04-10-1996 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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five to ten years. Nystuen pointed out that this plan will be ever changing, and the HS should be looking further into the future. The plan could contain items like the acquisition of a computer system to aid in cataloguing. Earlier in the meeting Jean Donovan had reported the Historical Society's desire to have an exhibit of a 1930's kitchen. Nystuen stated that he would think this would be a very low priority in the long -range plan. Nystuen stated that something he sees missing is the history of Little Canada. Nystuen suggested an exhibit telling when Little Canada got started, why it was named Little Canada, how the City has grown and changed, who settled in Little Canada and why. Nystuen suggested some people visiting the HS will not be interested in individual family histories, but rather in Little Canada. Nystuen stated that the HS must serve a wide - population, therefore, should give an overview of the history of the City, how it has changed, show how it was bigger, how it became smaller through encroachment of surrounding cities, whether French Canadians still the dominant ethnic group, etc. Nystuen stated that it was common for historical societies to set up exhibits of pioneer kitchens, living rooms, schools, churches. However, there is more to history than that. Nystuen pointed out that 52% of the people were not alive when John F. Kennedy was in office. Therefore, a 1950's kitchen is just as much in the dark to these people as a 1930's kitchen. Nystuen stated there two reasons for historical societies to exist. The first is to save history for the people. Secondly, the majority of people visiting historical societies come from outside the city. These people then spend money in the city they are visiting. Nystuen suggested that the Little Canada HS offer visitors something they cannot find anywhere else. People are looking for 1950's kitchen or gas station. These sorts of plans should be a part of the long -range plan and a goal for the HS to work towards. Jean Donovan stated they feel their genealogy work is important. Donovan also pointed out that there are two schools within walking distance, and the HS would like to have 3rd and 6th grade classes visit. Nystuen suggested that the HS have exhibits which will tell these children the history of the community. Nystuen stated that not everyone wants a tour guide, but would rather wander through exhibits and read about the exhibit. Tour guides can provide additional information above and beyond what the exhibit tells. Nystuen suggested that the HS have an exhibit on Little Canada schools, telling when they were first started, how they are different from other schools, how many there are, etc. There can be exhibits telling the history of Little Canada in context with what else is happening in the rest of the State. Was Little Canada one of the first places settled or one of the last? How does the settling of Little Canada relate to St. Paul? Nystuen stated that people do not necessarily know these facts. There could be maps showing the evolution of Little Canada over its history. Rosauer stated that the HS did not really want to be a museum. 2 Page 5