A Sesquicentennial Journey 2005–2008 Letter from the Commissioners

This document is made available electronically by the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library as part of an ongoing digital archiving project. http://www.leg.state.mn.us/lrl/lrl.asp

a sesquicentennial ourney J2005-2008

Minnesota Statehood Sesquicentennial Commission Final Report This report is submitted to the Minnesota State Legisla- Rep. Diane Loeffler, Co-Chair, Legislative Subcom- ture by the members of the Minnesota Statehood mittee; Program & Engage the Public/Plan for Our Sesquicentennial Commission: Future Committee, Minneapolis Cay Shea Hellervik, Commission Chair, Elizabeth McMullen, Engage the Public/Plan for Our Personnel Decisions International, Minneapolis Future Committee, Minnesota Business Partner- ship, Minneapolis Reatha Clark King, Commission Vice-Chair; Chair, Capital, Grants & Legislative Committee, General Sen. Gen Olson, Program Committee, Minnetrista Mills Foundation, Minneapolis Sen. Pat Pariseau, Engage the Public/Plan for Our Sen. Don Betzold, Fridley Future & Capital, Grants & Legislation Commit- tees, Farmington Rep. Sondra Erickson, Co-Chair, Subcommittee on Education, Princeton Mark F. Peterson, Chair, Program Committee, Winona County Historical Society, Winona Tess Hohman, Co-Chair, Communications, General Mills, Excelsior Sen. Ann H. Rest, Co-Chair, Engage the Public/Plan for Our Future Committee, New Hope Sarah Janecek, Communications Committee, Dolan Media, Minneapolis Dallas Ross, Program Committee, Upper Sioux Community, Granite Falls Rep. Morrie Lanning, Co-Chair, Engage the Public/Plan for Our Future Committee, Moorhead Rep. Loren Solberg, Program & Engage the Public/Plan for Our Future Committees, Grand Former Sen. Cal Larson, Capital, Grants & Legisla- Rapids tion Committee, Fergus Falls Joe C. Swedberg, Co-Chair, Communications Com- mittee, Hormel Foods Corp., Austin a sesquicentennial Journey 2005–2008 Letter from the Commissioners ...... 3

Executive Summary ...... 4

Message from the Commission Chair ...... 6 History of the Commission Commission Committees Establishing a Mission & Strategies The Commission’s Work

Time of Preparation: July 2006 to May 2008 ...... 9 Engaging the Public Fundraising Securing Partners Telling the Sesqui Story Promoting the Sesquicentennial

Time of Commemoration & Celebration: May to September 2008 ...... 21 Statehood Week, May 11-18 A Summer of Sesquicentennial Events Sesquicentennial Salute to Minnesota Businesses

Time of Reflection & Legacy: May 2008 to January 2009 ...... 25 Many Voices-One Minnesota: A Sesquicentennial Plan for Our Future Sesqui Civic Engagement Project Sesquicentennial Legacy & Micro Grant Program More Sesqui Legacy Projects

Message to the Future & Bicentennial Planners of 2058 ...... 32

Supplemental Sesqui Information ...... 34 Sesquicentennial Staff Sesquicentennial Ambassadors State Agency Working Group Minnesota Milestones Survey Summary Sesquicentennial Grant Program Grants of Statewide Significance Sesqui Community Celebrations Minnesota @ 150, Real & Imagined Sesqui Books

Letter from the Commissioners

December 2008

Dear Fellow Minnesotans:

When we began this journey nearly four years ago, none of us could imagine the challenges and opportunities we would encounter in trying to wrap our arms around something as vast and encompass- ing as 150 years of Minnesota statehood.

Like Minnesotans before us, we rolled up our sleeves and dove in, gathering strength from the enterprising spirit that has always marked Minnesota’s hopes and dreams. We endeavored to commemorate Minnesota’s history and celebrate the accomplishments of the millions of people who have come before us and those who continue to live, work, play and achieve here. We also hoped to use this time as a springboard to inspire our fellow citizens to engage in planning for Minnesota’s future well-being.

Thanks to the help and support of thousands of Minnesota citizens — and their generous gift of $1.6 million authorized by the State Legislature, which was matched several times over by community, corporate and foundation funds and in-kind donations — the Sesquicentennial challenge was met through opportunities for Minnesotans to learn, grow, and we hope, prosper into our next 50 years.

Reaching five million people scattered over 87,000 square miles was a test indeed, but the test was answered by an extraordinary grassroots response. People in small towns, townships and urban neighborhoods caught the anniversary spirit, expressed through creative endeavors and team efforts that helped mark this occasion, to remember where we came from and envision where we are headed.

Minnesotans recognized that statehood is a precious privilege and responsibility in 2008. It was a year which saw the state host its first national political convention in over 100 years — the Republican Na- tional Convention. It was a year in which America elected its first African-American president. It was a year in which government at local, state and federal levels worked together overtime to rebuild — in record time — the Interstate Highway 35W bridge that had collapsed into the Mississippi River just five months before our 150th anniversary year began.

Finally, it was a year in which Minnesotans connected again through the ideals of statehood, through the sense of belonging to, and being responsible for, something greater than our individual selves. Minnesota is indeed a place — and a state of mind and heart — that we all cherish.

We have been privileged to serve the state and its citizens to plan and organize this historic 150th anniversary of statehood. This Final Report of the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission touches on many anniversary highlights. We hope it will spark more memories from this special year and be a record for those who follow us in paying tribute to the state we all call home.

Sincerely,

The Minnesota Statehood Sesquicentennial Commission Cay Shea Hellervik, Chair Rep. Morrie Lanning Sen. Gen Olson Reatha Clark King, Vice Chair Cal Larson Sen. Ann H. Rest Sen. Don Betzold Rep. Diane Loeffler Dallas Ross Rep. Sondra Erickson Elizabeth McMullen Rep. Loren Solberg Tess Hohman Sen. Pat Pariseau Joe C. Swedberg Sarah Janecek Mark F. Peterson Jane Leonard, Executive Director

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 3 Pledge to ensure that this 150th anniversary of xecutive Summary statehood would be both meaningful and memo- E rable to all Minnesotans who took the time to participate.

Based on our data collection (grant project records, MINNESOTA’S STATEHOOD SESQUICENTEN- event tallies, media exposure) more than 1 million NIAL was a year of commemoration to reflect on Minnesotans participated in the Sesquicentennial, in and learn from our past. It was a year of statewide telling and listening to the stories inspired by the celebration to rediscover our state, showcase our 150th year of statehood. people and achievements, and connect us as Min- nesotans. And it was for many, a once-in-a-lifetime The Commission could not have accomplished this catalyst to unite us, to rededicate ourselves to creat- without the help and determination of thousands of ing a thriving and innovative future. volunteers statewide. These citizen volunteers in small towns and urban neighborhoods saw in the In 2007 and 2008, through more than 500 events, Sesquicentennial an opportunity to stir and organize over 150 grant projects, arts and culture exhibits, teams of people to accomplish together what indi- presentations, music and literature creations, Min- viduals could not do alone. They jumpstarted com- nesotans endeavored to tell all the stories that munity projects that may have been languishing for shaped this land, our culture, our people and our lack of inspiration and saw beyond the current day destiny — from before statehood to the present to to leave a legacy for generations ahead. the years beyond our own time. Projects in every one of Minnesota’s 87 counties We accomplished this statewide Sesquicentennial told the compelling stories of our shared home, programming and participation with modest fund- Minnesota. These projects ranged from: ing from the Minnesota State Legislature ($1.6 mil- • Many Nations One Circle project in Evansville lion over a period of 3.5 years — about 32 cents for (pop. 561), in west central Minnesota, which hon- each of the 5 million people living in Minnesota.) ored our Native American and immigrant roots to We matched that funding nearly three fold with pri- • Minnesota is Our Home opera written and per- vate and community-based contributions of cash formed by the 4th graders at Linwood School in and in-kind resources to generate a total investment St. Paul (pop. 270,000) to the of $4.5 million. • Speaking of Home exhibition on the diversity of For nearly two years, these investments went back our citizens. Displayed in a downtown Minneapo- to communities and organizations across the state lis skyway, it was viewed by thousands of people in the form of Sesquicentennial grants, local events each day as they walked past or drove by to the creation and promotion, and to fund major state- • Minnovation exhibit at the Minneapolis Public Li- hood programs including the Plan for Our Future, brary of Minnesota’s inventions and patents Statehood Week (May 11-18, 2008) and the Min- throughout statehood to the nesota State Fair (August 21-September 1, 2008.) • 150 years of Rural Life project in Pleasant Hill Township, Winona County to These investments proved to be a strong catalyst for • Oral and pictorial history projects in Madelia, civic engagement and community capacity building Waseca and Walker. at local, regional and state levels. They helped start and strengthen efforts that will reverberate for years These, and other projects and events, showcased to come. For more details, see the events, programs Minnesotans’ ingenuity, accomplishments and con- and grants descriptions and listings in this report. tributions in arts and culture, science and technology, business, public affairs, education and We pledged to our funders to engage at least 1 mil- compassion worldwide. lion Minnesotans “to learn from the state’s past, reflect on lessons from both its success and failings, From city to town to village to township to public and get engaged in planning for Minnesota’s future and nonprofit organizations, Minnesotans har- well-being.” This became the Sesquicentennial nessed their creative minds and hearts to help us all

4 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 remember the essence of statehood. Statehood is ultimately about democracy, choosing democracy as a way of life, a way of deciding and getting things done together, and putting service above self for the common good. The Sesquicentennial was for Minnesotans in 2008 Many Nations One Circle a time to reflect and then a time to act, to do our best and be our best, to call upon all the good we are capable of in a difficult era, a national and From the Evansville Sesquicentennial Grant global time of uncertainty, anxiety and fear. We project gained inspiration from our past and then looked to Words by Anne Dunn, Sharon Henneman & the future, embracing hope, aspiration, confidence and courage. Patty Kakac Music by Patty Kakac & Sharon Henneman We can move forward into our next 50 years with an expanded vision and a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the sacrifice and perseverance of those who walked this land before us. I have been told that when we walk the land This Final Report of the Commission captures all of Our breath falls upon the earth Minnesota’s Sesquicentennial stories in three sections that mirror our work plan: Time of Prepara- And in that place we are remembered tion, Time of Celebration & Commemoration, and In our good and ancient land. Time of Reflection & Legacy.

However, no written record can adequately contain Many nations, one circle the outpouring of spirit we witnessed across the Minnesota landscape. Many voices, one song Let us honor those who went before us It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Min- nesota these past two years as executive director of Honor those who are to come. the Minnesota Statehood Sesquicentennial Com- mission. I came to this job with a deep love for my home state. I leave it with a much deeper under- And if you come in 500 years standing of, and respect for, the complexities and As the wind blows through these hills continued promise of our state and its people. We are many voices. We are one state. We are many With the fragrance of the wild flowers nations, one circle. And Minnesota is our home. Know that I am with you still.

Jane Leonard Executive Director December 2008

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 5 Meetings shall be at the call of the chair. The Com- eport from the mission may appoint an advisory council to advise R and assist the Commission with its duties. Members shall receive no compensation for service on the Commission Chair Sesquicentennial Commission. Members appointed by the governor may be reimbursed for expenses under Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subd.3. Cay Shea Hellervik December 2008 Subd. 4. Duties The Commission shall have the following duties: History of the Commission 1.to present to the governor and legislature a plan for capital grants to pay for capital improvements In 2005, the First Special Session of the State Legis- on Minnesota’s historic public and private build- lature enacted a law (Chapter 1, Article 4, Section ings, to be known as Sesquicentennial grants; 121) regarding the Minnesota Sesquicentennial an- 2.to seek funding for activities to celebrate the niversary. Here’s how the law read: 150th anniversary of statehood, and to form partnerships with private parties to further this mis- Sec. 121. Sesquicentennial Commission sion; and Subdivision 1. Commission Purpose 3.to present an annual report to the governor and The Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission is es- legislature outlining progress made towards the tablished to plan for activities relating to Min- celebration of the Sesquicentennial. nesota's 150th anniversary of statehood. The Commission shall create a plan for capital improve- Subd. 5. Commemorative Coin ments, celebratory activities and public engagement The Commission may arrange for design, produc- in every county in the state of Minnesota. tion, distribution, marketing and sale of a commemorative coin. Proceeds from sale of the coin are Subd. 2. Membership appropriated to the Commission. The Commission shall consist of 17 members who shall serve until the completion of the Sesquicenten- Subd. 6. Expiration nial year of statehood, appointed as follows: The Commission shall continue to operate until 1.nine members appointed by the governor, repre- Jan. 30, 2009, at which time it shall expire. senting major corporate, nonprofit and public sectors, selected from all parts of the state; The legislature appropriated $50,000 to be used by 2.two members appointed by the speaker of the the Commission the first year, with $50,000 to be house of representatives; used the second year for planning and support of its 3.two members appointed by the minority leader of mission. Later amendments in 2007 and 2008 to the house of representatives; the enacting language eliminated the capital im- 4.two members from the majority party in the sen- provements grant requirement, encouraged the ate, appointed by the Subcommittee on Commit- Commission to be as energy efficient as possible, al- tees; and lowed the Commission to conduct meetings by tele- 5.two members from the senate's minority party, phone, authorized production and sale of a appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees. commemorative license plate, and directed the Commission to use the Plan for Our Future results to Subd. 3. Compensation & Operation provide feedback for the Minnesota Milestones. The Members shall select a chair from the membership legislature also appropriated an additional $1.5 mil- of the Commission. The chair shall convene all lion between 2007 and 2008 to carry out the work meetings and set the agenda for the Commission. of the Commission. The Minnesota Historical Society shall provide office space and staff support for the Commission, and The Commission began formal meetings in the shall cooperate with the University of Minnesota spring of 2006. and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to support the programs of the Commission.

6 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 Executive Committee & Other Commission Committees

Executive Committee Cay Shea Hellervik, Chair Reatha Clark King, Vice Chair

The members of the Executive Committee were Rep. Diane Loeffler, Sen. Don Betzold, Commis- sioner Tess Hohman, Commissioner Joe C. Swed- berg, Sen. Ann H. Rest, Rep. Morrie Lanning and Commissioner Mark F. Peterson. The majority held major committee responsibilities, all generously of- Communications Subcommittee fered wisdom, guidance and genuine care and con- THE SESQUICEN- Tess Hohman & Joe Swedberg, Co-chairs TENNIAL COM- cern to, and for, the work of the Commission. Their MISSION MET ideas became the basic fabric from which the work This subcommittee worked with the staff and volun- MONTHLY FOR of the Commission was cut. teers to develop communications vehicles that pro- MORE THAN TWO YEARS. moted and marketed the Sesquicentennial message, The Executive Committee worked to establish com- programs and events, including logo design and mittees, create a strategy for the Commission, and use, Web site, printed and electronic communica- design the organizational structure of the Commis- tions, and media relations. sion. The committees they established were:

Capital, Grants, & Legislative Committee Establishing a Mission & Strategies Reatha Clark King, Chair The Executive Committee decided to invite a con- This committee sought the fiscal resources necessary sultant from Wisconsin to brief them about that to carry out the mission, legislation, legal and fiscal state's 1998 Sesquicentennial celebration. With ex- relationships of the Commission. It also worked with amples from the Wisconsin experience, the Execu- the other committees to develop policies and proce- tive Committee formed a nucleus of ideas that was dures for the Sesquicentennial Grant Program. accepted by the Commission and adopted as core concepts by which we operated in the coming Engage the Public/Plan for Our Future years. Committee Sen. Ann H. Rest & Rep. Morrie Lanning, Co-chairs Consultant Judy Plante, director of management analysis and development from the state’s Depart- This committee worked with partner groups to en- ment of Administration, worked with the Executive sure that leaders and citizens in all 87 counties of Committee, designing discussions and leading ses- Minnesota were aware of and engaged in the sions with the Commission to develop its mission, Sesquicentennial and in the creation of the Plan for goals and desired attributes for the celebration. Our Future. They also worked to partner with other Her work with us created a lasting memory and government agencies, the private and nonprofit sec- documents that served to guide all of us. tors and neighboring states. The completed Plan for Our Future document is available in the online ver- Our Mission statement was: sion of the Commission’s Final Report. The Commission and its volunteers will strive to in- Program Committee crease pride in our state by: Mark F. Peterson, Chair • Achieving broad participation of the people of Minnesota, visitors, local communities, institutions This committee developed, along with partners, the and organizations in activities across the state; signature events and programs of statewide impact • Raising awareness and educating Minnesotans by for the Sesquicentennial. It also coordinated with in- telling the stories of our past, recognizing the independent efforts in the public, private and non- digenous people of Minnesota, and learning from profit sectors to help promote those programs and them and the many ethnic groups that have come events that commemorated the Sesquicentennial. and continue to come to Minnesota; • Developing a shared vision for the state’s future,

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 7 by engaging Minnesotans in civic dialogue; our mission, and she personally oversaw its finances. • Leaving a lasting legacy through print, visual, mu- She also worked closely with the Commission chair sical, and other reminders, as well as media docu- to develop policies and procedures for the Commis- mentation; sion, as well as the Sesquicentennial Grant Program. So that all might have a meaningful perspective on the impact our state has had in the past and will Executive Committee members contacted hundreds have on the future for Minnesotans, the nation and of corporations, state agencies, nonprofit groups the world. and foundations, and engaged them in the process of bringing essential funding to the Commission. The Commission’s work The Executive Committee worked with Commission Central to the operation of the Commission were staff to organize their travel to the five Capitals for a matters regarding organization, including recruiting Day and coordinated with Gov. Tim Pawlenty so he staff and volunteers, hiring staff, evaluations, per- could be at the honorary Capitals during Statehood sonnel issues, policies for employees, office setup Week, where he greeted thousands of Minnesotans. and furniture. These were critical contributions The Executive Committee prepared reports and made by the Executive Committee and required budgets for the governor and legislature, not only hundreds of volunteer hours before full-time profes- for funding but also for the purpose of keeping sional staff were hired. them informed. Personnel Decisions International donated my time The Executive Committee, Program Committee and that of my assistant during these early months, Chair Mark F. Peterson and Commission members as well as office furniture. This allowed the Commis- spent many months visioning and outlining ideas for sion to save the full amount appropriated by the the events and activities of the Sesquicentennial cel- legislature for later essential Commission salaries ebration. During this phase, we vetted hundreds of and grants. ideas. The Commission worked hard to limit the With the goal of involving as many citizens as possi- number of ideas to keep within our budget. With ble, members of the Executive Committee worked the approval of the Executive Committee, the Com- tirelessly traveling the state and speaking to thou- mission decided which events or projects we would sands of citizens, especially at Minnesota Township reject, support in our literature and on our Web site, Association meetings and other gatherings. and which projects we would try to fund.

