NEWS & INFORMATION

NON PROFIT ALERT - Posted 7 January 2010.
The law firm of Gray, Plant & Moody recently put out their January 2010 Non Profit Alert. This alert included information about filing for peoperty tax exemptions, and filing your annua business renewal with the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office.

HISTORICAL & CULTURAL SOCIETY OF CLAY COUNTY SEEKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Posted 22 December 2009
Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County in Moorhead in the Hjemkomst Building seeks an Executive Director. Graduate degree or equivalent museum experience preferred. Applications accepted until January 31st. Salary range $48,000 to $60,000 depending experience and qualifications. Please visit www.hjemkomst-center.com for details. Application deadline is January 31st.

MHS MICROFILM LAB - Posted 18 December 2009
Many of you are no doubt aware by now about the recent closure of the MHS Microfilm Lab. The Chaska Herald has a terrific article on that closure and its ramifications to local historical organizations.
      Click here to see the article.

ARE YOU ON WIKIPEDIA? - Posted 17 November 2009
The popular web site, Wikipedia, features a listing of Minnesota museums. In keeping with the open (and somewhat contreversial) nature of Wikipedia, entries can be created and edited by registered users. Does your organization have a Wikipedia entry?

MUSEUMS OF MINNESOTA WEB SITE CREATED - Posted 16 November 2009
A new web site, Museums of Minnesota, has been started through the efforts of Twin Cities Public Television. This site will highlight museums of all sizes from across the state as a part of its research efforts for a new television series. To post your organization, simply go to the site and sign up. It is a quick, easy, and free way to increase your organizations presence on the net.

MUSEUM ON MAIN STREET CONTINUES THROUGH 2011 - Posted 6 November 2009
The Smithsonian Museum's traveling display program, Museum on Main Street, will be a fixture in Greater Minnesota through 2011. The Minnesota Humanities Commission is coordinating this tour.

The current display making its way across the state is Between Fences. Beginning in May 2010, Journey Stories commences its tour.

LEGACY GRANT WORKSHOPS SCHEDULED - Updated 12 November 2009
There are no more Legacy Grants Workshops scheduled for the time being. Additional ones will be added if there is enough demand.

Details about the Legacy Grants, including updated guidelines, can be found at the MHS web site.

MINNESOTA HISTORY AWARDS ANNOUNCED - Posted 6 October 2009
In mid-September, a committee of past-presidents of the Minnesota Alliance of Local history Museums and current board members evaluated the submissions for the first annual Minnesota History Awards. The awards program not only provides recognition to the excellent work being done in Minnesota’s public history community, but we hope that it will also serve as maker to individuals and organizations in Minnesota on how to do great work.

Nominations were requested in four categories: Public Programs, Publications, Behind-the-Scenes, and Minnesota Sesquicentennial. The sesquicentennial category was a special category for the awards first year. A heartfelt thank you for the nominations that were submitted. We hope that the awards program will continue to grow in prominence and esteem in our field.

2008 Minnesota History Award Winners
Category: Public Programs
Arlington Historical Society for the Arlington Fire Hall Restoration Project.

Category: MN Sesquicentennial
Hennepin County Library for the program Minnovation: 150 Years of Ingenuity.

Jon Olson for the Minnesota Statehood Sesquicentennial Wagon Train.

The Ramsey County Historical Society, University UNITED, and the University Avenue History Group for “At The Center: 150 Years at Prior and University Avenues.”

Robert Waltz for The Minnesota Heritage Songbook.

The inaugural class of Minnesota History Award winners will be recognized at the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museum’s October 26 annual meeting at the CSPS Sokol Hall in St. Paul. Click here for a registration form. The meeting is open to the public.

MINNESOTA MUSEUMS RECEIVE IMLS GRANTS - Posted 29 August 2009
The Institute for Museum & Library Services (IMLS) recently annouced that four Minnesota museums received Museums for America (MFA) grants for the 2008-09 grant cycle. They are:
     Goldstein Museum of Design, Minneapolis
     Minnesota Children's Museum, St. Paul
     Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul
     Stearns History Museum, St. Cloud
For a complete list of the 2009 MFA recipients, click here.

MINNESOTA LOCAL HISTORY WEBLOG
Looking for a forum to discuss issues relating to local history museums in Minnesota? Than look no further the the MHS Local History Weblog. Topics are added weekly. Viewers are strongly encouraged to add their thoughts and views to the forum. It is a simple way to share information between professionlals in our field. Our thanks to the staff at MHS for hosting this vital service.

COLLECTIONS INITIATIVE MANUALS & DVDS
As of August 1, 2006, there are NO manuals remaining. No new copies will be printed. A DVD of teleconference highlights has been compiled. Complimentary copies were sent to institutions and individuals who participated. Extra copies are available at $40 each. Contact Mike Worcester to order the DVD copy.