History coalition seeks $43 million during upcoming biennium

Based on the state’s most recent economic forecast and its own past expenditures, the Minnesota History Coalition is seeking $43 million for “history activities” during the upcoming biennium.

The House Legacy Funding Finance Committee heard that request Monday as part of an overview provided by officials from the Minnesota Historical Society, one of the coalition’s 12 member organizations. No action was taken.

Stephen Elliott, the historical society’s executive director and CEO, asked committee members for their support in funding the many programs and grants the coalition administers and oversees. 

“Together we’ve achieved quite a bit and we look forward to continuing our work together,” Elliott said.

The $43 million funding request includes:

• $17.25 million for statewide history programs;
• $17.25 million for grants for history projects and capacity development;
• $6.75 million for history partnerships;
• $1 million for the statewide survey of historical and archeological sites; and
• $750,000 for the Minnesota Digital Library.

WATCH Full video of Monday's meeting of the House Legacy Funding Finance Committee on YouTube