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Introduction <br />The enclosed proposal is submitted on behalf of the Hopkins Schoolhouse and Heritage Center Steering Committee that <br />has been led by representatives of the Forest Lake Historical Society (“the Society”) and the Hugo Historical Commission <br />(“the Commission”) in partnership with area residents. <br />The proposal was developed in consideration of guidance provided by the City of Hugo at the community meeting held <br />in April 2022, and addresses the following questions presented by City staff: <br />•What is the purpose for saving the building? <br />•What will the building/site be used for? <br />•What are the steps in the process? <br />•Who will lead the project and what are everyone’s roles? <br />•What is the plan for long term management of the building/site? <br />•What is the schedule? <br />The proposal includes a summary of the accomplishments of the Hopkins Schoolhouse and Heritage Center Steering <br />Committee in the six-month period since the committee was formed. The progress made has reinforced the <br />committee’s confidence that there is both sufficient community interest and volunteer dedication to complete the work <br />necessary to achieve the goals of the restoration project and to ensure ongoing sustainability. <br />Proposal Summary <br />The Hopkins Schoolhouse is one of the few remaining historic buildings in the area that offers an opportunity for <br />citizens, and others passing through, to connect with the past and the cultural history of Hugo, Forest Lake, and the <br />surrounding area in a tangible way. This proposal focuses on both the restoration/preservation of the Hopkins <br />Schoolhouse and the creation of a new non-profit organization: the Hopkins Schoolhouse and Heritage Center (HSHC), <br />that will benefit the community in several ways. <br />Hopkins Schoolhouse and Heritage Center Mission <br />Promoting community engagement and leadership by honoring the heritage of Hugo, Forest Lake, <br />and surrounding area; highlighting historic examples of citizens who made a difference in the community; <br />and offering a place for community members to gather. <br />The mission statement for the new non-profit has evolved based on input from community members, and has been <br />carefully crafted to ensure that the mission includes: <br />1.A clear link to why and how the heritage center is relevant to our community today – this is achieved by focusing <br />on both honoring our heritage and building our future together. <br />2.A description of how the restored schoolhouse contributes to serving both purposes – serving as the home for <br />historical displays and a meeting place. <br />3.Diversity in the focus of programs and services (community engagement, leadership, history) that can be offered <br />by the Heritage Center – creating a pathway for similar diversity in the sources of revenue that can be accessed <br />to ensure long-term sustainability. <br />Hopkins Schoolhouse and Heritage Center Vision (Uses of the Building/Site) <br />The Hopkins Schoolhouse and Heritage Center can benefit the community in several ways. <br />Historic Schoolhouse <br />The restored building will provide a visually appealing point of interest within the City of Hugo, where people will have <br />the opportunity to not only read about – but experience what it was like to attend a one-room schoolhouse; and learn <br />about the history of the building, its architecture, the various ways it was used by the community, and the stories of the <br />teachers, students, and others who passed through its doors.