The Commission engaged over 100 Sesquicenten- Other members of the Executive Committee con- nial Ambassadors throughout Minnesota. These tributed their time as well, including Rep. Diane Lo- Ambassadors served the Commission well by en- effler, who assisted us with legislative relations, couraging citizens to check out the critical informa- outreach for the Plan for Our Future project and the tion on the Sesquicentennial Web site, helping Web-based mapping of events. Sen. Don Betzold motivate as many Minnesotans as possible to be- guided us on many matters regarding legal and mili- come involved in events and to apply for grants tary issues. Sen. Ann H. Rest was instrumental in se- from the Commission. curing the Minnesota Twins as partners for the Statehood celebration. She worked tirelessly on get- As a result of these efforts, combined with Sesqui- ting license plate legislation passed, as well as co- centennial communications and outreach, the Com- chairing with Rep. Morrie Lanning the mission received hundreds of requests for grants implementation of the Engage the Public/Plan for and ideas related to activities and events that were Our Future work mentioned in more detail later in being planned independently all over Minnesota, this report. whether the Commission was funding them or not. The Web site became a clearinghouse of events and I want to thank all of the Commission members, our projects for the people of Minnesota to reference. Executive Director Jane Leonard, and all of the staff, Fellows and volunteers who worked so hard to Reatha Clark King served an immense number of bring this celebration and commemoration to all hours on the Executive Committee, and as chair of Minnesotans. The remainder of this report will illus- the Capital, Grants and Legislative Committee, she trate the wide scope and depth of programming devoted hundreds of volunteer hours. Reatha that made the Sesquicentennial dreams come to life sought the fiscal resources necessary to carry out for all Minnesotans.

8 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 ime of Preparation other organizations representing the different sec- T tors and fields of discipline (such as land use, envi- July 2006 to May 2008 ronment, health care) that encompass Minnesota policy development.

The Plan is available online at www.mn150years.org Engaging the Public and is archived along with other Sesquicentennial official papers at the Minnesota Historical Society. THIS SESQUICENTENNIAL WAS more than community celebrations and special events. At its heart, it was about engaging the citizens of Minnesota to think Sesquicentennial Pledge about their state, to learn what Minnesotans want the future to be like, and what they are willing to commit to doing to make that future a reality. During the The Sesquicentennial Plan for Our Future: Many Sesquicentennial year, Voices-One Minnesota is just that – a plan for a fu- I will endeavor to learn from ture crafted by the citizens of the state. To capture their hopes, dreams and visions for Minnesota, the the state’s past, reflect on les- Sesquicentennial staff, in partnership with the Re- sons from both its successes and gional Development Commissions, encouraged a failings and get engaged series of community conversations held throughout the state. in planning for Minnesota’s future well-being. In a message to these conversation groups, Execu- tive Director Jane Leonard said, “Minnesota is a vast and diverse state, by geography and by culture. It is a daunting challenge to capture all of who we are Fundraising today, where we have come from, and where we are heading. That is the magnificent opportunity we have before us. We can, through the Sesquicen- Fundraising began in earnest with a $100,000 plan- tennial lens, connect people to learn from our past ning grant from the Minnesota State Legislature. and prepare for our future progress.” Downturns in the economy and competition from other events and festivals made fundraising chal- Moderators at the community conversations, as well lenging, but we met our goal of $4 million by rais- as an online survey, asked participants: ing a total of $4.5 million in cash and in-kind. • “What do you want the future to be like for the next generations?” The Commission held a funders’ briefing in June • “What are the key issues and challenges we have 2007 at the St. Paul Hotel, and again in October at to deal with to ensure the future we envision will Eastcliff, the University of Minnesota’s president’s become reality?” house. These briefings helped current and potential • “What would you like to tell Minnesotans 50 funders grasp the big, detailed picture of the years from now that you are personally working Sesquicentennial goals, strategies and opportunities. on today to ensure they have the same or better Another fundraising event was hosted at the St. quality of life you have now?” Paul Hotel in February 2008 by Commission Chair These conversations, which were one of the first Cay Shea Hellervik and the Sesquicentennial staff. ways Minnesotans became engaged with the The reception program provided an opportunity for Sesquicentennial, began in 2007 and carried many notable Sesquicentennial supporters to tell through much of 2008. For an in-depth discussion personal stories of their love for Minnesota, includ- of the process and resulting document, see pg. 25. ing former Gov. Al Quie and current Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher. The Plan for Our Future was presented to the State Legislature and will be available for other public use in conjunction with the many “plans” created by

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 9 As of December 2008, the exact total of funds and Resources (State Parks), Explore Minnesota in-kind raised was $4,483,600. This included: Tourism and Veteran Affairs Minnesota National Guard From the State Legislature Minnesota’s private colleges Minnesota’s regional public library systems $1.6 million in appropriations ($100,000 in 2005, Staff & volunteers at the James J. Hill House $750,000 in 2007, and $175,000 & $575,000 in Sesquicentennial volunteers across the state 2008) Sesquicentennial Presenting Sponsors - Matched by $250,000 & above People of Minnesota, through an appropri- $375,600 cash from foundations, oration from the Minnesota State Legis- ganizations & individuals lature $384,500 cash from corporations Personnel Decisions International $1,071,500 in-kind from corpo- TPT-TV - The Minnesota Chan- rations & organizations nel $652,000 cash match from communities & organiza- Trailblazers: $100,000 to tions for state Sesquicen- $249,999 tennial grants Bush Foundation $400,000 in-kind match from Minnesota State Fair communities & organizations for state Sesquicenten- Voyageurs: $50,000 to nial grants $99,999 AgStar We matched one-to-one the initial BBDO state appropriations of $850,000 within Bell Museum of Natural History one year – May 2007 to May 2008 – and met Dolan Media the Bush Foundation challenge grant match (three- KARE-11 to-one) within one month, April 2008. The total Katherine B. Andersen Fund of the Saint Paul Foun- Bush Foundation grant was $226,000. dation Miller Of the cash received from all sources (except the Travelers $652,000 cash match from communities and organizations for grant matches,) $585,000 went directly Founders: $25,000 to $49,999 to local communities and organizations as Sesqui- Blandin Foundation centennial grants. The remaining $1,775,100 went General Mills Foundation to plan and implement events and programs of Minnesota Twins statewide scope, including Statehood Week and the Minnesota Vikings 2007 and 2008 State Fair exhibitions. Securian Skyline Design The Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission Target thanks the following for their generous donations of funding and in-kind assistance: 32nd State Club: $10,000 to $24,999 Citizens League Our Partners Comcast Minnesota Historical Society Eureka Recycling University of Minnesota F. R. Bigelow Foundation Minnesota State Colleges & University System Heroic Productions Special thanks to: Minnesota State Legislature, the Midwest Coca-Cola Bottling Company Governor’s Office, the Office of the Secretary of Minnesota Federation of Stamp Clubs State, the Minnesota Supreme Court, and the Pioneer Press many state agencies supporting the Sesquicenten- Public Affairs Company nial including the Minnesota Departments of Agri- St. Paul Foundation culture, Education, Human Rights, Natural St. Paul Hotel

10 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 Stagetime Productions Sesquicentennial Honorary Capitals for a Day: Toro Bemidji, Thief River Falls, Detroit Lakes, New Ulm Troje & Winona US Bank Sesquicentennial Wagon Train Xcel Energy United States Postal Service for the Minnesota State- hood Commemorative Stamp Sesqui Stewardship Club: Vintage Aircraft Flyover $1,000 to $9,999 A & A Engraving Media Partners Best Buy KARE-11 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Pioneer Press CHS Foundation Cinequipt Dot.com.printing.inc. Securing Partners ECM Publishing Ecolab, Inc. Any journey is easier, more fun and filled with more Grotto Foundation in memory of founder Louis W. experiences when you have good travel partners. It Hill, Jr. was the same with the Sesquicentennial journey. Gustavus Adolphus College Key partners added event expertise, depth of Hormel Foods knowledge and breadth of exposure to the Sesqui- Melrose centennial. These Sesqui journey partners were: Metro Transit Minnesota Rural Partners, Inc. Minnesota Historical Society N. Judge and Reatha Clark King Family Fund of the What better institution to capture the sweep and Minneapolis Foundation scope of Minnesota’s history than the Minnesota Northwest Airlines Historical Society? Following the Sesquicentennial’s Padilla Speer Beardsley lead to create an inclusive, interactive commemora- RiverPoint Media Group, Inc. tion, the MHS solicited nominations for the 150 SuperValu people, places and things that changed and shaped Tunheim Partners Minnesota. Visual Impact Weber Shandwick More than 2,700 entries came in from Minnesotans Wendells living in every corner of the state, as well as across Private Individuals the globe. MHS Director Nina Archabal said, “It was an unprecedented degree of participation. And Minnesota Memories level: Up to $999 who better to tell us about Minnesota than the peo- Woman's Club of Minneapolis ple who live here?” State Government Meeting Planners Group The Minnesota Association of Cooperatives Educa- A committee of MHS staff, community members tion Foundation and subject experts selected the final 150, basing Two Fools Vineyard their choices on the compelling case made by the Private Individuals nominator, as well as the potential for each topic to be developed into a successful piece of the exhibit. Special Event & Project Partners City of St. Paul So who and what made the final cut? Bob Dylan Emergency Foodshelf Network & Taco Bell and Prince. The GPS and Greyhound Bus systems. Members of the Minnesota Private College Council Hubert H. Humphrey and Elmer L. Andersen. John Minnesota Public Radio Beargrease and the American Indian Movement. Minnesota State Patrol & Capitol Security The 1980 Olympic Hockey Team and Patty Berg. Nodin Press Burma Shave signs and the Kensington Runestone. Old Minnesota Song of the North Star Big Top Plus 138 more. Chautauqua Plant Management Division of the Minnesota De- The MN 150 exhibit opened October 13, 2007, the partment of Administration 150th anniversary of the vote by Minnesota Territory Roseville Visitors Association residents on the proposed state constitution. (It was

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 11 accepted, 30,055 History. This fun, fold-out guide showcased, to 571.) Each through photos, compelling graphics and words, year, 350,000 visi- the Society’s sites and museums, a timeline of Min- tors tour the His- nesota history and objects from its collections. The tory Center MHS also held a free open house at its 26 historical exhibits, and a sites and museums on June 1, 2008. majority of them viewed MN 150. In addition, the MHS created an eye-catching At the end of the “Sesqui-Sensational” advertising campaign to spot- Sesqui year, MN light its activities throughout the Sesquicentennial. 150 will continue Lory Sutton, chief marketing officer for the MHS, as a major exhibit said, “The ad campaign was a humorous take-off at the Center. on the word ‘Sesquicentennial,’ which newscasters and citizens alike had trouble pronouncing and re- Others have membering, much less knowing the definition!” checked out the top 150 through The campaign targeted women ages 35 to 50 who the book, Min- typically set the social agenda for their families and nesota 150: The friends – in other words, the people who plan and People, Places and organize trips to historic sites. Things that Shape Sutton said, “We wanted the Sesquicentennial cam- Our State, by ex- paign to stand out from the usual historic-patriotic- hibit developer tourism approach by doing something memorable Kate Roberts. and fun. We built the buzz with election yard signs, And more have tattoos, the Scout pledge and more.” participated in the OFFICIAL SESQUI-SCOUT PLEDGE MN150 Wiki (collection of pages that Using visuals like those in the ad campaign, the HOLD UP YOUR RIGHT HAND IN can be modified by users) at the histori- MHS played on the 2008 election by developing THE SESQUI-SALUTE AND cal society’s Web site, www.mnhs.org, yard signs that read, “Vote for Sesquatch!” and fea- SESQUI-SOLEMNLY VOW: by submitting their comments and cre- tured a tall, furry, furtive creature running into the ating their own MN150 lists. ON MY HONOR, I WILL TRY: distance.

• TO VISIT ALL 26 HISTORIC Also on the Web site, users The MHS also held a Media Resource SITES AND MUSEUMS OR AT could become “Sesqui- Day in February to acquaint journalists LEAST THE ONES MY PARENTS Scouts” by taking the official WILL TAKE ME TO, and members of the media to the range pledge and printing out an of programs, services and other re- • TO DO MY BEST TO LEARN ID card good for admission sources to help them research, illumi- HOW TO PRONOUNCE “SESQUI- discounts at any participat- nate and enrich the Sesquicentennial CENTENNIAL,” ing state historical sites and Year. • TO HAVE A SESQUI-FUN, museums and $5 off on an SESQUI-SAFE, SESQUI-ORDERLY MHS membership. All histor- Office of the Secretary of State SESQUICENTENNIAL, ical sites and museums were encouraged to develop To commemorate the Sesquicentennial, • TO BE A GOOD SESQUI-CITI- ZEN AND HELP MY FELLOW Sesquicentennial-related the Office of the Secretary of State SESQUI-SCOUTS EVEN MY events, programs and ex- sponsored a number of initiatives fo- BROTHERS AND/OR SISTERS. hibits. cused on governance and governing, including: Also at each site, kids could • Bringing the Declaration of Inde- choose from several Sesqui- pendence to Minnesota. To under- centennial rub-on tattoos including: score where democracy begins, the Sesquilicious!, Sesqui-Lightful! and Vote Office, in partnership with Dolan Media, the Min- for Sesquatch. nesota Historical Society and the Sesquicentennial Commission, arranged for an original version of To draw visitors to its sites, the MHS published The the Declaration to be on exhibit in May 2008 at Official State Sesquicentennial Guide to Minnesota

12 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 the Minnesota Historical Society. During • All 72 parks were required to buy a Statehood Week, 20,000 people viewed Sesqui flag and fly it at the entrance. All the DOI, as it is affectionately known. non-uniformed staff wore Sesqui pins. • Achieving record voter turnout. With • The DNR produced a coloring book of the goal of “80 in ’08,” the Secretary of state symbols for the parks’ youngest vis- State’s office sought to improve voter itors. turnout, especially among those who • Staff and naturalists at the parks tailored face significant barriers including military programs to their park’s particular history service people and the hearing and visu- or geography. ally impaired. Once again, Minnesota was the national leader in voter turnout, More than 250 programs were presented and almost reached the campaign’s goal throughout the year. They were publicized with a 78 percent turnout. on the Sesquicentennial’s Web site as well • Presenting a history series. These as through a new program brochure de- public events exploring the history, cur- signed especially for the 150th anniversary rent state of affairs and future challenges of statehood. They ranged from “Stories in of the Office included working with the log and stone” at Old Mill State Park to Minnesota Historical Society on protect- “Fishing techniques of the past” at Sibley ing documents in the digital age and a State Park to “Minnesota birds since state- seminar on facilitating commerce. hood” at Forestville/Mystery Cave State • Honoring Minnesota’s public ser- Park to “Biking into the North Shore’s vants. This initiative had four parts: vot- past” at Gooseberry Falls State Park. ing in honor of a veteran; a reunion for The DNR lured kids into exploring the great the thousands of Minnesotans who have outdoors by hosting a Geocaching History served the Office of Secretary of State; Challenge for the Sesquicentennial. Basi- publication of a special Sesquicentennial cally, geocaching is a high-tech treasure edition of the “Blue Book,” the manual hunt. Using a handheld Global Positioning of the Minnesota State Legislature; and a System (GPS) device, the geocacher enters statehood ceremony honoring those who the coordinates of the treasure, then goes serve – public servants, citizen volunteers in search of it. Here’s how the challenge and members of the armed forces. worked: • Began May 11, Minnesota Statehood Minnesota Department of Natural Day. Resources • Geocaches containing collectible, Min- In the words of the MHS’ ads, 2008 was a nesota history cards, Sesqui medallions or “Sesqui-sensational Summer” to visit the trinkets and a log book were hidden in state’s amazing, beautiful and diverse state each of the state’s 72 parks and recre- parks. With gas prices hovering around $4 ation sites. per gallon and a wobbling economy, many • Participants could download the coordi- residents opted for “stay-cations” – vaca- nates from www.geocaching.com. tions closer to home. Where better to ex- • Anyone new to geocaching could visit a plore the state’s history, culture and demonstration site at one of 16 state geography than at a state park? To jump- parks. If they didn’t have a GPS unit, start these Sesqui journeys, the Minnesota they could check one out at the park. Department of Natural Resources offered In addition, Minnesota Conservation Volun- free admission to all state parks and sites teer, the DNR’s quarterly magazine, pub- on June 1, 2008. lished a special Sesquicentennial article in The DNR’s goal was to offer at least 150 each edition during 2008. new Sesquicentennial-related programs. As Claire Plank, state park Sesqui event planner said, “The state parks just grabbed the Sesquicentennial and ran with it.”

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 13 Duluth • The campus sponsored a four-part lecture series called, “American Indians in Minnesota: A Per- sonal History.” It featured speakers including authors, performers, educators and Native American leaders exploring topics such as contemporary civil rights, governance, economic development, literature and culture.

Morris • The sixth annual Symposium on Small Towns was dedicated to the Sesquicentennial. All of the small towns nominated for Capital for a Day were rec- SINGER-SONG- Explore Minnesota Tourism ognized with special certificates of appreciation WRITER ANN from the Sesquicentennial Commission. The sym- REED PER- Explore Minnesota Tourism helped travelers explore posium, “The Power of Small: Building Solutions FORMED IN Minnesota through a comprehensive listing of COMMUNITIES for Energy Self-Reliance,” included a concert by Sesquicentennial events and events on its Web site: THROUGHOUT Minnesota storyteller and singer Peter Os- MINNESOTA IN www.exploreminnesota.com. Visitors to the site just troushko, as well as Sesquicentennial displays. THE PROCESS OF searched “Sesquicentennial.” The department also WRITING HER featured Sesquicentennial events in its quarterly SESQUICENTEN- Rochester NIAL TRIBUTE tabloid promotional newspaper, Explore Minnesota • The newest of the U’s campuses held three events SONG. and electronic newsletter. based on the theme: “The Power of Medicine, Education, and Technology in Rochester: A Look University of Minnesota at the Past, Present and Future.”

Founded in 1851, the University of Minnesota has Twin Cities played an integral role in the development of the • The Weisman Museum on the U of M campus state and its people. To recognize this special rela- mounted an exhibit “By the People for the Peo- tionship, the University hosted events on each of its ple: New Deal Art in Minnesota.” It focused on campuses honoring Minnesota during the academic Minnesota art of the 1930s. year 2007-2008. • “Celebrating Discovery: Our Past and Our Future” was a series of four faculty panels held at the A university-wide committee, chaired by Thomas Campus Club. Topics of the panels were: “Arts Fisher, dean, College of Design, and Ann Pflaum, and the Built Environment: Changing Symbols University of Minnesota historian, helped plan and and Realities in Suburban Living,” “Agriculture, coordinate activities offered in the Twin Cities as Forestry and the Natural World,” “Changing De- well as at the Crookston, Duluth, Morris and mographics: Snapshots of a New America and a Rochester campuses. New Minnesota,” and “A Changing World: Past Some events became part of commencements, con- and Present Threats to the Public’s Health.” vocations or lectures, others were developed especially for the Sesquicentennial. Among them were: Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society

Crookston: A group of more than 40 leaders in the Minnesota • At commencement exercises, Crookston choir legal community came together to form the Min- performed “Shines for All to See,” the official nesota Supreme Court Historical Society. Modeled Sesquicentennial song composed by U of M after the U.S. Supreme Court Historical Society, the School of Music faculty member Dean Sorenson. new nonprofit organization was dedicated to col- • Orlin Ostby, Northwest School of Agriculture Class lecting, preservation and promoting Minnesota’s ju- of ’57, recreated a 40-day, 420-mile walk with an dicial history. The Sesquicentennial gave the ox and ox cart along the Old Pembina trail. This MSCHS an ideal platform for launching its activities. walk originally was re-enacted in 1958 for the It took part in the Statehood Week events and up- Minnesota Centennial by Delmar Hagen, who dated publication of bar memorials for all members hired Ostby in the 1950s as a farm hand. of the Minnesota Supreme Court since its inception.

