Charlie Nelson, retired MHS historical architect, died early Saturday morning, January 20, 2007. Charlie was hired as the first historical architect in the State Historic Preservation Office after that program was established in 1969.

In his long tenure he left a lasting impact on the state’s built environment. He was a leader in the historic preservation community and was known and admired in communities large and small throughout the state. In the image below, Charlie (far right) advised volunteers at the Runestone Museum in Alexandria about care and preservation of log buildings. He retired from the Society in 2005.

Charlie was particularly proud of the work he did with county and local historical organizations, and he had many, many friends throughout Minnesota. He had a passion for local history and traveled across Minnesota in every season and in all weather conditions. Charlie urged us all to do our very best, but his advice was always practical and geared to reality.

See obituaries in Pioneer Press and Star Tribune.

Please let us know how Charlie helped your organization.

I have proposed to my board that we prepare a “History of Pope County” book for publication in 2016, our 150th year. I want to know what my colleagues think regarding portions of past county history books that were successful, most used, least important, should never be repeated, etc., as we launch into our book. Pope County does not have a good history book. Thanks,

Merlin Peterson,
Pope County Historical Society

My curator position closes today, which has me thinking about the application process from the employer’s point of view. All I did was post it with MALHM, MHS, MAM, and email the description to a few others. I thought I would get graduating seniors applying for the job because of its temporary nature and relatively low pay. I have been pretty amazed at what actually happened. I have 5 resumes in hand (and am expecting at least one more today). All have college degrees in hand, two have MAs (a third nearly finished). Three have curatorial experience, two extensive. I just want to say that Im probably going to think twice about ever paying for job ads again. Id much rather have 5-10 qualified applicants than an additional 15-25 who are not.

I literally spent about $500 advertising a couple of positions a year and a half ago. We just dont have that kind of money. I got applications, but those I found would have heard about it through free circles anyway. With the distribution of Minnesota Local History News as well as the existence of “member post” sites like MAM, MALHM, and MN Council of Nonprofits, it just seems like a waste of money. Furthermore, it seems like an overwhelming majority of our job seekers are choosing to search via electronic means rather than cruising traditional want ads. Id much rather use the $500 I would have spent on ads on something else. It also tells me the museum economy must be a terribly scary place  especially for recent graduates or Minnesotans wishing to remain in-state.

If you have thoughts on this, I’d really like to hear about them. Thanks,

Ben Leonard
Nicollet County Historical Society

The Chippewa County Historical Society would like to know if there are county museums who have fire alarm systems (on top of their regular alarm systems) in their museums. If so, can you give me an idea of the startup cost as well as the monthly costs. We would like to look into a system, but I honestly don’t know where to start, especially out here in a small rural area.

June Lynne
Executive Director
Chippewa County Historical Society

Hi everyone! Our museum had a board strategic planning retreat this past weekend. Among the issues we looked at was that of our name: the North Star Museum of Boy Scouting and Girl Scouting is an unwieldy moniker, for sure. But aside from the issue of whether the words “North Star” appeal to the region we intend for it to-not just Minnesota, but the 5-state upper Midwest-the board was concerned that perhaps the word “museum” in our name was a hindrance, rather than a help.

I just listened. My feeling is that we are, indeed, a museum, and that it is an honorable word, one with a long history and easy-to-understand connotations.

My question for you is this: do any of you know of any recent research into the term “museum” (as opposed to “history center”, or any other type of euphemism for museum) with the general public, designed to elicit what image comes to mind when people hear the word? I’d like something to pass along to my board.

Thanks.

Claudia

Jerome Thompson in Iowa sent a link to a New York Times article on privatizing historic house museums as private residences. The case highlighted is Carter’s Grove, owned by Colonial Williamsburg. The story shows that declining visitation due to lower travel costs and rising affluence affects the bottom line. What are the implications to “selling off history”? Are preservation easements (deed restrictions) enough to protect historic sites?

In reading many of the newsletters from county and local historical organizations, I note some usual suspension of hours to get some major projects done. It would be great to have many of you tell us what you will be doing during the winter visitation doldrums. Or, does your visitation slacken at all this time of year?