system to replace the window units, and preparing construction documents on the 1923 Serbian Home, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
City of Forest Lake, Forest Lake, $210,000
To hire a qualified consultant to develop designs and installation of a bronze memorial sculpture honoring American military veterans as the centerpiece of the Veterans Memorial located at Lakeside Memorial Park.
City of Marshall, Marshall, $498,000
To hire qualified professionals to replace the Bandshell with a new design that will meet modern codes and needs at Liberty Park.
City of St. Paul (Parks and Recreation), St. Paul, $250,000
To hire a qualified consultant to design and install a statue of Tou Ger Xiong, to be placed on Tou Ger Xiong Island in Phalen-Keller Regional Park.
Dakota County Historical Society, South St. Paul, $54,025
To hire a qualified consultant to develop designs for a series of interpretive elements that will weave into other outdoor interpretation in Dakota County, complementing that content and filling gaps along established trails.
Fairmont Opera House, Inc., Fairmont, $168,000
To contract with qualified professionals to prepare construction documents for the preservation of the 1901 Fairmont Opera House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Greater Litchfield Opera House Association, Inc., Litchfield, $55,848
To hire qualified professionals to restore the upper balcony seating, upper balcony rails, upper balcony baseboards/trim, and upper-level windows on the 1900 Litchfield Opera House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Olmsted County Historical Society, Rochester, $515,627
To hire qualified professionals to stabilize and complete repairs to the envelope of the house, including exterior masonry work, window rehabilitation, porch restoration, and interior stabilization of the wood structure, along with floor, staircase, and door repairs on the 1860 George Stoppel Farmstead, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
About Commemorative Statues, Memorials, And Historic Preservation Grants.
Funds for this program were appropriated in two appropriations of $1 million each year for Fiscal Year 2026 and Fiscal Year 2027 (total funds available are $2 million); MNHS will administer these funds in one grant round. Payment for some projects will be paid out of FY26 funds and FY27 funds.
About the Minnesota Historical Society
The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves, and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs, and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories, and connects people with history.