14 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 Minnesota Department of Agriculture

There are Centennial Farms, and now there are Sesquicentennial Farms. In honor of the state’s anniversary, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture recognized 90 families who have retained owner- ship of their land for 150 years or more.

These families were invited to Sesqui-Century Farm Day at the Sesquicentennial Big Top Chautauqua during the 2008 Minnesota State Fair. As part of the recognition ceremony, they received a certificate from Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson, which was signed by Commissioner Hugoson and Gov. Tim Pawlenty. The day also featured a display of the Sesquicentennial Farms. The NATIONAL GUARD JETS Sesquicentennial Farm recognition program will be- OPENED STATE- come an annual event through a partnership with HOOD CERE- the Minnesota Farm Bureau. MONIES WITH A FLYOVER ON MAY The Department of Agriculture also added special 18 AT 18:58. Sesquicentennial sections to its Web site and its Minnesota Department of Human Rights AgMag publication for schools, which continued through the year. To help tell the story of human rights in the state, staff from the Minnesota Department of Human Minnesota National Guard Rights created an in-depth DVD, “150 Years of Human Rights in Minnesota.” It includes photos, Minnesota ranks 26th among states in population, text and voice-over that chronicle the milestones but 5th in military service. That military connection marking the struggle for human rights in Min- was in full view during the Statehood Weekend Fes- nesota. The DVD debuted at the annual Human tival and the Commemoration Ceremony on May Rights Day dinner in December 2008. 18, which was dedicated to “Honoring Those Who Serve.” Minnesota Public Radio • F-16s of the 148th Fighter Wing opened the ceremony at 6:58 p.m. (18:58 in military time) with a To help tell Minnesota’s story at its Sesquicentennial, roaring flyover to mark the state’s admission to Minnesota Public Radio created a special section on the Union. its Web site to showcase MPR’s Sesqui program- • Maj. Gen. Larry W. Shellito, adjutant general for ming. The section, called “Minnesota Arrival: A the state, thanked members of the U.S. Armed Sesquicentennial Survey,” included: Forces and their families for their commitment • Tell Your Story. New and established Min- and sacrifices. nesotans, whether they came from near or far, • 100 service members participated in a march to were invited to tell their story on the social net- the Capitol steps, complete with flags represent- work, www.gather.com. Many included videos ing all the state’s National Guard battalions and that could be viewed on the site. wings. • Song for Minnesota. As part of MPR’s Trouba- • Lt. Col. Greg Thingvold, commander of the 2nd dour concert series, singer-songwriter Ann Reed Battalion, 147th Assault Helicopter Battalion, ad- toured greater Minnesota and performed at six dressed his family and the crowd via satellite link MPR-produced Sesqui concerts. Along the way, from his base in Iraq. she gathered suggestions and inspirations for a new song about Minnesota, which she premiered The National Guard also provided a link to the at the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul on Sesquicentennial on its Web site. May 3. Visitors to the MPR site could hear the “Song for Minnesota,” as well as others she wrote following her travels.

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 15 • News. MPR created more than 20 news stories program, Capital for a Day, volunteer opportuni- covering Sesqui events and issues ranging from ties and more. presidential hopefuls from the state to stories • Events. Visitors to the site could check a month- from the Depression-era Civilian Conservation by-month calendar for events, read about them, Corps to a memoir written by a Hmong immi- or search them from an interactive map, thanks to grant to the Native Americans’ view of the Sesqui- the help of Commission member Rep. Diane Loef- centennial. All were available via audio links on fler and the legislative GIS mapping service. Any- the site. one hosting an event related to the • Minnesota 150 quiz. Visitors could take a quick Sesquicentennial could add it to the listings, online quiz to test their knowledge of Min- which would also be loaded on the clickable map. nesota’s past. • Merchandise. The Web site provided ordering • Resources. This section provided links to a variety information for a variety of Sesqui memorabilia: of Sesquicentennial Web sites and historical re- the commemorative medallions, cookbook, gear, sources. and flags and banners. • Background info. This section covered Commis- sion members, a historical timeline, fact sheets, Telling the Sesqui Story links, sponsors and suggestions for raising awareness about the Sesquicentennial. One of the greatest, nonstop challenges of the • And more. Visitors could find contact informa- Sesquicentennial was communicating to the public tion as well as all the news releases for the Sesqui- about everything that was happening and how they centennial. could participate. Not only did the staff need to communicate the date for a community conversa- The Web site also provided a way for people to reg- tion, details about the geocaching event or how to ister to use the official logo for their local events, buy a souvenir medallion, it also needed to engage programs and activity materials. Hundreds of re- Minnesotans, excite them about the Sesquicenten- quests came in, resulting in the logo being used nial and convey the broad reach of the Sesquicen- statewide. Some of the nearly 200 uses included: tennial activities. White House Easter Egg and Christmas ornament, tissue boxes, collector matchbooks, Bemidji Woolen Sesqui on the Web Mills blanket, Chisholm Fire Days cake, medallion for the Spielmannszug Karneval Klub, and collector With limited staff and financial resources, as well as Red Wing Pottery jars and trivets. an ever-changing calendar of events, the most ef- fective vehicle for reaching diverse audiences was The Web site had 8,100 links to it from other sites. the Sesquicentennial’s official Web site, The blog, written by Sesqui staff members, started www.mn150years.org. in May, 2007 and nearly 400 posts were made to it. The Sesqui-blog was viewed more than 17,500 The site served as a one-stop shop for the Sesqui- centennial. The home page was a lively introduc- times; readers posted 55 comments. tion and changed as events and highlights changed. Other communication vehicles complemented the A visitor could find links to the Sesqui-related blog, Web site including news releases, a monthly e- listen to the Sesqui song, watch a video of noted newsletter and special-use publications such as a Minnesotans reading the Declaration of Independ- Sesquicentennial highlights brochure, a tent-shaped ence, check out photos of the historical fact for the program for the 2008 State Fair Chautauqua and a day, or explore a Spotlight Tour of the state. “State-Constitution-on-a-stick” for the 2007 State With a quick click, visitors could find the following Fair booth. information: The Sesqui news releases were picked up directly by • Grant programs. Interested citizens could learn media outlets or served as a springboard for the de- about the program and apply online for grants to velopment of local stories. By year’s end, they had fund Sesquicentennial-related activities. generated thousands of news clippings from every • Community programs. These included the corner of Minnesota, which are archived at the Min- Sesquicentennial cookbook, the Community Spirit nesota Historical Society.

16 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 Many newspapers and media Web sites developed Gov. Pawlenty was joined by Commission members, Sesqui promotions, including a MN150 fact of the Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and Supreme Court day in the StarTribune, and special Statehood Day Associate Justice Paul H. Anderson, who held up his sections in the StarTribune and Pioneer Press. weathered, but still colorful, copy of the special section created by the Minneapolis Star newspaper in Speeches & Special Appearances 1949 for the Territory’s Centennial.

Commission members and staff were privileged to The governor outlined the purpose of the Sesqui- be honored guests and guest speakers at more than centennial observance, saying that “today we re- 100 events and meetings with community and or- member the perseverance and determination of ganization hosts. These included Rotary luncheons, Minnesota’s early leaders who brought us together club meetings, historical society annual meetings, as a state, and we look forward to another 150 time capsule openings, dedication ceremonies, years of the enterprising and innovative spirit that school presentations and other gatherings. makes Minnesota special.”

The Sesqui staff created special PowerPoint, video Pawlenty announced plans for a matching grants presentations and generic speech materials that program, fundraising efforts and events at local and could be used with a speaker or as a stand-alone state levels. He also submitted to the State Legisla- presentation. These tools enabled Commissioners, ture a request for $2 million to fund the Sesquicen- staff and others to promote special and general as- tennial (eventually the Legislature allocated $1.6 pects of the Sesquicentennial programs, grant avail- million) to be matched by communities, corpora- ability, event logistics and overviews in person or tions, foundations and individuals — which did from afar. occur, nearly three times over. GOV. TIM PAW- LENTY SIGNS THE Commission staff also held a mini conference in Also that day, Yves Roux, vice president and creative FIRST SESQUI Roseville in early fall 2007 to help grant recipients, director of the marketing and advertising firm AMBASSADOR event planners, vendors and others better under- BBDO, unveiled the official Sesquicentennial logo, BANNER THAT the first in-kind contribution to the Sesquicentennial TRAVELED TO LI- stand the general framework, themes and work BRARIES ACROSS plan of the Sesquicentennial and to encourage net- by a Minnesota corporation. MINNESOTA working between participants across the state. DURING 2007- Minnesota Rural Summit 2008.

Promoting the In May 2007, the annual Sesquicentennial Minnesota Rural Summit devoted its theme and timing to the Sesquicentennial, hosting To capture the attention and imagination of Min- the conference in Brainerd, nesotans across the state and raise their awareness May 10-11. “Thriving by De- of the upcoming Sesquicentennial, the staff planned sign” looked ahead at Min- a series of promotions beginning in 2007. nesota’s future — land use, changing demographics, cul- Kick-Off Press Conference tural diversity, etc. — after On March 1, 2007, Gov. Tim Pawlenty hosted a looking back at the effects of press conference at the State Capitol to announce 150 years of settlement. plans for the Sesquicentennial celebrations, intro- Minnesota’s regional public li- duce Commission members and the newly hired ex- brary systems also agreed to ecutive director. It was fitting that a snowstorm be hosts and shepherds for blustered outside, nearly 150 years to the day the the Sesquicentennial banners U.S. Congress passed an act allowing voters in Min- and journals, which made nesota Territory to begin work on becoming a state. their first appearance at the Rural Summit. Over the next 12 months, two — and eventually four — sets of banners and journals made their way

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 17 across Minnesota via community libraries, stopping garb; and visits from characters Trix the Rabbit (Gen- for up to three weeks at each location. eral Mills) and Spammy (Hormel) were Sesqui highlights of the 2007 fair. The banners became the Commission’s roving ambassadors well before there was adequate staff and Besides beginning to engage the public in the funding for more complicated programming and Sesquicentennial, the booth served another purpose outreach. Library staff hosted events and programs — to collect mailing and e-mail addresses for a around these materials. Thousands of people comprehensive list of people wanting more informa- viewed the banners and signed the journals, record- tion or interested in volunteering for the big events ing their thoughts about Minnesota and hundreds to come in 2008. of local newspapers printed stories and photos. Community Spirit Program The first banner was autographed by nearly every state legislator, the governor and Minnesota’s two Stillwater was one of the first towns in Minnesota, U.S. senators at one of two events: the State of the so it’s only fitting that the kick-off of the Sesquicen- State address in St. Cloud in February 2008 and tennial’s Community Spirit Program was held at when the banner arrived at the State Capitol steps “The Birthplace of Minnesota” on September 18, on May 11, 2008 for the Statehood Day cere- 2007 at the Water Street Inn. Helping with the monies. The journals and banners are archived with launch were a local fourth-grade class, Main Street the Sesquicentennial collection at the Minnesota merchants and the Stillwater Area Chamber of History Center. Commerce.

2007 Minnesota State Fair Booth The Community Spirit Program served as a clearinghouse for “street graphics” — Sesquicentennial If you want to reach Minnesotans from every corner flags, large-sized banners, light-post banners and of the state and every walk of life, have a booth at sidewalk decals — for communities to get in the the Minnesota State Fair, the Great Minnesota Get- Sesqui spirit. Communities could even request Together. And give away something on a stick. large-scale graphics for buildings or special decals to That’s exactly what the Sesquicentennial staff did turns cars into Sesqui-mobiles. The Community for its first major promotional event that lasted 12 Spirit Program also offered Sesqui gear ranging from hours a day for the 12 days of the fair. pins and medallions to caps and t-shirts to travel mugs and souvenir license plates. Minnesota Constitution Day is August 29, the constitution also was celebrating its 150th anniversary, Sesquicentennial stamp so the timing was perfect to focus on statehood at the late-August to early-September fair. The Mississippi River begins its journey to the Gulf of Mexico in Minnesota. From earliest times, it was Visitors to the booth received not only information the site of settlements and commerce. That’s why about the Sesquicentennial and how to get in- the great river was chosen as the subject for the volved, but also took away a souvenir “Constitu- Minnesota Statehood Commemorative stamp. tion-on-Stick” — a stick-mounted flyer with the Democratic-signed version of the first Min- nesota Constitution printed on one side and the Republican-signed version on the other.

A birthday cake for the state; a flag-raising by Sesquicentennial Commission members, Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and consti- tutional expert and Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice Paul H. Anderson; participation in the daily fair parade by Sesqui staff and Commissioners in 1850s

COMMISSION VICE CHAIR REATHA CLARK KING WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN CREATING A COMMEMORATIVE STAMP FOR MINNESOTA'S ANNIVERSARY.

18 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 Minnesota photographer Richard Hamilton Smith 150 words, of communities to serve as a Capital for captured a view looking north from Winona of a a Day that best represented the people, culture and glass-smooth river reflecting the late-afternoon sun, heritage of the region. Once the nominations were dotted with islands and spanned by Winona’s iconic closed, the entries were divided by region prior to bridge. The stamp’s design was unveiled and an- online voting. Voters could read the nomination es- nounced at a reception on October 6, 2007 at says, then make their selection of one community in Winona State University, which also celebrated its each region. Nearly 11,000 visitors participated in 150th anniversary in 2008 and is the oldest publicly the online poll. supported college west of the Mississippi. The five honorary Capitals were announced Decem- The stamp was officially dedicated and made avail- ber 5, 2007 at a press conference with Gov. Paw- able nationwide on May 17, 2008 as part of the lenty. He presented the mayors of Bemidji, Detroit Statehood Week festivities. Commission Vice Chair Lakes, New Ulm, Thief River Falls and Winona with Dr. Reatha Clark King was instrumental in making official Capital for a Day certificates. the inquiries and following through with the U.S. Postal Service to ensure that Minnesota’s 150th an- Each community organized hundreds of volunteers niversary stamp became a reality. and planned months of Capital for a Day-inspired celebrations and events. The communities also were Capitals for a Day nominations featured on their own day during the Statehood Week festivities (see pg. 21.) St. Paul is the official capital of Minnesota, but to raise awareness of and celebrate the state’s diverse Highway welcome signs ecological “biomes,” cultures and people, it shared that honor with five other Minnesota cities during To let travelers know that Minnesota is an excep- Statehood Week, May 11-18, 2008 and throughout tional place filled with exceptional people celebrat- the remainder of the Sesquicentennial Summer. ing its 150th anniversary of statehood, signs announcing the Sesquicentennial were placed at Rather than working within the imposed county and every highway entry point into the state by 2008. regional/district government borders of the state, The signs, measuring 5.5 feet by 2.5 feet, read, the Sesquicentennial staff adopted Minnesota’s “Minnesota 1858-2008, 150 Years of Statehood.” unique ecological and geological features for the regional zones. The concept behind this decision was Special signs also were installed at highway en- to encourage people in Minneapolis, for example, trances to each of the Capital for a Day cities. to understand that they share the same kind of ecological landscape as a small town in northwestern All highway signs were scheduled for removal in Minnesota. early 2009 and will be offered for sale: $500 for each of the 67 signs on a first-come, first-served The biomes were defined as the coniferous forest of basis. Communities, businesses, individuals and or- the northeast; the tallgrass aspen parklands of the ganizations that buy them could display them as northwest; the deciduous forest that bisects the lasting reminders of this special year. state diagonally from Ada to Zumbrota; the western prairie grasslands; and the driftless area of the far Sesquicentennial song southeast. The weather was frosty on January 12, 2008, but This project also helped the state’s residents under- the music was hot. The Sesquicentennial Song, stand how unique Minnesota is, and why we love “Shines for All to See,” debuted at the Roseville Jazz- and seek to preserve our great outdoors. It’s the fest. Commissioned by the Sesquicentennial Com- only place in the North American continent where mission and the Roseville Visitors Association, the three major biomes converge — deciduous, conifer- upbeat music and lyrics were written by Dean ous, and prairie. This makes Minnesota’s plant and Sorenson, director of jazz studies and the Minnesota animal life exceedingly diverse. Jazz Band at the University of Minnesota.

In October and November, 2007, Minnesotans were Called “a good, sing-along song,” the Sesqui song encouraged to submit an online nomination at praises the beauty, people, cultures and traditions, www.mn150years.org, including an essay of up to lakes and waterways of the place Minnesotans call

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 19 home. The song was sung by choirs, audiences and As a side note, people asked why the license plates individuals throughout the Sesquicentennial Year. weren’t available earlier in the Sesquicentennial Year. Ironically, Minnesota has so many vanity plates Sesquicentennial license plates that the legislature had become cautious in approv- ing new ones. But honoring statehood prevailed, There are vanity vehicle license plates and then there and the plates went on sale from 2008 until 2011. are special plates — license plates that allow owners to show their support for the environment, the Price of the plates are $35, with $25 dedicated to troops and, starting in 2008, the Sesquicentennial. the Sesquicentennial Commission to support programs and activities during the Sesqui year. Funds Commission member and State Sen. Ann H. Rest, leftover and those raised after the Sesquicentennial State Rep. Mary Murphy, Duluth Mayor Don Ness will benefit the restoration of the Minnesota State and Secretary of State Mark Ritchie unveiled the Capitol. Sesqui plates at a ceremony outside the Maritime Museum in Duluth on August Volunteers 13, 2008. Duluth was chosen because it marks the beginning The Minnesota Sesquicentennial would not have of State Scenic Highway 61 that happened without the thousands of grassroots vol- runs along Minnesota’s famed unteers across the state. North Shore. The Commission began its work with a full-time Sen. Rest, was instrumental in staff of one. Eventually, full-time staffing rose to shepherding the plates through four, with several Sesquicentennial Fellows (current the lengthy approval process at college students and recent graduates) contributing the State Capitol. She was their time and talents from Summer 2007 until the helped in these efforts by other Commission’s sunset in January 2009. Commission members For the Statehood Week and State Fair in 2008 who also are state legis- alone we needed — and got — 300 and 600 volun- lators and co-sponsor teers respectively, working shifts of three hours or State Sen. Scott Dibble. more. Thousands of hours of volunteer time were donated by community leaders and citizens both young and young at heart. They produced more than 500 officially recognized events, over 150 grant projects, plus the Capital for a Day events in Bemidji, Thief River Falls, Detroit Lakes, New Ulm and Winona.

In an age when everyone is pulled in so many direc- tions by other community responsibilities, it was heart warming and inspiring to see people turn out to help, excited by the Sesquicentennial.

We can’t include the 3,000-plus people on our mailing list in this report, but you’ll find the list of Sesquicentennial Ambassadors on pg. 34. These volunteers served as a conduit for information between their counties and the Sesquicentennial staff.

