Become a Member of the Historic Resources Advisory Committee

📌 Open Call for Candidates: Submit your Letter of Interest & Resume by October 12, 2026 | Term Begins January 1, 2027 | How to apply

The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) seeks candidates for service on the Historic Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC). Committee members make funding recommendations for requests of more than $20,000 and provide policy and grant-making guidance for the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants program, funded by the Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

The Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (ACHF) is one of four funds created by the Legacy Amendment, passed by voters in November 2008. Through state appropriations, these funds support Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage grants to advance history and historic preservation across the state. Expectations are high for what these grants accomplish—funding projects of enduring value for communities statewide.

The Minnesota Historical Society’s Grants Office administers the competitive Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants program and appoints members to the Historic Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC). To ensure balanced statewide representation, statutory guidelines require committee members to represent diverse historical and cultural interests, including:

Historic preservation, local history, and archaeology
Archival programs and other cultural initiatives related to Minnesota history
Local, county, and statewide historical organizations

To maintain a balanced committee, the Grants Office gives primary consideration to applicants who meet one or more of the following:

Location: Live and/or work outside the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.
Representation: Represent a culturally specific organization that has not historically participated in the grant program.
Expertise: Hold professional expertise in historic preservation or archives.

Committee expectations:

Seek public input,
Provide policy and grant-making guidance on the expenditure of Legacy funds for the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants program grants, and
Review, evaluate, and recommend funding to the MNHS Executive Council for applications to the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants program in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 138.01.

Committee terms/participation

Serve a two-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term.
Attend two meetings a year: 1) a one-day spring meeting held to discuss the grant process and other grant-related items, and 2) a two-day fall meeting held to deliberate and make funding recommendations on 60 to 100 applications. HRAC members have two weeks before this meeting to review all applications, score each one, and come prepared to discuss them with their committee colleagues.

Qualifications

Skills and/or knowledge to evaluate and apply criteria related to grant requirements and professional standards
Work independently to read and analyze applications
Communicate effectively during review meetings
Contribute to an effective group process by being cooperative, constructive, and flexible
Adhere to the conflict of interest policy
Possess either basic computer skills and familiarity with MNHS’ grant portal, or the ability to quickly learn the application review process through MNHS’ grant portal.

Benefits of serving on the committee

Make an impact on history and historic preservation work statewide
Expand your professional network
Develop an understanding of statewide history and historic preservation needs
Reimbursement for mileage, meals, and lodging (if necessary).

Recruitment process

The schedule is as follows:

Step / Phase	Timing	Key Milestone & Actions
1. Application Window	August / September	Recruitment opens and positions are advertised statewide.
2. Review & Submission	October	• Candidates submit Letter of Interest and Resume. • MNHS Grants Office reviews applications and prepares recommendations
3. Appointment	November / December	MNHS Executive Council reviews recommendations and officially appoints candidates.
4. Notification	December	Candidates are notified of final decisions prior to the January 1 term start date

How to apply

To be considered for the term starting on January 1, 2027, please send 1) a letter of interest stating the reason(s) why you want to serve on the HRAC and 2) a resume by Monday, October 12, 2026 to carolyn.veeser-egbide@mnhs.org or by mail to:

Grants Office, Historic Resources Advisory Committee
Minnesota Historical Society
345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul, MN 55102

Please contact Carolyn Veeser-Egbide, Grants Manager, at 651-259-3469 or carolyn.veeser-egbide@mnhs.org with any questions.