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 items successfully were included in bills passed by the Minnesota legislature during the 2019 session.  To read the full bill text, click on the heading of each item.

Legacy Funding
In FY 2020, there will be $15,572,000 available for history projects and $17,383,000 available in FY 2021.  The breakdown is as follows:
  • Statewide Historical & Cultural Grants
    • FY 2020 - $5,846,000
    • FY 2021 - $7,004,000
    • Grants were earmarked for the Minnesota Military Museum, Isanti County Historical Society, and Commissioner of Natural Resources for the Grindstone River Dam
  • Statewide History Programs
    • FY 2020 - $5,846,000
    • FY 2021 - $7,004,000
  • History Partnerships
    • $2,500,000 available each year
  • Statewide Survey of Historical & Archaeological Sites
    • $500,000 available each year
  • Digital Library
    • $375,000 available each year

Minnesota Historical Society Operations
MNHS' budget was not reduced as proposed by the Senate but included a small inflationary increase!

Local History Statutory Change - 138.053
The Omnibus Tax Bill contained the long sought after provision allowing cities and towns to make contributions to local historical societies.
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Resources Regarding Proposed Funding Cut to MNHS

Sample Letters from Organizations to Elected Officials
Governor Tim Walz                                Sample
State Senator                                             Sample
State Representative                              Sample

Sample Letters from Individuals to Elected Officials
Governor Tim Walz                                Sample
State Senator                                             Sample
State Representative                              Sample

Sample Letters to the Editor
Organization                                             Sample
Individual                                                   Sample

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.