20 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 Time of May 4-11 commemoration Wagons, ho! On May 11, Wagon Master Jon Olson led the 19 wagons of the Minnesota Statehood & Celebration Sesquicentennial Wagon Train out of Cannon Falls to begin an eight-day re-creation of an authentic pi- May to September oneer journey. • More than 135 people participated in the wagon 2008 train, which wound its way from Cannon Falls to Red Wing to Hastings to Inver Grove Heights then on to Fort Snelling. • Along the way, townspeople were invited to visit SUMMER 2008 LIVED up to its billing as Sesqui-Sensa- the wagon camp and take part in the heritage tional. One blockbuster Sesquicentennial Commis- festivities. sion event kicked off the summer in May, while • The wagon train arrived on the State Capitol another provided a grand finale in September and grounds in St. Paul and took part in the State- scores of community, state park and historical site hood Day commemoration. events amused, educated, informed and thrilled participants in between. The following is an overview May 6-18 of the key events; there’s an addendum that lists all Sesqui events from January through December A copy of the original Declaration of Independence 2008 at the back of this report. was placed on display at the Minnesota Historical Society, thanks to the efforts of Minnesota Secretary Statehood Week, May 11-18 of State Mark Ritchie, Commission member and Dolan Media executive Sarah Janecek, and the MHS On May 11, 1858, Minnesota became a state. May and Commission staffs. The 11, 2008 should have been the ideal date for com- MHS estimates that nearly memorating this momentous anniversary. But a big 20,000 viewed the document one-day celebration would have clashed with two free of charge. other time-honored Minnesota traditions: the fishing opener and Mother’s Day. Instead, May 11, May 10 2008 kicked off more than a week’s worth of events focused on statehood, democracy, public The Minnesota Twins baseball service, and of course, fun. team played the World Series Champions, the Boston Red Sox. The game was dedicated to the Sesquicentennial, and • The Metrodome concourse featured Sesqui videos play- MINNESOTA ing on the game monitors and Sesqui signage. TWINS JANE • The Twins wore a special Sesqui logo uniform LEONARD OF THE patch. SESQUICENTEN- NIAL AND HER • More than 30,000 fans received a Statehood SISTER KARIN Week invitation postcard when they arrived at the SONNEMAN TOSS ballpark. OUT THE FIRST • Pre-game ceremonies included a flag raising, in- PITCH AT A troduction of the Sesquicentennial Commission TWINS GAME. members, singing of the Sesqui song by the combined choirs of Armstrong and Cooper High Schools in Robbinsdale, and throwing of the cere- monial first pitches by Sesquicentennial Executive

NEARLY 20 WAGONS PULLED ONTO THE STATE CAPITOL GROUNDS FOLLOWING THEIR WEEK-LONG JOURNEY FROM CANNON FALLS.

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 21 Director Jane Leonard and her Minnesota twin sis- • Bemidji, May 12. A community-wide pancake ter Karin Sonneman of Winona. breakfast and flag raising at City Hall were fol- • During the 7th inning stretch, Sesqui Commission lowed by a horse-drawn wagon tour of the town member Sen. Ann H. Rest led the crowd in base- and lunch in Diamond Point Park. Festivities ball’s national anthem, ”Take Me Out to the Ball wrapped up with a theater performance that Game.” Sen. Rest was instrumental in working evening. with the Twins to arrange this tribute and quintes- • Thief River Falls, May 13. Community events sentially Minnesotan way to kick-off a week of included an address by the governor, the unveil- festivities. ing of the Sesquicentennial cancellation stamp in honor of the state commemorative stamp, an art May 11 and local resources and businesses exhibit, a breakfast honoring local businesses and a picnic On the official Statehood Day, Gov. Tim Pawlenty, at the ice arena. state and federal elected officials — including all the • Detroit Lakes, May 14. Detroit Lakes used this state legislative leaders and U.S. Sens. Norm Cole- opportunity to dedicate a lakeside sailboat sculp- man and Amy Klobuchar — and ture and host a picnic for the community com- the Sesquicentennial Commission- plete with boat rides and giveaways. Lunch ers gathered for a short commem- ceremonies featured former Gov. Al Quie and cur- oration ceremony on the steps of rent State Auditor Rebecca Otto. There also was a the State Capitol. They also were huge community trade show in the afternoon at on hand to greet the Sesquicen- the lakeside pavilion where local organizations tennial wagon train and recognize displayed their resources, a farmers market sold the Sesquicentennial Essay Con- local foods and crafts, and stained glass art show test winners. participants showcased their work on the sparkling windows surrounding the pavilion. The Former First Lady Jane Freeman, community held a dance the night before. whose husband Orville Freeman served as governor during the Statehood Centennial in 1958, in- GOV. ORVILLE troduced the Centennial Baby FREEMAN AWARDS THE Dwayne Elton Ostrem. Ostrem was born May 11, CENTENNIAL BABY 1958 at Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis, practically CERTIFICATE TO 100 years to the moment that Minnesota became a DWAYNE OSTREM state. He is now a civic leader and bank vice presi- AND HIS MOTHER IN 1958. dent in Rushford, Minn. In 1958, he won the WCCO radio contest to become Minnesota's Cen- tennial Baby.

May 12-16

Now it was time for the Capitals for a Day to shine. A WORKER NETS A CATFISH FOR THE DNR’S CATCH-AND- Each honorary capital, nominated and elected on- RELEASE FISHING CONTEST IN THE MINNESOTA RIVER AT line by Minnesotans, hosted unique events to show- NEW ULM. case its community and region. Sesqui staff and Commission Chair Cay Shea Hellervik boarded vehi- • New Ulm, May 15. A pancake breakfast filled cles after the Statehood Day ceremony and made the sports arena; a dedication ceremony at the the rounds of the Capitals celebrations. At each museum reminded attendees of New Ulm’s stop, the ceremonies included a brief speech by unique place in Minnesota history; a lunch and Gov. Tim Pawlenty or Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau, Secre- band concert entertained visitors and residents; tary of State Mark Ritchie and a community conver- Lt. Gov. Molnau helped release a huge catfish for sation to discuss the Plan for Our Future. The rest the DNR contest into the Minnesota River (It was was up to the individual Capitals. Here are some caught and released several weeks later; the lucky highlights: angler won $1,000.); and a city-wide picnic in the park featuring music and dancing ended a great day.

22 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 • Winona. The day started with a Native American WINONA RESI- sunrise and reconciliation ceremony and tours of DENTS ASSEM- BLED TO FORM the city, surrounding bluffs and historic banks and THE SHAPE OF businesses. City Hall hosted the student-run MINNESOTA “State Legislature,” with Gov. Pawlenty opening DURING CAPITAL the session. A flag-raising and honor guard salute FOR A DAY FES- TIVITIES. preceded unveiling of the state stamp depicting Winona’s slice of the Mississippi. The Winona celebration wrapped up with a picnic by the river, readings by its poet laureate, an all-city aerial photo and fireworks.

May 17-18 • Celebrating Change and Resilience, an interpretive exhibit of the Ojibwe culture. Culmination of Statehood Week was the Statehood • Land of 10,000 Lakes: Minnesota’s 150-year con- Weekend Festival held on the State Capitol grounds. nection to water enacted by Heart of the Beast An estimated 22,000 visitors attended the two-day puppet theater. celebration, which included: • They Chose Minnesota, an oral history and DVD of older and more recent immigrants. • Sesquicentennial stamp unveiling. Introduc- • Held in the Heartland: German POWs in the Mid- tion of a life-sized version of the stamp was west, a bus tour to POW detention sites in Min- marked by a flyover by vintage airplanes, includ- nesota. ing one of the first, pre-World War II airmail deliv- • Obsidian Arts: 150 years of African-American ery planes and rare World War II-era warbirds — Artists in Minnesota, an exhibit and documenta- the P-38, P-52 and other fighters, bombers and tion of black artists’ work since statehood. trainer planes. • The State We’re In: Critical and Creative Ap- • Exhibits, entertainment. Supported and organ- proaches to Minnesota’s History at 150, a confer- ized by the State Agency Working Group, the ex- ence and research event hosted by St. John’s hibits showcased state resources. Sesqui gear University, Collegeville. was available for purchase and entertainment re- • Lakes Bluegrass Festival, held at the Cass County flected the diversity of Minnesota performers. fairgrounds. • Commemoration Ceremony. Both solemn and • Before the Plow, a presentation about the Des exhilarating, this centerpiece of Statehood Week Moines River landscape near Jackson. featured a flyover of four Minnesota Air National • Voyageur Canoes on the Rum River, a family tour Guard F-16s; performances by the All-State Choir at Mille Lacs-Kathio State Park. led by renowned conductor Philip Brunelle and • Dakota City Chautauqua, a musical theater salute the University of Minnesota Jazz Band; the Honor to Dakota County in 1858 held at the fair- Song presented by the Leech Lake Nation; a grounds. Sesquicentennial address by Gov. Tim Pawlenty; a • Lake of the Woods Master Gardener Tour, a tour 100-soldier march by the Minnesota National of the county’s northland gardens. Guard; satellite link to Minnesota soldiers in Iraq; and grand-finale fireworks. Sesqui Spotlight Tours A summer of Sesqui events Minnesotans and visitors were invited to blaze their own trail and become acquainted with the state’s The following is a snapshot of activities that took unique natural areas through the Spotlight Tours. place during the Sesquicentennial Summer. Some Each tour showcased a region of the state hosted by were funded by Sesquicentennial grants, some were its Capital for a Day winner: tallgrass aspen park- part of annual community celebrations, some were lands, prairie, deciduous forest, coniferous forest new events just for Sesqui-time, but all told Min- and driftless area. The tours, which could be found nesota’s story through innovative programs, events, online at www.mn150years.org, featured the exhibits, presentations and performances. (See all towns, events, attractions, parks, historical sites and 500 beginning on pg. 46.) special beauty in the regions. The Web site provided links to help travelers plan their visits.

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 23 Walking the Pembina Trail tion as part of “Minnesota Real and Imagined: What Minnesotans Need to Know for the Next 50 Ox carts trundled along the Pembina Trail from Win- Years.” The programs were taped and later re- nipeg to St. Paul, establishing our capital city as a broadcast by partner organization TPT - The Min- major trading center. Over 400 miles and 40 days, nesota Channel, thanks to funding by the Bush Orlin Ostby, his family and Pum the ox pulling an au- Foundation. thentic Red River ox cart retraced the trail July 1- • Buy Sesqui gear. August 21, arriving in St. Paul on the opening day • Tour a changing schedule of exhibits, many of of the State Fair. Ostby was inspired to take on this which were funded by Sesquicentennial grants or challenge by his friend, Delmar Hagen, who accom- hosted by Sesquicentennial Commission partners. plished the same walk for the Minnesota Centen- • Pick up a copy of Make It Minnesotan!, the offi- nial. Online users could follow their progress at cial Sesquicentennial cookbook, and have it www.walkingthepembinatrail.com. signed by one of the contributors. • Recognize Sesqui sponsors. • Get a souvenir Sesqui Big Top Chautauqua fan with a schedule of all events in the tents. To promote the Sesqui Big Top, 30,000 fans also were handed out at the August 23, 2008 pre-season game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers. • Honor the Sesqui-Century farms and the families who operated them. Department of Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson led the tribute to the state’s agricultural heritage and future. • View scenes from Minnesota’s history on the big screens between events in the Big Top, thanks to programs such as Minnesota Minutes, based on the Bell Museum’s award-winning documentary, “Minnesota: History of the Land.” • Celebrate Minnesota’s past and present through storytelling, interviews and more.

Sesquicentennial Salute Sesquicentennial at the 2008 Minnesota to Minnesota Businesses MORE THAN State Fair 100,000 FAIR The event was the 13th Annual Minnesota Develop- GOERS TOOK IN In the two, gleaming white, flag-topped, air-condi- EVENTS AND EX- ment Conference. The highlight was a Sesquicen- HIBITS AT THE tioned, circus-style tents of the State Fair Chau- tennial salute to Minnesota businesses that 2008 STATE FAIR tauqua 150 Years of Statehood Big Top, recognized their legacy of innovation and their sup- CHAUTAUQUA. Minnesotans came together for one last blockbuster port for the Sesquicentennial. Commission member event of the Sesqui Summer. Over 100,000 people and State Rep. Sondra Erickson presented a certifi- passed through the tents and during the 12-day run cate of appreciation to The Travelers Companies, of the fair, they could: Inc., Minnesota’s oldest corporation in operation • Watch daily performances of “Old Minnesota: (started around the time of statehood) and one of Song of the North Star,” a compelling, original the major sponsors of the Sesquicentennial State musical tribute written especially for the Sesqui- Fair exhibition. centennial by Warren Nelson, Fairmont native and director of the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua. More than 40,000 people watched these engaging and enlightening shows. • Listen to experts and join in the discussion of issues including natural resources, innovation, health and wellness, arts and culture and educa-

24 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 • concerns of current citizens, ime of reflection • opinions of community leaders, T • work that is being done in the legislature, and & legacy • work of other civic-involvement organizations. May 2008 to To gather this wealth of information, Minnesotans participated in community conversations hosted in January 2009 more than one-third of the state’s counties or re- sponded online to these questions: • What do we want the future to be like for the THE SESQUICENTENNIAL YEAR closed on December 31, next generations? 2008, but many of the major activities were de- • What are the “got-to-deal-with” issues if we’re signed to have a lasting impact on the state and to going to make that future real? leave a legacy of information about this point in the • What would you like to tell Minnesotans 50 years state’s history. These are the projects that encour- from now that you are working on today to en- aged reflection about the past and captured Min- sure they have the same or better quality of life nesotan’s aspirations for the future. you have now?

Community conversations took place between Fall Many Voices – One Min- 2007 and Summer 2008 in more than 30 counties nesota: A Sesquicenten- in eight Regional Development Commissions and in the Twin Cities metro area. These town hall-style nial Plan for Our Future meetings were open to everyone and facilitated by staff members from the RDCs working in partner- Plan for Our Future was a key Minnesota Sesquicen- ship with Commission staff. Facilitators led the tennial Commission project to explore Minnesotans’ meetings, following a format and guidelines devel- vision for the future and their role in creating that oped by the Sesquicentennial Commission. future. The Commission’s Engage the Public, Plan for Our Future Committee, co-chaired by members Each meeting lasted one and a half to two hours State Sen. Ann H. Rest and State Rep. Morrie Lan- and was divided into two segments: a period for ning, organized the statewide effort. Planning participants to write answers to the questions, and began in Fall 2006, with implementation starting in one for group discussion. All of the written, anony- Spring 2007. mous responses were collected and sent to the Sesquicentennial Commission where they were The resulting report, Many Voices – One Minnesota: recorded and organized. A Sesquicentennial Plan for our Future, was carefully constructed to thoughtfully and accurately represent The responses fell into several broad categories: Minnesota in 2008 and serve as a roadmap to economy, education, transportation, environment, measure and guide our progress into the future. It health care, social issues and government. Overall, included: citizens were both engaged and thoughtful in their responses.

Coming directly from Minnesotans, these responses form the heart of Plan for Our Future. Many thanks are owed to the RDCs for their willingness to organize and host the community conversations. The responses form a fascinating record of how Minnesotans feel regarding our state’s opportunities and challenges for the future.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS, LIKE THIS ONE IN BEMIDJI, PROVIDED INSIGHTS FOR THE PLAN FOR OUR FUTURE.

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 25 Staff also interviewed community leaders and pro- These objectives coalesced around a statewide civic fessionals representing the cultural and socio-politi- engagement initiative called “Minnesota @ 150, cal spectrum of Minnesota. These apolitical Real & Imagined,” which debuted under the Big Top interviews were the idea of Commission Vice Chair Chautauqua tent at the 2008 Minnesota State Fair. Dr. Reatha Clark King and were made up of questions from the community conversations, as well as Thanks to funding from the Bush Foundation, and those about the participant’s area of expertise and partnership with Twin Cities Public Television and perspective. the Citizens League, we offered more than 40,000 State Fair goers a chance to learn about Minnesota Minnesota is fortunate to have many organizations history — its grand achievement as well as its working toward a brighter future. To highlight their painful moments — through the Big Top Chau- efforts and gauge progress on issues, the Plan for tauqua production of “Old Minnesota: Song of the Our Future report also contains a list of those organ- North Star.” izations and summaries of their current work. This progress report was designed not only to help fu- To further engage State Fair visitors with the people ture generations learn from what we were doing in and organizations that give Minnesota its rich tradi- 2008, but also describe our priorities and values and tions and diversity, Sesquicentennial Grant project what we were doing to ensure progress. partners staffed fascinating, interactive exhibits in the smaller Chautauqua tent or led performances And finally, letters were sent to each of the RDCs re- and discussions under the Big Tent. questing summaries of their regions, including current and future challenges and opportunities. These Nearly 50,000 visitors had the opportunity to learn reports helped tie the rest of the information to- more about Native American culture, the early his- gether and provided the most accurate snapshot of tory of the computer industry in Minnesota, the ex- Minnesota, by region, in 2008. periences of Minnesota’s “Greatest Generation,” how to preserve historic barns and farmsteads and The final product, Many Voices – One Minnesota: A much more. Sesquicentennial Plan for Our Future is a thoughtful, and thought-provoking look at Minnesota in the Below is a representative list of exhibit and present- year 2008 — our concerns, our desires, and our ing partners for the Minnesota @ 150, Real & Imag- ideas of how to ensure Minnesota maintains and ined initiative: improves its celebrated culture, commitment to civic • Minnesota Indian Affairs Council Cultural Re- engagement and high standard of living. This resource Center port hopefully will serve as a living document, func- • Explore Minnesota Tourism tioning as a reminder of where we stand today so • Minnesota Historical Society we and others who follow may take informed steps • Citizens League CitiZing! Online Civic Engage- forward. ment Project • Friends of Minnesota Barns • Minnesota Bar Association & Historical Society of Sesqui Pledge & Civic the Minnesota Supreme Court Engagement Project • TRACES Museum of History and Culture • Minnesota’s Greatest Generation Film Festival At the end of the Sesquicentennial Year, the Com- Award Winners mission and staff wanted to look back and see that • In the Heart of the Beast Theatre production of they had accomplished three key objectives: “Land of 10,000 Lakes” • Used the Sesquicentennial as a time to commem- Minnesota @ 150, Real & Imagined also inspired orate and learn from our past and tell the stories Minnesotans to think about the future of our state. that should be told so we can move forward with On the fairgrounds and in the Chautauqua exhibit better understanding and compassion; tent, citizens were invited to take a survey updating • Celebrated who we are today as Minnesotans; the Minnesota Milestones, an ongoing effort to and shape state planning and policies organized by the • Recognized the Sesquicentennial as a catalyst to State Legislature. plan for our future to ensure that the next generation of Minnesotans can enjoy the same — or higher — quality of life.

26 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 PANELISTS DISCUSS THE STATE’S NATURAL RESOURCES AS PART OF MINNESOTA@150, REAL & IMAGINED AT THE STATE FAIR.

• develop a shared vision for the state’s future by engaging Minnesotans in civic dialogue; and • leave a lasting legacy through print, visual, musical and other vehicles, as well as media documentation.

The Commission staff, in conjunction with the Grant Subcommittee of Commissioners, developed the following criteria for awarding the grants. All grant recipients were required to: • align with Sesquicentennial goals; Minnesotans were also able to listen to and interact • reflect the Sesquicentennial themes of arts & cul- with some of the state’s more provocative thinkers ture; health & wellness; business & innovation; and doers through lively discussions on arts and cul- environment; or education. ture; education; business innovation; health and • show evidence of sufficient planning; wellness; and the environment. These discussions • demonstrate appropriate community outreach, in- were designed to inform citizens about the present volvement and co-sponsorship; and status of these issues and the challenges and oppor- • demonstrate the ability to execute the proposed tunities that lie ahead. plan.

