A Voice for Local History

The Alliance strives to advocate for issues that matter to local history organizations through participation in the Minnesota History Coalition, attending legislative hearings and History Matters Day, and keeping organizations informed on issues related to the work of preserving Minnesota's history.

Minnesota History Coalition

The Minnesota History Coalition is made up of history organizations that carry out the work of preserving Minnesota's legacy - we preserve the past for future generations.  The Alliance has served as a member of the coalition since its inception in 2009.

Coalition Members
Council for Minnesota Archaeology
Minnesota Archaeological Society
Minnesota Association of Museums
Minnesota Digital Library
Minnesota Genealogical Society
Minnesota Historical Society
Minnesota History Advocates for Research
Minnesota's Historic Northwest
Minnesota State Historical Records Advisory Board
Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office
Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps
Preservation Alliance of Minnesota

2019 History Related Bills

These bills have been introduced in the Minnesota legislature that may affect the work of history or local history organizations.

HF 516/SF 762
Funding for Minnesota Journeys project through Twin Cities Public Television

HF 1017/SF 1086
Funding for Woman Suffrage 100th Anniversary Commemoration

HF 1642/SF 1639
Minnesota Historic Tax Credit extension and improvements
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HF 2498
Legacy funding for history through the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund

HF 2501/SF 2478
Clarifying language on Statute 138.053
These bills also include language on this Statute: 
​HF 632/SF 1344

Alliance's 2019 Legislative Agenda

The Board of Directors regularly reviews action items relating to Minnesota history that may appear in a legislative session.  These priorities have been approved and will be advocated for during the 2019 Minnesota Legislative session.  Priorities may change based on current information or new issues arising during the legislative session.

Legacy Amendment Appropriation for FY2020-2021
  1. The Alliance will support the Minnesota History Coalition's recommendation regarding appropriation language from the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund. 
  2. The Alliance will continue to advocate against direct appropriation language that circumvents the competitive grants process.  We believe the competitive grants process is the most efficient and effective way to distribute funding statewide and ensure that all projects meet the spirit of the Legacy Amendment.

Local History Act Language Changes
The Alliance will continue to advocate for and support legislation to provide clarifying language of Minnesota Statute 138.053 as it relates to the funding of city and town local history organizations by those municipalities.

Bonding Bill
The Alliance will support bonding requests which seek to preserve and build upon Minnesota's history and cultural heritage.  This may include asset preservation and museum expansion.