With funding from the Bush Foundation and Grants were awarded in two categories: Micro through our partnership with TPT, these five live dis- Grants of up to $1,000 and Legacy Grants of cussions were taped, edited, and aired on the Min- $5,000-$7,500. To gain additional public and pri- nesota Channel 17 in Fall 2008. Additional copies vate support, all Sesquicentennial Grant recipients were created and distributed across the state to were required to match their award one-to-one WASECA public and academic libraries, educators and groups with cash and/or in-kind and donated goods and COUNTY RE- CEIVED A such as foundations and planning commissions. For services. MICRO GRANT details about the programs, see pg. 54. TO DEVELOP AN Micro Grants EXHIBIT OF PHO- TOS AND STO- Sesquicentennial Legacy & Many more grant applications were received than RIES OF COUNTY RESIDENTS. Micro Grant Program could be funded. For the two Micro Grant award

In May 2007, the Minnesota State Legislature appropriated $325,000 for a Sesquicentennial Grant Program to encourage Minnesota communities and organizations to create meaningful and memorable Sesqui programs. In June 2008, an additional $260,000 in grant funds was designated for Com- mission-chosen projects with statewide significance.

The goals of the Grant Program were to: • achieve broad participation of the people of Min- nesota, visitors, local communities, institutions and organizations in activities across the state; • raise awareness and educate by telling the stories of our past, recognizing the indigenous people of Minnesota, and learning from them and the many ethnic groups that have and continue to come to Minnesota;

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 27 rounds in Au- provided considerable technical assistance, both gust and De- during the application phase and to help grantees cember 2007, complete required reporting. We believe this invest- 186 proposals ment of time — although a real challenge, given the were submit- Commission’s thin staffing — will continue to reap ted, but only benefits because individuals and community groups 108 projects now feel “empowered and educated” in seeking could be public and private support for projects. funded. The Commission For example a Becker County township grant recipi- ensured that ent said, “The application process and reporting all 87 Min- were a stretch for our small group, but we learned a nesota coun- lot along the way. We think we know enough now ties had to compete for other grants.” programs and In addition to honing fundraising skills, the applica- activities tion and implementation process prompted devel- funded by opment of new community alliances that will Micro Grants. endure beyond the Sesquicentennial project. As one recipient said, “Through an impressive collabo- Legacy Grants A COORDINATOR ration between the county, the cities, the county SHOWS OFF ART- WORK FOR A Competition for Legacy Grants — awards of up to park board, the schools and a host of other organi- PHOTO AND ART $7,500 for projects aiming to create enduring cre- zations, the 850 residents of Lac Qui Parle County EXHIBIT OF ations or investments — was even greater, and only who attended this event spent a day together in a OJIBWE CULTURE nearly unknown park and celebrated their history CREATED BY THE $150,000 was available to fund them. Once again, WHITE EARTH two award rounds were offered. The initial round, and heritage.” LAND RECOVERY held in September 2007, attracted 52 proposals to- Stimulus to local cultural and natural resources PROJECT IN taling more than $350,000 in requested funds. Of CALLOWAY. The reference above to use of little-known resources these, 16 proposals met the scoring cutoff. In was echoed by a number of grantees. Numerous round two, 114 grant applications were submitted, professional staff at regional parks and heritage sites with 16 scoring high enough to merit funding. reported that grant-funded projects garnered much- A full list of the Micro Grants, Legacy Grants and needed exposure and visibility, even in their home statewide grants can be found on pg. 36. regions. A grantee from Rock County said, “One result was Impact of the Grants that everyone had the opportunity to learn more Sesquicentennial grants made a remarkable impact in about Blue Mounds State Park, its herd of bison, its communities large and small. We can’t describe each walking and hiking trails along the cliff line, and hope- one in detail, but from our experiences, we found the fully many of these people will return to the park.” Sesquicentennial Grant Programs grants to be: At least 20 organizations, both in the metro and in Catalysts for action and additional support Greater Minnesota, told us that the one-time infu- Although recipients were required to match each sion of funds enabled them to experiment with pro- dollar received with a dollar in cash or in-kind or do- grams and formats that attracted new audiences. nated goods, the average match at the time of For example, metro-area project directors with Min- funding was nearly to three to one. By the time neapolis’ Marcy Open School and Mill City Museum, most projects were complete, the matching dona- said, “Our diverse student body is a microcosm of tions were closer to five to one, underscoring the the changing population in Minnesota. And yet leveraging capacity of an initial public investment. many of these families do not participate in the broader culture of our city. The hands-on exhibits at Individual and community ‘capacity-enhancers’ the Museum are especially useful to families for The vast majority of grant recipients were first-time whom English is not a first language.” applicants for public funding. Not surprisingly, staff

28 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 Renewing civic and community identity Commission staff received numerous accounts of the ways in which even very small grants had an impact beyond their size. Organizers for Rothsay's (pop. 500) 125th anniversary events that attracted 2,000 visitors, said, “There was a huge swell of community pride. People came to town who had not been here for years. It refocused our effort to continue a yearly celebration and renewed community spirit.”

More Sesqui Legacy Projects

Through several projects, the Sesquicentennial will continue beyond December 31, 2008. These legacy projects include:

State Fair Big Top Chautauqua CDs

Performances of “Old Minnesota Song of the North Star” were recorded and made available on CDs Sesquicentennial Fellow Claire Plank, a committee through the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua’s SESQUICENTEN- of volunteers created Make It Minnesotan!, a cook- NIAL FELLOWS gift shop at www.bigtop.org. The State Fair Chau- book that captures the flavors and foods – and the PROMOTE THE tauqua attracted enough attention and participation stories behind them – that make Minnesota cooking SESQUI COOK- that an effort is underway to bring it back in 2009. unique. BOOK AT A SUM- MER EVENT. Sesquicentennial commemorative stamps The recipes gleaned from more than 800 entries represent all 87 counties and reflect the remarkable Due to the interest and enthusiasm generated by diversity of the state’s population and the broad the Sesquicentennial stamp, the Sesquicentennial sweep of its history. Commission and U.S. Postal Service held a “second- day issue” ceremony June 14, 2008 at the historic Published by Nodin Press, a Twin Cities-based pub- Ard Godfrey House in Minneapolis. Godfrey was lishing house, Make It Minnesotan! is available for the first postmaster of Minneapolis, which also was $19.95 online through the Sesquicentennial Web celebrating its 150th anniversary. site, www.amazon.com and www.barnesandno- ble.com, as well as many local stores and attrac- At the ceremony, collectors were able to purchase tions. To market the book, committee members special $5 caches with the Minnesota stamp and a and contributors appeared at numerous book sign- sketch of the Ard Godfrey House, thanks to the ef- ings throughout the state. Proceeds from the sale forts of the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis which of the cookbook benefited the Sesquicentennial and manages the House, and the Minnesota Federation restoration of the Minnesota State Capitol. of Stamp Clubs.

The Federation was a steady partner throughout the ‘Greetings from Minnesota!’ Sesqui mosaic Sesquicentennial Year, helping to host key events Visitors to the Food Building at the Minnesota State surrounding the commemorative postage stamp de- Fair can sample a taste of the Sesquicentennial for sign and official release. The stamp remained on years to come. “Greetings from Minnesota!” a sale through 2008. monumental, mosaic-tile postcard depicting scenes from Minnesota was installed on the north side of ‘Make It Minnesotan!’ Sesqui cookbook the Food Building during the 2008 state fair. We hope it’s still there for the Bicentennial! One of the insights into a time, a place and its people are the foods they cook and enjoy. Led by

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 29 SUSAN WARNER WAS THE Vehicle Services and online when they renewed their LEAD ARTIST FOR THE license tabs. “GREETINGS FROM MIN- NESOTA” MOSAIC. Price of the plates is $35, with $25 dedicated to the Sesquicentennial Commission to support programs Lead artist on this pub- and activities during the Sesqui Year. Because the lic-arts project was plates are available for three years, funds raised Susan Warner of Mis- after the Sesquicentennial benefit the restoration of sissippi Mud Works in the Minnesota State Capitol. Minneapolis. Through- out the Sesquicenten- Archives nial Year, hands-on The Minnesota Statehood Sesquicentennial archives opportunities were of- are made up of the official documents, correspon- fered in communities dence, work papers, and notes from the Sesquicen- statewide so citizens tennial Commission and are stored at the Minnesota could work on the History Center. piece. The archives also stretch across time and space to Sesqui license plates represent as many of the Sesquicentennial artifacts as possible from 2005 to early 2009. These include Sesquicentennial plates were approved by the Min- commemorative items such as medallions, flags, of- nesota Legislature during the summer of 2008. Ve- ficial cookbook, locally produced items and written, hicle owners can purchase these special plates audio and/or visual materials from the grant proj- through the Department of Public Safety/Driver and ects, events and programs, particularly anything that features the official logo of the Sesquicentennial.

We are All Minnesotans – Thank You, Minnesota!

On January 6, 2009, the Commission hosted the final public celebration of the Sesquicentennial. It was a two-hour open house reception at the State Capitol to thank all the volunteers and legislators who had been instrumental in supporting and carry- ing out the 150th statehood anniversary events and activities.

Participants ate state-shaped cookies and viewed the photo and video record of the Sesquicentennial journey from 2007 through 2008. It was a chance — until the bicentennial in 2058 — to gather the Minnesota family in the one home we all share, the State Capitol building. It reinforced another value we share – that we are all Minnesotans, no matter whether we were born here or just arrived several weeks ago. SEN. ANN H. REST SHOWS OFF THE FIRST SESQUICEN- TENNIAL LICENSE PLATE.

30 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008

essage to the future • Clearly delineate the entertainment and educa- M tional aspects of the anniversary, especially when & bicentennial you are asking for financial support. Both aspects are important for commemoration and celebra- planners of 2058 tion, but they require different approaches and at- tract different funders and audiences.

• Hire a good staff that includes people knowledge- IN CLOSING THIS report, Sesquicentennial Executive Di- rector Jane Leonard and staff wanted to share their able and skilled in fundraising, promotion, mar- insights into planning such a massive commemora- keting, grant making, and community and tion. A more in-depth analysis is archived with economic development. Leonard’s working files at the Minnesota Historical Marketing is key because you have to help citizens Society in St. Paul. relearn the concept of statehood. It’s an abstract If you want to do a good job planning for the Bicen- concept — statehood is an invisible status conferred tennial of Minnesota Statehood, we suggest: on a place and its people by the U.S. Congress. 150 • Begin initial meetings of interested people and or- years after receiving that designation, statehood is ganizations about 10 years beforehand to brain- taken for granted, even though we depend on it for storm and gather support. nearly everything we do for our entire lives.

• Four years out, make sure you are doing serious Promotion is important because recognizing a sig- planning, fundraising, recruiting of volunteers and nificant anniversary gives us a chance to — as they hiring full-time paid staff. said for Minnesota’s Centennial in 1958 — “sell Minnesota to Minnesotans.” You have a rare oppor- The Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission began tunity to help people rediscover their history and ex- serious work two years ahead to plan for and imple- plore the unique and fun places from a different ment the statehood anniversary. They began hiring perspective. It’s a chance for people to be passion- paid staff one year from the Sesquicentennial Year, ate students and tourists in their own state. which began January 2008. Grant making to communities and organizations is Even though the Commission managed to raise pri- critical to help increase engagement. Even the micro vate support, two years was not enough time to grants of $1,000 or less that we made to small fully tap corporations and other funders for major towns, neighborhoods and local organizations sponsorships. These organizations plan several years across the state seeded teamwork and renewed in- in advance how their sponsorship, philanthropic, terest in preserving, promoting and showcasing the and marketing funds will be allocated. incredible creativity Minnesotans possess.

Try to avoid competing with other major events the Be prepared to render lots of technical assistance in state might be hosting in and around the anniver- the grant-making process at the local level. Many sary year. Coordinate in advance to partner with po- organizations that apply for anniversary funding do tential competitors for dollars and media attention. not have the experience to deal with the abundance 2008 was an unusual year for national events in of paperwork required by government funding. Minnesota. The Sesquicentennial had to compete for corporate sponsorships with the Republican Na- Community and economic development experience tional Convention, the National Figure Skating is a must because so much of what we did for the Championships and the U.S. Women’s Golf Open. Sesquicentennial involved community and organizational outreach. Each of the 150 grants and more We coordinated as much as we could with these than 500 events happened because citizens worked national, annual and high visibility events. However, together on a common goal, inspired by the occur- they drew far more attention from potential spon- rence of the Sesquicentennial. sors because they could guarantee corporations valuable exposure year after year. Being a one-time event can make it difficult to convince funders it’s worth their investment.

32 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 Minnesota’s Indigenous Peoples & the Sesquicentennial

Recognizing the indigenous people of Minnesota, the earliest inhabitants of the land well before statehood, was a main goal set early on by the Sesqui- centennial Commission. It should be a prominent part of the Bicentennial observances.

Teaching, learning and increasing our understanding of the American Indian experience and culture are MEMBERS OF THE central to understanding why Minnesota at state- CASS AND LEECH hood was a crucible, in every sense of the word. LAKE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS At the time of statehood, Minnesota was a complex GATHERED mix of cultures, attitudes and values colliding during AROUND THE STAR QUILT an era in our nation’s history — the 1850s and MURAL THEY 1860s — in which the very union of states was in HELPED CREATE. question. What happened then reverberates to this very day and into our future. The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council staff and Commission staff worked together to use State- Minnesota’s admission to the United States stood hood Week and the 2008 State Fair to raise aware- on the fulcrum of American tragedy and triumph. ness of American Indian history, culture and Immigrants and manifest destiny were pushing resources for further learning. older worlds aside for westward expansion, and a Civil War was soon to test the essence of our na- Several grant projects emphasized American Indian tion’s democratic ideals. As in many other states, culture and history, as well as collaborative efforts the entry into, and early days of statehood, was a between white and American Indian community difficult time for American Indian cultures. members.

During the Statehood Sesquicentennial, many peo- The Star Quilt Mural project by the Boys & Girls Club ple would be paying attention to the wide swath of in Leech Lake & Cass Lake stands out as most sym- Minnesota’s history, from pre-statehood to the pres- bolic of these projects. The Star Quilt is a gift that ent day. The Sesquicentennial was an ideal time for represents both an end and a beginning, and is an many stories to be told and learned again. object of both honor and function in everyday American Indian spiritual life. The morning star de- Commission staff met with tribal leaders and staff sign is similar to the Sacred Circle, representing life's members of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council to continuous circle. For many Northern Plains tribes, encourage the involvement of Minnesota’s 11 the Star Quilt is one of the most honored gifts a American Indian nations (seven Anishinaabe reserva- family can give or receive. tions and four Dakota communities) in the Sesqui- centennial observances. This intergenerational project featured boys and girls, ages 6 to 18, who worked together with Several Dakota communities declined to participate adults and elders to create the mural. They gave to directly in the official Sesquicentennial activities. all Minnesotans something very sacred. They gave However, many alternative events and educational us stories depicted in their paintings that help us re- opportunities took place, created by tribal members, member — and never forget — who we are today, scholars and partner groups, such as the Truth and where we came from, and where we are headed. Reconciliation gathering organized by the Winona Dakota Unity Alliance for their Capital for a Day ob- Bicentennial planners, take note and good luck. servances, and public seminars such as “American Indians in Minnesota: A Personal History” at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 33 lows and interns. They coordinated 150 grant proj- upplemental Sesqui ects, 500 events and managed hundreds of volun- S teers (600 alone for the 12-day run of the State Information Fair.) They also planned and implemented the two major statewide events — Statehood Week in May and the State Fair in August.

As the anniversary year wound down in the fall of 2008, staff fell back to four full-time members and Sesquicentennial Staff an average of four Fellows and part-time interns. They closed out events, activities and reports until Staffing for the Commission began with one full- the Commission sunset in January 2009. time person — the executive director — in March 2007. By May, as funding increased, another full- time staffer was added. We also reached into the Staff college and post-graduate arenas to form a corps of Denise Cumming, office assistant & archivist Sesquicentennial Fellows who took on responsibili- Jane Cunningham, grants & development manager ties far beyond their years of experience. Jane Leonard, executive director Karen Rickert, executive assistant & financial officer For full-time staff and Fellows, this was a win-win Ann Treacy, Webmaster arrangement. The Commission could accomplish Audrey Williams, office volunteer the necessary community outreach, day-to-day legislative and organizational relations, fundraising, STAFF SHOWS Sesquicentennial Fellows OFF THE NEW public relations, and office operations with a limited SESQUI HIGH- staff budget. The Fellows received an experience of Eric Anunobi, administrative coordinator WAY ENTRANCE a lifetime, which prepared them for career opportu- Laura Barrato, community events coordinator WELCOME nities and challenges. SIGNS THAT Tane Danger, communications director WERE IN- By summer of 2008, the busiest time of the entire Rachel Garaghty, Plan for Our Future coordinator STALLED Sesquicentennial, we had 14 full- and part-time Daniel George, planning coordinator THROUGHOUT Megan Jung, grants outreach coordinator THE STATE. people on board: four full-time staff, plus 10 Fel- Claire Plank, community outreach coordinator Andrew Ranallo, Plan for Our Future coordinator Stacy Sielaff, Plan for Our Future coordinator Mong Vang, multi-media specialist

Summer & Fall 2008 Interns

MacKenzie Collins David Johnson Meera Mansingh Rebecca Peichel Nick Sarnicki

Sesquicentennial A mbassadors

These volunteers served as the Sesquicentennial Commission staff’s eyes and ears and helped engage citizens in their county. They were a touch point for providing information to the communities in their area and for updating the Commission staff on local activities. Their contributions helped make

34 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 the Sesquicentennial a truly grassroots, memorable Sibley: Eldrene Ebert and meaningful event. Thanks to all of you! Stearns: Jim Knoblach Steele: Laura Resler Ambassadors by county Stevens: Mary Hill Swift: Marlys Gallager Becker: Roxann Daggett Traverse: Marcie Conroy, Tammy Conroy Beltrami: Doug Fuller Washington: Pat Conley, Karen Klinzing Big Stone: Norm Shelsta Winona: Michael Charron, Karin Sonneman Brown: Charles Enter Wright: Tammi Dahlman Carlton: Patti Almquist, Anne Dugan, Milo Ras- Yellow Medicine: Tim Douglass, Dave Zmiglewski mussen Carver: Joe Hoppe Chippewa: Tim Douglass Chisago: Scott Friday Clay: Arlen Stangland, Lisa Vedaa Clearwater: Allen Paulson Cottonwood: Linda Fransen, Norm Holmenn, Cheryl Hanson, Cathy Peterson Crow Wing: Carrie Ruud Dakota: Arlen Erdahl, Denny MacNamar, Mike McGinn, Sean Nienow, Bob Stassen Dodge: Randy Demmer, Kathy Demmer Douglas: Rachel Barduson, George Cassell Faribault: Don Ziegler, Clara Vereide Fillmore: Greg Davids, Kenric Scheevel Freeborn: Jean Eaton Goodhue: Steve Sviggum Hennepin: Diana Houston, Barb Sykora Houston: Greg Davids Isanti: Robert Eastlund MEMBERS OF THE State A gency Working STATE AGENCY Itasca: Don Boese WORKING GROUP Kanabec: Judy Soderstrom Group MET TO PLAN Kandiyohi: Richard Larson STATEHOOD LeSueur: Jim Donovan, Peg Donovan This group of dedicated state employees ensured WEEKEND. Lyon: Arlene Lesewski, Ellayne Velde-Convers, Harry coordination of Sesquicentennial-related events and Weilage initiatives throughout the state agency system. They Martin: Scott Higgins worked closely with key agencies that created their McLeod: Lori Pickell-Stangel own Sesquicentennial planning committees, such as Meeker: Dean Urdahl, Steve Dille the Secretary of State’s office, the court system and Mille Lacs: Pat Braun, Michelle McPherson the departments of agriculture, education, natural Morrison: Greg Blaine resources and tourism. The State Agency Working Murray: Doug Magnus Group also helped plan, along with the Commis- Norman: Don Merkens sion's Program Committee, the activities of the Olmsted: Fran Bradley, John Hunziker, Sheila Statehood Day and Weekend events. Kiscaden Otter Tail: Roxann Daggett, Bob Block Representing their respective government bodies, Pennington: Faye Auchenpaugh agencies or departments were: Pine: Becky Lourey Dean Alger, Secretary of State Pipestone: Bud Johnston, Mick Meyers Bryce Anderson, Department of Natural Resources Pope: Tim Douglass, Jim Palmer, Karna Palmer Paul H. Anderson, Supreme Court Ramsey: Warren Anderson, Lee Bradford Roger Bjork, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Rice: Ray Cox, Dianne Hohrman Keith Bogut, Finance Rock: Jane Wildung Gary Caldwell, Health Sherburne: Ramona Doebler Brianna Chambers, Education

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 35 Jane Cunningham, Sesquicentennial Sesquicentennial Kathy Dummer, DNR Sue Gens, Minnesota State Arts Board Grant Program Linda Gremillion, Minnesota State Council on Disability Through Micro and Legacy grants, the Sesquicen- Terry Gunderson, Human Services tennial had a lasting, meaningful, and even fun, im- Cay Shea Hellervik, Sesquicentennial pact on every community and region of the state. Georgie Hilker, Iron Range Resources The following dedicated individuals made up the Kristine Hiller, DNR Grants Review Panel and rose to the challenge of Blane Iffert, Minnesota National Guard choosing which projects would receive grants from Andrea Kajer, Minnesota Historical Society a large and impressive group of proposals: David Kelliher, MHS Pamela Holt James Kirkpatrick, Human Rights Hennepin County Library, Minneapolis Leann Kispert, Tourism Ruth Johnson, Jane Leonard, Sesquicentennial Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter Linda McDonald, Veteran Affairs Reatha C. King Jennifer Osborne, Metropolitan Mosquito Control Sesquicentennial Commission member, District Minneapolis James Pointer, DNR Sen. Ann H. Rest Nate Prouty, Public Affairs Sesquicentennial Commission member, Dave Radford, DNR New Hope Linda Radimecky, DNR Lois Schmidt Lisa Reiter, Employee Relations Bremer Foundation, Tracy Darla Riley, Agriculture Reena Shetty Noah Rouen, Public Affairs Whitney Senior Center, St. Cloud Mary Somnis, Iron Range Resources Judy Sutter, Paul Strandberg, Agriculture Minnesota Department of Education, Colleen Tollefson, Tourism Coon Rapids Pat Turgeon, Veteran Affairs Mike Worcester Cokato Historical Society Minnesota Milestones Grant Recipients Survey Summary (by county)

In 2008, the Minnesota Legislature directed the Aitkin Commission to provide ways for Minnesota citizens Heritage Reunion, McGregor Area Historical Society, to give input to the Minnesota Milestones, a series for tours, historic demonstrations and activities dur- of goal statements for the state’s progress, which ing Heritage Reunion week were produced in the 1990s and updated most re- Anoka cently in 2000. Celebrating the Season: A Civil War Christmas, A grand total of 3,223 respondents from more than Anoka County Historical Society, for historic re-en- 444 different Minnesota ZIP codes completed the actment of Christmas at a recreated Civil War en- Minnesota Milestones ballot. The majority of partici- campment pants declined to provide geographic or demo- Sesquicentennial Wagon Train, Minnesota Sesqui- graphic information but opinions of all kinds were centennial Commission, for a wagon train traveling expressed; some regarding the 19 Minnesota Mile- from Cannon Falls to St. Paul stones, while others focused on the general state of Minnesota as we move into the future. Anoka, Carver, Hennepin, St. Louis, Washington Full results of the survey were given to the Legisla- Under the North Star: Music of Minnesota, The ture and the Minnesota Milestones committee, or- Singers-Minnesota Choral Artists, for presentations ganized by the Departments of Administration and of choral music at community sites Management and Budget for consideration in the 2009 legislative session.

36 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 Becker Carver Forest Township: A 150-Year History, Forest Town- Celebrating 150 Years of Farming & Agriculture, ship, for research and a historical plaque for display Waconia Chamber of Commerce, for a one-day fes- in the township hall tival and farmers market celebrating the importance of agriculture in Carver County Becker, Mahnomen Photos and narrative exhibit Celebrating Change Twilight Camp in the North Star State, Autumn and Resilience: White Earth Land Recovery Project, Ridge/Southern Stars Girl Scout Twilight Camp, for for creation of an interpretive exhibit exploring 150 special Sesquicentennial programs about Minnesota years of Ojibwe culture geography at the 16th annual Autumn Ridge Girl Scout camp Beltrami 2008 Head of the Lake Picnic/Commemoration, Under the North Star: Music of Minnesota, The Headwaters School of Music and the Arts, for re- Singers-Minnesota Choral Artists, for presentations creation of a 19th-century, day-long picnic & festival of choral music at community sites

Benton, Otter Tail, Wadena, Traverse Cass Minnesota’s Ordinarily Unsung Concerts, Intermedia Boys and Girls Club of Leech Lake Area, Boys and Arts, for research and performances about “un- Girls Club of Cass Lake, for an intergenerational sung” Minnesotans community mural project in Cass County

Big Stone Leech Lake Agency Oral History Project, Cass Clinton 125th Quasquacentennial Celebration, Clin- County, for collecting and editing oral histories from ton 125th Committee, for history programs to cele- the Onigum Ojibwe community brate the 125th anniversary of Clinton and the state’s Sesquicentennial Chippewa Sesquicentennial Visual Art Display, Upper Min- Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac Qui Parle, Swift, nesota Valley Regional Development Commission, Yellow Medicine for original art depicting Sesquicentennial themes Sesquicentennial Visual Art Display, Upper Min- nesota Valley Regional Development Commission, Chisago for original art depicting Sesquicentennial themes Weekend Guest Program-Series 2008, Friends of Wild River State Park, for a series of programs about Blue Earth Ojibwe culture, historic flint knapping, black- 150 Years of Statehood, 155 Years of Blue Earth smithing and natural history County Celebrating Together: Exceptional People at an Exceptional Place, for support of a concert, li- Clay brary programs, and interpretive programs to mark West Across Minnesota, Rourke Art Museum, for a the state’s and the county’s anniversaries traveling exhibit of works by noted Minnesota artists on the theme of settlement and expansion Junior Historians Talking Back to Tomorrow, Blue Earth County Historical Society, for oral history inter- Keeping in Touch in Clay County, Clay County His- views to be broadcasted on local radio by students torical Society, for an exhibit about the use of vari- in grades 6-12 ous communication technologies

Brown Clearwater Guide to Brown County History Outdoor Signs, Courthouse Signage, Clearwater County, for new Brown County Historical Society, for creation and public signage at the Courthouse placement of five interpretive maps throughout Traveling Through Time: 150 Years in Minnesota’s Brown County Historic Northwest, Minnesota’s Historic Northwest Carlton (plus 13 northwestern Minnesota counties) for a Jay Cooke State Park Open House, Carlton County traveling exhibit and postcard book exploring the Historical Society, for historic demonstrations, dis- history of the region plays, and re-enactments at the state park

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 37 Cook Douglas Ham Lake Fire, 1st Anniversary, Gunflint Trail Scenic Sesquicentennial Book Project, Douglas County His- Byway Committee, Gunflint Trail Association, for torical Society, for research and compilation of a planting 150 white pine trees to replace trees lost in commemorative history text/DVD/CD and related the Ham Lake fire community activities

Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center, Gunflint Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens Trail Historical Society, for acquisition of AV equip- Evansville History Project, Evansville Arts Coalition, ment, displays and dioramas for a new facility Fond-du-Lac, White Earth and Lower Sioux communities, for re-creation and/or collection of indigenous Cottonwood and traditional structures, stories and artifacts to Cottonwood County Student Art Show, Cotton- augment the Evansville pioneer historic site wood County Historical Society, for a county-wide, juried student art competition exploring 150 years Faribault of Minnesota and Cottonwood County history Restoration of Pink Schoolhouse, Walnut Lake Township, for restoration of flooring and desks Celebrating our Cultural Heritage in Cottonwood within the Walnut Lake Pink Schoolhouse living his- County, Cottonwood County Historical Society, for a tory site county-wide arts project to create an intergenerational fabric arts project, theater production and a Freeborn, Mower community-generated sculpture Tales of Two Counties, Albert Lea Friends of the Li- brary, for creation of two history plays based on Crow Wing local oral histories and other resources Annual Butterfly Release, Pelican Woods Cemetery and Nature Center, for a butterfly release program Grant featuring 2008 Sesquicentennial themes Celebrating our Heritage, Sister City Fellowship of Elbow Lake, for a series of musical programs cele- County Lines Anthology, League of Minnesota brating the Sister City Fellowship with Flekkefjord, Poets, for support of a state-wide poetry anthology Norway

Dakota Evansville History Project, Evansville Arts Coalition, Art for Kids, Past and Present, Dakota Center for the Fond-du-Lac, White Earth and Lower Sioux commu- Arts, for children’s arts activities, including printmak- nities, for re-creation and/or collection of indigenous ing to celebrate the work of Wanda Gag, Min- and traditional structures, stories and artifacts nesota artist and author Hennepin, Washington, St. Louis, Carver, Dakota County Sesquicentennial Celebration, Anoka Dakota County Library, for a series of programs fea- Under the North Star: Music of Minnesota, The turing artists, historians, and musicians in celebra- Singers-Minnesota Choral Artists, for presentations tion of Dakota County’s diverse history and cultures of choral music at community sites in several counties Building Minnesota: General William LeDuc’s Quest for Minnesota Statehood, Dakota County Historical Hennepin, Ramsey Society, for a series of historic dramatizations featur- Many Languages, Many Voices, One State: Their ing the life and times of General William LeDuc Legacy Past and Present, Minnesota Council on the Teaching of Languages and Cultures and Minnesota Life in the Yards An End of an Era, City of South St. New Visions in Action, for an exhibit on languages Paul, for an exhibit and video documenting the his- spoken in the state tory and significance of the South St. Paul stock- yards Hennepin 150 Years of Hennepin Hospitals, County Medical Celebrating Our Past as We Serve the Future, City of Center History Museum, for an exhibit exploring the Farmington, for mounting of historic photos in the changing role of medicine and hospitals in the city’s new City Hall building history

38 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 Land of 10,000 Lakes: Minnesota’s 150-Year Con- nection to Water, In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, for creating and presenting a puppet theater production exploring Minnesota’s historic and contemporary relation to water

The Wireless Pond, Minnesota Independent Schol- ars’ Forum and Minnesota Coalition on Government Information, for a day-long public conference exploring issues relating to the preservation of and ac- cess to information

Partners in Minneapolis History, Marcy Open School, for research and development of a project on important people, places and events in history Houston ANYONE DRIV- Spring Grove Music in the Park, City of Spring Documentation of Minnesota Barns and Farm- ING OR WALK- Grove, for a series of concerts celebrating aspects of ING IN steads, Friends of Minnesota Barns, for a state-wide Minnesota history DOWNTOWN effort to inventory historic barns and farmsteads MINNEAPOLIS Hubbard COULD VIEW THE SPEAKING Twin Cities Juneteenth and Minnesota Spokesman Opening of the Great Northwest: Transportation Recorder African American History Timeline, Twin OF HOME EX- and Tourism in Northern Minnesota, Headwaters HIBIT IN ONE OF Cities Juneteenth, Inc., for a state-wide historical Center for Lifelong Learning, for a series of public THE CITY’S SKY- timeline to be featured during Juneteenth activities programs on the history of tourism and transporta- WAYS. tion in the Hubbard County region Great River Road Travel Guide and Activity Book, Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission, Isanti for a travel guide featuring the history and geogra- Cambridge Historic Overlook Walking Loop and In- phy of 21 Minnesota counties terpretive Signage, Cambridge, for an interpretive walking loop and signage They Also Chose Minnesota, Friends of the Immigra- tion History Research Center, for an oral history proj- Itasca ect and DVD capturing the experience of “older” Pengilly Centennial Celebration, Pengilly Centennial and “newer” immigrants to Minnesota Committee, for a community-wide celebration and creation of a “community memory book” to mark Minnovation: 150 Years of Ingenuity, Minneapolis Pengilly’s centennial Public Library, for an exhibit exploring inventions developed in Minnesota Jackson, Murray, Lyon, Lincoln, Pipestone Sesquicentennial Environmental History Programs, Speaking of Home, Public Interest, Inc. and Interme- Prairie Ecology Bus Center, for intergenerational en- dia Arts, for creation of public art in downtown sky- vironmental programs in southwestern Minnesota ways exploring cross-cultural notions of “home” Kandiyohi Walldogs on Nicollet, Lyndale Neighborhood Associ- Sibley State Park Open House, Sibley State Park Im- ation, for community-conceived, professionally ren- provement Committee, for exploring stories, history, dered murals along Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis music and food that define the area and region 150 Years of African American Artists in Minnesota, Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Obsidian Arts, Minneapolis, for a visual arts exhibi- Red Lake tion and digital catalog about black artists in Min- Art Reflecting on Minnesota’s 150 Years of State- nesota since the time of statehood hood, Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, for new Minnesota Voices, American Composers Forum, for art and traveling exhibit exploring the history of Kitt- new compositions to premiere at the 2008 Min- son, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk and Red nesota State Fair Lake Counties

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 39 Lac Qui Parle Art Reflecting on Minnesota’s 150 Years of State- Lac Qui Parle Heritage Celebration, Lac Qui Parle hood, Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, for a new County Economic Development Authority, for a art and traveling exhibit exploring the history of Kitt- county-wide celebration and educational programs son, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk and Red on the history of the county’s ethnic groups Lake Counties

Sesquicentennial Visual Art Display, Upper Min- Martin nesota Valley Regional Development Commission, Fairmont Songs and Martin County Stories, Martin for original art depicting Sesquicentennial themes County Sesquicentennial Committee, for an original musical theater piece by Fairmont native Warren Lake Nelson, founder of Big Top Chautauqua Collecting Oral Histories of Two Harbors, Independ- ent School District 381, for an oral history and DVD McLeod project by students in the school district Oakland Cemetery Restoration Project, City of Hutchinson, for restoration of significant headstones LeSueur in the historic Oakland Cemetery History for Kids, Le Sueur County Historical Society, for youth activities in five school districts as part of Meeker Le Sueur County’s celebration of its Scandinavian Remembering 150 Years of Minnesota and Meeker heritage County History, Meeker County Historical Society, for a research and documentation of a project ex- Lincoln ploring significant people, places, and events Hendricks Troll Town, Hendricks Norwegian Heritage Committee, for locally created troll art as part of Mille Lacs Hendricks’ celebration of its Scandinavian heritage Sesquicentennial and Mille Lacs Lake Birthday Party, Mille Lacs Lake Watershed Management Group, for Sesquicentennial Environmental History Programs, interpretive programs and events in Mille Lacs Prairie Ecology Bus Center, for intergenerational en- County vironmental programs in southwestern Minnesota Morrison Lyon Rural School History and Events, Morrison County Box Car Days, Tracy Area Chamber, for support of Historical Society, for programs exploring the signifi- the annual Box Car Days celebration in Tracy cance and history of rural educators and rural schools Sesquicentennial Environmental History Programs, Prairie Ecology Bus Center, for intergenerational en- Mower vironmental programs in southwestern Minnesota Rededication of M4 Sherman tank, Mower County Historical Society, for refurbishing and rededicating a Mahnomen WWII memorial erected during the 1958 Centennial Mahnomen Health Center Art Project for the 50th celebration anniversary, Mahnomen Health Center, for enlarge- ment, mounting and framing of historic photos and Tales of Two Counties, Albert Lea Friends of the Li- new outdoor signage brary, for creation of two local history plays based on local oral histories and other resources Photos and narrative exhibit Celebrating Change and Resilience: White Earth Land Recovery Project, Murray for creation of an interpretive exhibit exploring 150 Sesquicentennial Environmental History Programs, years of Ojibwe culture Prairie Ecology Bus Center, for intergenerational environmental programs in southwestern Minnesota Marshall Highlighting our History, Friends of the Old Mill, Nicollet Newfolden Lions Club, Marshall County Historical Norseland Community Sesquicentennial Celebra- Society, for a series of historic re-enactments and liv- tion, New Sweden Township, for compilation of a ing history programs at the Old Mill Park community history book about the unincorporated community of Norseland

40 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux Central Exhibit, Nicollet Pine County Historical Society, for renovation of an ex- Minnesota: 150 Years, Pine City Public Schools, ISD hibit to interpret the circumstances surrounding the #578, for a series of educators’ professional devel- signing of the treaty opment workshops and community programs exploring Sesquicentennial themes Norman Art Reflecting on Minnesota’s 150 Years of State- Fire Relief House Project, Hinckley Fire Museum, for hood, Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, for a new construction of a “fire relief house” replica to serve art and traveling exhibit exploring the history of Kitt- as new meeting and research space son, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk and Red Lake Counties Pipestone Civil War Days, Pipestone County Museum, for his- Olmsted torical re-enactments exploring Minnesota’s role in Minnesota at Its Sesquicentennial: Exceptional Peo- the Civil War ple in an Exceptional Place, Rochester Community College and University of Minnesota-Rochester, for Sesquicentennial Environmental History Programs a series of educational, travel and study programs Prairie Ecology Bus Center, for intergenerational environmental programs in southwestern Minnesota Hail, Minnesota! Choral Arts Ensemble, Rochester, for a premiere of four new works by Minnesota Polk composers and CD recording Gully 100! Celebrating and Sharing our History, Gully 100! Committee, for a community-wide cele- Otter Tail, Wilkin bration, including history displays and re-enact- Rothsay 125th Anniversary Celebration, City of ments to mark the Sesquicentennial and Gully’s Rothsay, for a series of educational events held as Centennial part of the city’s 125th anniversary and in honor of the Sesquicentennial Historic Tent and Camping Gear Display, City of East Grand Forks Parks and Recreation, for a living his- Otter Tail tory display of camping styles used by Native Ameri- A County on Stage, Otter Tail County Historical Soci- cans, explorers and early settlers ety, for support of student theater workshops culmi- nating in a community history performance Art Reflecting on Minnesota’s 150 Years of State- hood, Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, for a new Evansville History Project, Evansville Arts Coalition, art and traveling exhibit exploring the history of Kitt- Fond-du-Lac, White Earth and Lower Sioux commu- son, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk and Red nities, for re-creation and/or collection of indigenous Lake Counties and traditional structures, stories and artifacts to augment the Evansville site Pope Medallion Series, Friends of Glacial Lakes State Park, Minnesota’s Ordinarily Unsung Concerts, Intermedia Inc., for a commemorative medallion celebrating the Arts, for research and performances about “un- natural history of the region sung” Minnesotans Evansville History Project, Evansville Arts Coalition, Pennington Fond-du-Lac, White Earth and Lower Sioux commu- Art Reflecting on Minnesota’s 150 Years of State- nities, for re-creation and/or collection of indigenous hood, Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, for a new and traditional structures, stories and artifacts to art and traveling exhibit exploring the history of Kitt- augment the Evansville site son, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk and Red Lake Counties Native American Heritage Programs, Pope County History Society, for a series of lecture-discussion pro- Rivers and Waters in Pennington County: Their Im- grams on Native American cultures portance and Significance, Pennington County His- torical Society, for a traveling exhibit exploring the Ramsey history and impact of rivers in the development of “Como Te Quiero Minnesota,” Adams Spanish Im- the county mersion School, for recording and dissemination of an original song

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 41 Minnesota Territorial Pioneers Traveling Exhibit, Min- 2008 Vietnamese Community’s Summer Festival, nesota Territorial Pioneers, for creating a traveling Vietnamese Community of Minnesota, for support history exhibit on the life and experiences of Min- of a Minnesota “Knowledge Bowl” and an essay nesota’s earliest settlers contest for youth

Minnesota Territorial Pioneers Portrait Collection Capitol River Council’s Sesquicentennial Tree Project, Preservation, Minnesota Territorial Pioneers, for a Capitol River Council, for a commemorative plaque state-wide project to support ongoing archival work about the Sesquicentennial Norway pine on the and digitization of a collection of 2,000 portraits State Capitol grounds

L’Etoile du Nord Mosaic, L’Etoile du Nord French Im- Penumbra Theatre Archives, Penumbra Theatre mersion School, for a mosaic created by students Company, for digitization of the theatre’s video and East Side community members archives

Evening in the Park Series, Fort Snelling State Park They Also Chose Minnesota, Friends of the Immigra- Assn., for a series of four musical programs cele- tion History Research Center, for an oral history proj- brating the history of the park site ect and DVD capturing the experience of “older” and “newer” immigrants to Minnesota Benson Airport Airshow and Histori- cal Exhibit, White Bear Lake Area Historical Society, for documentation and outreach related to the area’s aviation history

Mississippi River Eco Journey, Art- Start, for a school-based curriculum exploring the history and significance of the Mississippi River watershed

At the Center: 150 Years at Univer- sity and Prior Avenues, University UNITED, for research and exhibit development on the history of Univer- sity and Prior Avenues

Many Languages, Many Voices, One State: Their THE “GREETINGS FROM MINNESOTA” MOSAIC WAS PER- Legacy of Languages and Cultures, Past and Pres- MANENTLY INSTALLED ON THE STATE FAIR GROUNDS. ent, Minnesota County on the Teaching of Lan- guages and Cultures and Minnesota New Visions in “Greetings from Minnesota,” Minnesota State Fair Action, for an exhibit on languages spoken in Foundation, for permanent installation of a tile mo- Minnesota saic on the grounds of the Minnesota State Fair

CitiZing! MAP 150 Project, Citizens League, for cre- Looking Forward: Invent Minnesota’s High School ation and beta testing of an online civic-networking Invention Initiative, Invent Minnesota, for student platform participation in an innovative initiative

Minnesota Voices, American Composers Forum, Minnesota Heritage Songbook and CD, Fort Snelling for new compositions to premiere at the 2008 State Park Assn., for research and recording of Min- State Fair nesota’s traditional music and songs

German POWs in the Midwest, 1943-46, TRACES Minnesota Writers Hall of Fame, Friends of the Li- Center for History and Culture, for exhibits and brary, St. Paul Public Library, for development of a community dialogues on the experiences and inter- Web-based resource on Minnesota writers action of “captors and captives”

42 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 Dialogues with Great Leaders Series DVD Project, Rice Concordia University, St. Paul, for distribution of a Historic Musical Stage Play, Northfield Middle DVD of historic dramatizations featuring key writ- School, for a historical musical stage play by stu- ings of Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas and Mar- dents at the Lockwood Opera House tin Luther King, Jr. Minnesota Sesquicentennial Vintage Base Ball Red Lake Festival, Washington County Historical Society, for The Story of Old Crossing of the North, Association historic interpreters and players in the Vintage Base des Français du Nord, for a readers’ theater program Ball Festival and educational materials exploring the 1863 Treaty Rock Art Reflecting on Minnesota’s 150 Years of State- Blue Mounds State Park Historical Prospective, Blue hood, Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, for new Mound Park Partners, for living history programs on art and traveling exhibit exploring the history of Kitt- natural history and the experiences of native Ameri- son, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk and Red cans and early settlers Lake Counties Roseau Redwood Falun’s 100th Anniversary and State’s 150th An- From the Inside Out: Celebration of Minnesota’s Pi- niversary, Falun Township for a commemorative ex- oneer Women in Fashion and Song, Note-able Fash- hibit for the township’s centennial celebration ions, for living history programs at Redwood County libraries Roseau Scandinavian Festival, Roseau Heritage Committee, for community arts programs, including Renville Scandinavian dance workshops Minnesota River: Gateway to Renville County Travel- ing Exhibit, Renville County Historical Society, for a Walking the Pembina Trail, Palmville Press, for sup- traveling exhibit on the significance of the Min- port of an authentic ox cart journey along the Pem- nesota River bina Trail by Orlin Ostby and colleagues

ORLIN OSTBY, HIS FAMILY AND PUM THE OX RETRACED THE 400-MILE JOURNEY FROM PEMBINA TO ST. PAUL.

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 43 Scott Celebrate with the State in 2008, Willow Creek In- Scott County Baseball, Scott County Historical Soci- termediate School, for interdisciplinary community ety, for research and publication of a history of base- activities and intergenerational programs ball and baseball players in the area Stevens Murphy’s Landing Historic Oak Savanna Project, 2008 Donnelly Threshing Bee, Donnelly Community Great River Greening, for establishing a historic oak Club, for the annual community threshing bee cele- savanna at the living history site in the Minnesota bration and installation of a flag site on the local Valley fairgrounds

Sherburne Evansville History Project, Evansville Arts Coalition, Old Minnesota: Song of the North Star, Elk River Fond-du-Lac, White Earth and Lower Sioux commu- Area Arts Alliance, for a school and community per- nities, for re-creation and/or collection of indigenous formance of Old Minnesota: Songs of the North and traditional structures, stories and artifacts to Star by Big Top Chautauqua augment the Evansville site

St. Louis Footsteps on the Trail, Stevens County Historical So- Storyteller Series, McCarthy Beach State Park, for a ciety, for development of a children’s book and ex- series of storytelling and living history programs on hibit on the early history of Native American and the culture and natural history of St. Louis County settler interactions

Fire Days Celebration, Chisholm Area Chamber of Swift Commerce, for hosting 2008 Fire Days, a commu- Sesquicentennial Visual Art Display, Upper Min- nity commemoration of the centennial of the fire nesota Valley Regional Development Commission, that destroyed Chisholm for original art depicting Sesquicentennial themes

Virginia’s First Mural, Virginia Community Founda- Todd tion, for community mural project to celebrate the Fireworks/Veterans Tribute, Prairie Community region’s diverse history and culture Group, for a program honoring veterans as part of Sesquicentennial activities and Long Prairie’s 125th Under the North Star: Music of Minnesota, The anniversary Singers-Minnesota Choral Artists, for presentations of choral music at communities in several counties Traverse Minnesota’s Ordinarily Unsung Concerts, Intermedia Stearns Arts, for research and performances about “un- Paynesville Sesquicentennial-Looking Back, Moving sung” Minnesotans Forward, Paynesville Area Historical Museum, for an outdoor mural and new historical timeline Wabasha Wabasha Sesquicentennial Community Spirit Proj- Lake Wobegon Trail Covered Bridge and Sesquicen- ect, City of Wabasha, for programs and art activities tennial Historical Park Project, City of Holdingford, with Sesquicentennial themes for creation of historical and interpretive markers as part of a larger park development Wadena Minnesota’s Ordinarily Unsung Concerts, Intermedia The State We’re In: Critical and Creative Approaches Arts, for research and performances about “un- to Minnesota History at 150, St. John’s University, sung” Minnesotans College of St. Benedict, and the Stearns County Museum, for a public conference and published Waseca proceedings exploring contemporary scholarship on History of Minnesota Agriculture, Farmamerica, for Minnesota history an interpretive exhibit on the importance of Min- nesota agriculture, past and present Steele Preservation and Restoration of the Village of Rice Portrait of Waseca County, Waseca Arts Council, for Lake, Rice Lake Church Restoration and Preservation photo documentation and display of present-day Group, for restoration of a historic landmark church people, landscapes and towns in Rice Lake

44 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 Washington Grants of Statewide Minnesota Sesquicentennial Vintage Base Ball Festi- val Washington County Historical Society, for sup- Significance port of historic baseball re-enactments Capital Improvement Grants Program Under the North Star: Music of Minnesota, The Minnesota Historical Society, historic preservation Singers-Minnesota Choral Artists, for presentations grants for properties central to community redevel- of choral music at community sites opment

Watonwan CitiZing! MAP 150 Project Preserving the History of Minnesota Veterans, Citizens League, creation and beta testing of an on- Madelia Veterans Memorial, Inc., for documentation line civic-networking platform and preservation of war veterans’ stories Chautauqua at the 2009 Minnesota State Fair Wilkin Minnesota State Fair Foundation, planning for a Rothsay 125th Anniversary Celebration, City of new historical Chautauqua program for the 2009 Rothsay, for a series of educational events held as State Fair part of the city’s 125th anniversary and in honor of the Sesquicentennial Documentation of Minnesota Barns and Farmsteads Winona Friends of Minnesota Barns, state-wide effort to in- Winona Symphony Orchestra and Winona Sym- ventory historic barns and farmsteads phony Orchestra Commemorate Minnesota’s State- hood, Winona State University Concert Assn., for an Excursions on the 261 original composition and concert marking the Friends of the 261, excursions through the Missis- Sesquicentennial of the Winona State University and sippi Valley on a historic steam locomotive the Winona Symphony Orchestra German POWs in the Midwest 1943-46 Historic Church Building Preservation Project, Min- TRACES Center for History and Culture, traveling ex- nesota City Historical Assn., for renovation and cre- hibits and community dialogues on the experiences ation of a function archive at the historic Baptist and interaction of “captors and captives” Church site Great River Road Travel Guide & Activity Book 150 Years Ago in Pleasant Hill Township, Ridgeway Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission, Community School, for a township celebration and travel guide featuring the history and geography of living history display and activities, “circa 1858” 21 Minnesota counties Ridgeway Township “Greetings from Minnesota” Wright Minnesota State Fair Foundation, design and perma- Wright County Celebrates Minnesota’s Sesquicen- nent installation of a tile mosaic on the grounds of tennial, Wright County Historical Society, for a day- the Minnesota State Fair long, county-wide celebration and living history Minnesota Heritage Songbook and CD program celebrating Wright County’s past Fort Snelling State Park Assn., research, recording Yellow Medicine and distributing a CD of Minnesota’s traditional Granite Falls Community Celebration, Granite Falls music and songs Historical Society, for research and displays pertain- Minnesota History Education Program ing to the region’s tradition of ethnic and commu- Minnesota Historical Society, student field trips and nity festivals held as part of Western Fest education program curricular support statewide

Sesquicentennial Art Display, Upper Minnesota Val- Minnesota Lincoln Bicentennial Advisory ley Regional Development Commission, for original Committee art depicting Sesquicentennial themes Minnesota Historical Society, activities undertaken as part of the Lincoln Bicentennial national and statewide project

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 45 Minnesota Territorial Pioneers Sesqui Anoka Portrait Collection Preserv- Library Celebration of Minnesota ation Community Sesquicentennial Minnesota Territorial Pioneers, Celebrations state-wide project to support on- Apple Valley Dakota County Sesqui-Celebra- going archival work and digitiza- From Afton to Zumbrota, hun- tion tion of a collection of 2,000 dreds of communities in every Tribute to the Hall Brothers portraits corner of the state celebrated the New Orleans Jazz Band Sesquicentennial in their own Minnesota Writers Hall of unique ways. Some created spe- Fame Argyle cial activities while others com- Friends of the Library, St. Paul From Field to Flour bined Sesqui celebrations with Public Library, development of a Grinding Days their traditional events. Lectures, web-based resource on Min- Natural History Hike on the Ox exhibits, performances, hikes, nesota writers Cart Trail tours, fairs, festivals, storytelling, Stories in Log & Stone Missing Markers Project shows — the list goes on, en- Under Cart Wheels Geological Society of Minnesota, compassing more than 500 com- erection of permanent markers memorations. One thing they all Austin at significant geological sites in had in common: a deep bond “Tales of Two Counties” Minnesota parks with this place they call home, Minnesota. Bagley Old Minnesota, Song of the Bagley Sesquicentennial Parade North Star Afton & Fireworks Big Top Chautauqua, develop- 2008 Afton State Fair Bancroft ment and presentation Chau- Bison Reintroduction Big Island Rendezvous & Festival tauqua-style historic Prairie Walk presentations at the 2008 Min- Albert Lea Battle Lake nesota State Fair Freeborn County Sesquicenten- Fly Fishing on Heritage Lake If These Walls Could Talk Orlin Ostby Ox Cart Project nial Celebration Myre Big Island State Park Walk Palmville Press/Minnesota Al- Baudette “Tales of Two Counties” liance of Local History Museums, Lake of the Woods Master Gar- re-enactment of the 1958 ox cart Alexandria dener Tour journey along the Pembina Trail Alexandria Celebrates the Min- Baytown nesota Sesquicentennial Science/Technology/Engineer- Baytown Township’s 150th Douglas County Historical Society ing/Mathematics (STEM) Celebration Mentoring and Internship Open House Initiative Knute Nelson Open House Bemidji Minnesota High Technology Minnesota Firefighters State Capital for a Day Foundation, connecting students Convention Corn Maze statewide with internships and Geocaching 101, the History Altura mentors in high-technology re- Challenge Fishing Festival lated fields Head of the Lake Picnic Fishing Techniques of the Past Itasca’s Mysteries in History Games of Minnesota’s Pioneers Migrations: Minnesota Birds Ordinary Men, Extraordinary Since Statehood Soldiers MinnAqua Fishing History Day Pioneer Home Fall Color Tour Muskie Mania 2008 Songs & Stories with Charlie Tour of Paul Bunyan Foot Print Maguire Walking Tour of Park Historic Amboy District Amboy Area Community Theatre Wednesday History Walks

46 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 Big Fork Carlos Comfrey Building of a Park Geocaching 101, the History Before There was a Minnesota Challenge Bloomington Stories in Log & Stone Coon Rapids Bloomington Loves Kids Carnival Library Celebration of Minnesota Bloomington State of the City Carlton Sesquicentennial Address Biking Through the Past Bloomington 150th Anniversary Geocaching 101, the History Crane Lake Celebration Challenge Crane Lake Voyageur Days Hydroelectric Power Plant Tour Crystal Blue Earth Jay Cooke Open House Minnesota Stamp Expo Celebrate the Sesquicentennial at Voices of the Park the Faribault County Fair Currie Giant Days Cass Lake Lake Shetek in Nicollet’s Time Muskie Mania Brainerd On the Trail of Joseph Nicollet Brainerd History Walk Center City Geocaching 101, the History Crow Wing Canoe Day Ancient Art of Stone Tools Challenge Minnesota Poetry Anthology Art of Blacksmithing in 1858 Lake Shetek Revisited Voyageur Canoe Tour: Paddling From Prairie to Potatoes & Back Detroit Lakes into Minnesota’s Past Again Capital for a Day Get Your Dancing Shoes Breezy Point Historical Herbs for Health Dodge Center Butterfly Release Loggers’ Tales-The Story of the Dodge County Ghost Town Tour Great White Pine Logging Era Brooklyn Center Maple Syrup From Tap to Table Donnelly 150 Years in the Brooklyns Seegwan, a Celebration of 2008 Donnelly Threshing Bee New Schwen Swiss Family Picnic Spring Duluth Browns Valley Visit with Anna Sheldon, 1876 American Indians & Human Minnesota’s Ordinarily Unsung Wildflowers of the 1800s on the Rights Concert by Elisa Korenne Old Military Road American Indians in Minnesota: Brunswick Township Carver • Karen Diver 150 Year Celebration Christ Community Lutheran • Heid E. Erdrich & Louise Erdrich School Grandparents Day • David Treuer Buffalo • Paul LaRoche Wright County Historical Society Chanhassen Ann Reed’s Troubadour Series Twilight in the Northstar State FinnFest Caledonia History of American Racism & Chisago Houston County Fair How It Affects Us as People Ki-Chi-Saga Days Songs of Old Minnesota with Home Grown Music Festival John Berquist Clinton License Plate Unveiling/Dedica- tion Calumet Clinton 125th Quasquicentennial Minnesota State Constitution Geology Rocks! Cloquet Minnesota Statehood Hike Through History Sesquicentennial Car Show Celebration Cambridge Owens Yacht Duluth Maritime Collegeville Cambridge Swedish Festival Festival St. John’s/St. Ben’s Cannon Falls Eagan Columbia Heights Homesteaders Hoedown Live Eagan Art Festival Celebrating the Season: A Civil Music (wagon train) War Christmas Library Celebration of Minnesota Sesquicentennial

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 47 Elk River Forestville Grand Rapids Agriculture Opener Founders Day at Historic HERStory Baby Animals Weekend Forestville Old Minnesota: Song of the Lake Louise State Park Walk Granite Falls North Star They Built This Town River & History Weekend Winter on the Farm: A Women’s Western Fest Perspective Fort Ridgely Geocaching 101, the History Minnesota’s Pioneer Women in Challenge Ely Fashion & Song Historic Paddle on the Minnesota Bear Head Lake State Park Walk River Blueberry Art Festival Fosston Tribute to Western Fest Boundary Waters Blues Festival Historic Landscapes Presentation Yellow Medicine Agency in 1858 Ely Winter Festival of 13 Townships in Polk Harvest Moon Festival County Hallock History of the Lumber Industry Art Reflecting on Minnesota’s Hallock Turns 125 Years Old MinnAqua Bear History Fun 150 Years of Statehood Hastings Erskine Frontenac Harvest Haunting Under Cart Wheels Frontenac State Park Guided Hastings August Concert Series Walk Hastings Artist Show Evansville Lighting up the Night: The His- LeDuc Historic Estate: Many Nations One Circle tory of Coleman Lanterns • General William LeDuc & Min- Voyageur Canoe Tour: Paddling nesota Statehood Fairfax Into Minnesota’s Past • Civil War Weekend Digging into Fort Ridgely History • Currier & Ives Lecture Georgetown • Harvest Haunting Fairmont History of Potatoes & Pie • Hastings Needlework Day Fairmont Songs & Martin County Photos & Memories of George- • Hastings People in the Civil Stories town War Walking Tour of Downtown Plaza • Simmons Country Market Gilbert • Quality Antique Show/Sale/Ap- Falcon Heights Gilbert Centennial Minnesota Mineral Club praisals Glenwood • Modern Interpretations of His- Faribault Old Minnesota: Song of the toric Designs Faribault County Fair, Celebrate North Star • Needlework Antiquities Sesquicentennial • Musical Program & Reception Glyndon • Remembering Carroll Simmons Farmington Prairie History Hike • Friends of LeDuc Estate Lecture Civil War Weekend Stories in Log & Stone Vermillion Falls Walking Tour Dakota County Chautauqua MinnAqua Fishing History Fun Dakota County Sesqui- Grand Forks Prairie Walk Celebration Art Reflecting on Min- Saving Dakota County Barns nesota’s150 Years of State- Hinckley Minnesota Scottish Fair & High- hood Foundations of the Past land Games East Grand Forks Heritage Days Raising the “Relief House” Spring Festival Open House Historic Tent & Camping Gear Village Holiday Rendezvous Hitterdal Community Crime Watch Fergus Falls Grand Marais Museum Days: The Fur Trade Storytelling with Auntie Bev of Houston the North Woods Pleasant Hill Township 150th Forest Township Anniversary Forest Township: A 150-Year Grand Portage History Grand Portage 154

48 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 Huot Lakeville Mankato The Story of Old Crossing: Brave Journey of an Orphan Train Betsy Tacy Neighborhood Walk Chautauqua & French Festival Rider Blue Earth Concert on the Court- at Old Crossing & Treaty Park Dakota County Sesqui- house Lawn Celebration Day at the Dam Ivanhoe Faces of History History of Seppman Mill Minnesota’s Pioneer Women in An Afternoon with Maud Hart North Mankato Fun Days Fashion & Song Lovelace Sesquicentennial Shots: 150 Marine on St. Croix Inver Grove Heights Years of Minnesota Boom! Brave Journey of an Orphan Train Photography Ice Cream Social Rider “Up North” storytime Lighting Up the Night: History of Coleman Lanterns Ironton Tribute to the Hall Brothers New MinnAqua Fishing History Fun Cuyuna Iron Range Biking Orleans Jazz Band Train Rides Through History History Tour Leavenworth Voyageur Encampment Isle Leavenworth Township is 150 Mendota MinnAqua Fishing History Fun Years Old Do Archeology Rediscovering Our State Heritage Little Falls Fur Trade Adventure Day Camp Voyageur Canoe Tours: Paddling Exploring With Lieutenant Pike History River Walk Into Minnesota’s Past The Natural Environment of Mendota’s Fête de la Jackson Charles A. Lindbergh St. Jean-Baptiste Before the Plow in the Des WPA Brought to Life, 1936 Mendota Sesquicentennial Moines River Valley Voyageur Canoe Tours: Paddling Into Minnesota’s Past Milaca Jordan The Legend of Paul & Babe Scott County Main Street to Longville Minneapolis Statehood Muskie Mania Bdote Rivers & People Ghost Town-Boom Town Lutsen Coming Together Minnesota River Historic Canoe Salmon Run History Cart Ball of the Wild Trip CDI Back in Shape Luverne Kabetogama 5K Run/Walk Buffalo Days & Prairie History Land of the Lady Slipper Festival Celebrating Our Minneapolis History Lynd Kingston Celebrate Northeast Parade Great Camden Campout Save the Round Barn Bluegrass CommonBond Playhouse Parade Legacy of Company 2713 Concert Crosby, Stills & Nash Madelia Friends of Minnesota Barns Lake Bronson Good Ol’ Days The Story of Grey Cloud Stories in Log & Stone Historic Main Street Walking Tour Madison Interpretive Historic Bike Tour Lakefield Lac Qui Parle Heritage Celebra- Jesus Christ Superstar Before the Plow in the Des tion John H. Stevens Day Moines River Valley Literary Legends: McGregor • Khaled Hosseini Geocaching 101, the History • David McCullough Challenge • David Sedaris Heritage Reunion • Armistead Maupin Little House in the Big Fort Day Camp Long Time Coming: Minnesota’s Sesquicentennial Love Flute

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 49 Make a Difference Day: Fort Minnetonka Northfield Snelling Minnetonka Fire Dept. & City- “Harvest” Sculpture Dedication MinnAqua Fishing History Fun Wide Open House Lockwood’s Brightest Stars Minneapolis Sesquicentennial Supreme Court Hearing Medicine Dream Journeys Minnesota Innovation: 150 Years Wild West Roundup of Ingenuity Montevideo Minnesota & Its People Horse Power Event Norseland Minnesota Lynx Home Opener Norseland Community Sesqui- Montgomery Minnesota River Historic Canoe centennial Kolacky Days Trip Oakdale Minnesota Sesquicentennial Monticello Oak Meadows 10-Year Celebra- Statehood Stamp Fishing Technique of Minnesota’s tion Monthly Music in the Park History & Cultures National Geographic Live! Open House Day Onamia National Service Learning Ancient Villages, Log Drives & Conference Moose Lake Homesteaders: History on the Natural History of Minnesota Junior Naturalists-Minnesota Lakeshore Wine State Symbols Biking into the Past Necohundah, the Eagle Catcher Moose Lake State Park Walk Explorers & Archaeology New Year’s Eve Candlelight Walk Memorial Day Pow-Wow Mora Norway Day Mille Lacs Indian Museum & Brunswick Township 150th Year Old Minnesota: Song of the Trading Post, The People’s Day Celebration North Star Summer Solstice Concert Open House Day & Photo Morris Voyageur Canoe Tours: Paddling Contest Ann Reed Concert into Minnesota’s Past Plan for our Future Power of Small: Building Solu- Voyageur Canoes on the Rum Plan for our Future, Northeast tions for Energy Self-Reliance River Minneapolis World Touch Cultural Heritage Relive the Second Minnesota Ortonville Week State Fair Babou, the French Fur Trader Sam Abell, National Geographic Nerstrand Owatonna Live! Land Remembers: The Outside-In Extravaganza Sesqui-Boxing Tour of Nerstrand Big Woods Sesquicentennial Bike Ride Songs of Old Minnesota with Sesquicentennial Concert: Lake New London John Berquist Nokomis Fishing Techniques of the Past Steele County Historical Society Sesquicentennial Concert: Granite, Oak & Men Steele County Fair Calhoun-Isles Sibley State Park Open House Park Rapids Spamalot Songs & Stories with Charlie Itasca’s Mysteries in History Spielmannszug Minnesota’s Maguire MinnAqua Headwaters History Prinzenkronung U.S. Dakota War of 1862 Fair Summer of 150th Celebration Ozawindib Walk/5K, 21st Annual Kick-Off New Ulm Tell Tales Told ‘Round the Timeline of the American Soldier Bavarian Blast Campfire U.S. Pond Hockey Championships Build a Park on a Dollar a Day Wednesday History Walks Women of Mill City Capital for a Day Historic Marker Dedication World War II Weekend Pelican Rapids Key Ingredients America Historic Hallaway Hill Minnesota City New Ulm Popcorn Wagon Turkey Days 125th Anniversary First Baptist Church Open House Dedication Storytelling with Auntie Bev of Minnesota City Day New Ulm Pictorial Cancellation the North Woods Native American History & The State We’re In: Stories of Archaeology Minnesota’s Past Pine City Wanda Gag House Pine City Open House

50 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 Pine River Roseau Side Lake Pine River Summerfest Art Reflecting on Minnesota’s Local Area Tales Lakes Bluegrass Festival 150 Years of Statehood • Mining, Settlement, Logging Hickory Wind • Music & Tall Tales Pipestone Hike Through History • Music on the Range Pipestone Civil War Days Red River Ox Cart in the Park • Tales of Side Lake • Songs & Stories That Make Plymouth Rosemount You Smile Modern Indian Dance Academy Leprechaun Days • When I Came To This Land Music in Plymouth Roseville Silver Bay Preston Roseville Winter Jazz Blast Tettegouche History Cart Hardwoods Home Companion Wild Rice Festival Iron Mines in the Cornfield Solway Legends & Lore of Fillmore Rush City Solway Celebration County Rush City Music & Art Festival Migrations: Minnesota Birds Soudan Since Statehood Sandstone Soudan Underground Mine State Valley of Forestville - 1858 Banning Quarry Hike Park Walk Banning State Park Walk Heritage Days Puposky Minnesota Sesquicentennial Fall Sauk Rapids Spicer Fest Minnesota’s Ordinarily Unsung Archeology Day & Grand Open- Concert by Elisa Korenne ing of History of Corn Exhibit Ramsey Monroe Crossing Bluegrass Band Scandia Spring Grove Statehood Day Spring Grove Music in the Park Red Wing Red Wing Collectors Society Schroeder St. Anthony Celebrate the Sesquicentennial 6th Annual Fourth in the Park Rice on the North Shore Parade Minnesota’s Ordinarily Unsung Temperance River History Cart St. Anthony Village Historical Concert by Elisa Korenne Society Open House Shakopee St. Anthony Civic Orchestra Rochert Eagle Creek Fair Early Settlers/Logging Independence Celebration St. Cloud Encampment Minnesota 150 St. Cloud 4th of July Fireworks & Tamarac History Tour Minnesota River Bike Tour Freedom Fest Pa & Me Days St. Cloud Technical College 60th Rochester River Town Days Birthday Choral Arts Ensemble Scott County Cemetery Walking Ed Fischer: 25 Years of Tour St. Michael Cartooning Scott County Celebrates 150 Round Barn Move Honors Choirs of Southeast Years Minnesota Scott County Historical Society St. Paul How to Talk Minnesotan Strait House Picnic Afloat in the Wireless Pond Norwegian Centennial Ann Reed’s Song for Minnesota Celebration Shevlin CLAC 30th Anniversary Dinner Rochester 150 Year Banquet Clearwater County Birthday Party Celebrate Minnesota Rochester Rotary Club Honors Charging Forward – 30 years of Statehood Week Groundbreaking Music Roosters Classic Vintage Base Ball Cookbook Day at the State Fair Festival Dakota Conflict Tour Dry Bones Blues Music Festival Rollag Historic Statehood Day Breakfast on the Farm Celebration

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 51 Irish Heritage at the Hill House Supreme Court Law Clerk Thief River Falls Lake Phalen Summer Festival Reunion Art Reflecting on Minnesota’s Leap in for the Love of Trial of Alvin “Creepy” Karpis 150 Years of Statehood Minnesota Walking the Pembina Trail Capital for a Day Minnesota Statehood Week Welcome to the State Fair View from the Ox Cart Minnesota Turns 150! Wild West Frontier Fest on the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Call Mississippi Tracy for Artists World War II Weekend 81st Box Car Days Celebration Minnesota Transportation Trimont Museum Starbuck Trimont Chocolate Festival Minnesota Supreme Court His- Prairie History Hike torical Society Stillwater Two Harbors Minnesota Territorial Pioneers Celebrating Minnesota’s Sesqui- Biking Into the North Shore’s Log Cabin centennial Art Exhibit Past Minnesota Voices Minnesota Sesquicentennial Vin- “CCC Boys” Stone & Log Minnesota’s Ordinarily Unsung tage Base Ball Festival Legacy Walk Concert by Elisa Korenne Minnesota Statehood Children’s Day Minnesota’s Progressive Republi- Celebration Geocaching 101, The History can Tradition Minnesota Territorial Pioneers Challenge Monthly Music in the Park Series Annual Banquet Open House Old Minnesota at the State Fair Old Minnesota: Song of the Split Rock Lighthouse Park His- Reliving the Second Minnesota North Star tory Cart State Fair Saluting Minnesota’s 150th Statehood Day Remembering Supreme Court Birthday “Young Men Building the Park” Justices Summer on the Porch History Cart Sesquicentennial Wagon Train St. Paul Saints Sunburg Vesta Step Back To Statehood Camp Fishing Techniques of the Past Pioneer Women in Fashion & Statehood Weekend Festival Song Supreme Court Justice Loren W. Taylors Falls Collins (1838-1912) Nation’s 1st Interstate Park: Gla- Viking cial Pothole History Walk Viking Good Old Days

NUMEROUS COMMUNITY PA- RADES FEATURED THE SESQUICEN- TENNIAL.

52 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 Wabasso Watson Williams Pioneer Women in Fashion & Lac Qui Parle Heritage Hike to the Zippel Townsite & Song Celebration Fisheries Photos from the Past Wadena Willmar Minnesota’s Ordinarily Unsung Wayzata Glacial Ridge Model T Tour Concert by Elisa Korenne Bushaway Road 150 Years Minnesota Stamp Expo Windom Waite Park Minnesota Sesquicentennial Quilt Minnesota Wheaton Legacy Grant Unveiling K-2 Field Day Windom Riverfest Walker Minnesota’s Ordinarily Unsung Muskie Mania Concert by Elisa Korenne Winona Snowshoe at Shingobee Hills Capital for a Day White Bear Lake 21st North American Prairie Walnut Grove Celebrate the Bald Eagle Conference Wilder Pageant Children’s Carnival Songs of Old Minnesota with Civil War Encampment, 1st John Berquist Waseca Minnesota Winona State University Chautauqua 2008 Flyers, Food & Fun at Benson Sesquicentennial 150 Years of Minnesota Airport Winona Symphony Orchestra Agriculture Minnesota Territorial Pioneers Centennial Homestead Tour Annual Banquet Ice Harvest 2008 Sesquicentennial Celebration Worthington Portrait of Waseca County White Bear Lake Rotary Club King Turkey Day Celebration Windsurfing Regatta & Waskish Banquet Unvarnished Music Festival Historic Fish Hatchery Tour White Bear Lake All-School Reunion Watonwan Good Ol’ Days

GOV. TIM PAW- LENTY PRESENTS THE CAPITALS FOR A DAY CERTIFICATES.

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 53 Minnesota @ 150, Business & Innovation With its long history of entrepreneurship and inno- Real & Imagined vation, especially in technology and health care, what does Minnesota need to do now to preserve Thanks to a generous grant from the Bush Founda- its robust economy in the decades to come? tion and partnerships with Twin Cities Public Televi- sion-the Minnesota Channel and the Citizens Conversation One: Sustaining a Culture of Innova- League, the live discussions held at the 2008 Min- tion in Minnesota nesota State Fair were edited and reproduced in re- Conversation Two: Young Inventors from The Inven- tail-ready DVD format. tion Crew Conversation Three: Taking Care of Business: Called “Minnesota @ 150, Real & Imagined: What The View from Main Street Minnesotans need to know for the next 50 years,” the discussions were tied to Sesquicentennial Panelists themes. Each of the five, 60-minute DVDs feature Bruce Corrie, College of Business & Organizational Minnesota’s best thinkers, creators, and doers in the Leadership, Concordia University areas of education; health and wellness; environ- David Gundale, St. Paul Public Schools ment and great outdoors; arts and culture; and Deb Hess, Minnesota Inventors Congress business and innovation. Mary Mathews, Northeast Entrepreneur Fund Tom Misa, Babbage Institute The following is a list of the DVDs, their subjects Kate Rubin, Minnesota High Tech Association and panelists. Ken Stone, Rock Solid Media

Minnesota @ 150, Real & Imagined: What Min- Education nesotans Need to Know for the Next 50 Years What will our education system be like during the State’s Bicentennial Year in 2058? Are we doing Arts & Culture what’s needed now for Minnesota to continue to What is Minnesota doing at its Sesquicentennial prosper? year to ensure a thriving future? How has Min- nesota changed since the 1958 State Centennial? Conversation One: Vanishing Grads and Min- What are the current images and stories we use to nesota’s Future describe Minnesota? Conversation Two: 21st Century Schools: What’s Needed? Conversation One: The Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission’s Plan for Our Future Initiative Panelists: Conversation Two: The State We’re In: Image and Angie Eilers, Minnesota Growth and Justice Identity, Then & Now Joe Graba, Education: Evolving Bill Green, Minneapolis Public Schools Panelists Robert Holst, Concordia University Annette Atkins, Department of History, St. John’s Peter Hutchinson, Bush Foundation University Vinodh Kutty, Hennepin County Office of Multicul- John Davis, director, Lanesboro Cornucopia Arts tural Services Center Traci Parmenter, Admission Possible Rachel Garaghty, Sesquicentennial staff Mitch Pearlstein, Center of the American Jeff Kolick, professor of history, Southwest State Experiment University Lori Sturdevant, StarTribune Mary Lahammer, TPT TV John Wade, Rochester Chamber of Commerce Jane Leonard, Sesquicentennial staff Rebecca Peichel, Sesquicentennial staff Kate Roberts, curator, Minnesota Historical Society

54 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 Environment & Great Outdoors Sesqui Books Known for its abundant natural resources, Min- nesota has historically been a leader in environmen- For the Sesquicentennial, a number of authors fo- tal health and stewardship. What’s needed to cused their thoughts and creativity on the issues, ensure this legacy for future generations? history, people, culture and heritage of Minnesota. Following is a sampling of books published about Conversation One: Understanding and Protecting Minnesota during the Sesquicentennial Year. Our Legacy Conversation Two: Going Green in Morris: Creating Minnesota: A History From the Inside Out Building Sustainable Communities Annette Atkins

Panelists Dakota Philosopher: Charles Eastman and American Marti Erickson, Center on Early Education and De- Indian Thought velopment David Martinez David Fluegel, Center for Small Towns, University of Harriet Bishop: Woman of Contrast Minnesota, Morris Carolyn A. Ayres Amy Kay Kerber, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Make It Minnesotan! Sesquicentennial Cookbook Peggy Knapp, Hamline University Edited by Claire Plank Charlie Maguire, Mello-Jam Music Minnesota 150: The People, Places, and Things that Lowell Rasmussen, University of Minnesota, Morris Shape Our State Deb Swackhamer, Water Resources Center, Univer- Kate Roberts sity of Minnesota, Minnesota, Hail to Thee! A Sesquicentennial History Cathy Wurzer, TPT TV Karal Ann Marling Health & Wellness Minnesota on the Map: A Historical Atlas Minnesota is recognized as one of the nation's David A. Lanegran healthiest states. Will we maintain this distinction in coming decades as costs rise and society ages? North for the Harvest: Mexican Workers, Growers, and the Sugar Beet Industry Conversation One: Untangling the Health Care Jim Norris Knot: Prospects for Reform? North Star Rising: Minnesota Politicians on the Na- Conversation Two: All Above Average? tional Stage What Kids Need to Thrive Barry Casselman Conversation Three: Age Wave Riding Into the Sunrise: Al Quie, a Life of Faith, Serv- Panelists ice & Civility Kathy Bakkenist, Ecumen Dr. Mitchell Pearlstein Mary Brainerd, HealthPartners Shaping Minnesota’s Identity: 150 Years of State Jim Fries, Mercer Health Benefits History Karen Gervais, Minnesota Center on Health Care Steven Keillor Ethics Jan Hively, Vital Aging Network State Fair: The Great Minnesota Get-Together Catherine Jordan, Achieve Minneapolis Susan Lambert Miller Sean Kershaw, Citizens League Tales of the Road: Highway 61 Dr. Jonathan Larson, Carver County Health Partner- Cathy Wurzer ship Sanne Magnan, Minnesota Department of Health What Does Justice Look Like? The Struggle for Liber- Pat Samples ation in Dakota Homeland Jim Schiebel Waziyatawin, Ph.D. Ken Stone, Rock Solid Media Where One Voice Ends Another Begins: 150 Years of Minnesota Poetry Edited by Robert Hedin Wonders on Ice: Figure Skating in Minnesota Moira F. Harris

A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008 55 Thanks to the following people for their contributions to this report:

Denise Cumming, office assistant & archivist

Jane Cunningham, grants & development manager

Rachel Garaghty, Sesquicentennial fellow

Kim Gordon, Open Cupboard Designs

Cay Shea Hellervik, Commission chair

Jane Leonard, executive director

Andrew Ranallo, Sesquicentennial fellow

Karen Rickert, executive assistant & financial officer

Patricia Miller, Laughing Cat Communications

Mong Vang, multi-media specialist

Audrey Williams, office volunteer

56 A Sesquicentennial Journey – 2005 to 2008

Published by the Minnesota Statehood Sesquicentennial Commission, January 2009 www.mn150years.org The Commission's archives are located at the Minnesota Historical Society, 345 West Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102