2023.02.06 Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Historical Displays The restored schoolhouse will provide a home for the Hugo Historical Commission and the Forest Lake Historical Society, where they can showcase rotating displays that tell the stories of the civic leaders, businesses, and citizens who drove progress and made our community what it is today. Educational Displays The school grounds provide an opportunity for the partners to engage other organizations and companies in providing interactive educational displays that highlight cultural aspects that have been significant in shaping the community. Examples of interactive concepts that have been identified by community members are displays that recognize the Dakota tribes, early agriculture and farming methods, emergence and significance of the railroad, and the impact of rural electrification. Each display has the potential to connect the past to the present, and challenge visitors to consider their role in shaping the future. Community Engagement and Leadership Programs The Heritage Center’s focus on promoting community engagement and leadership provides an opportunity for the Heritage Center to partner with schools, local non-profits, and businesses – serving as a hub to connect area residents and youth with leadership programs and volunteer opportunities. Meeting Space The restored schoolhouse will also provide citizens and organizations actively engaged in the community with an additional place to gather for meetings and continue to advance progress in our community. Hardwood Creek Regional Trail Stop Even prior to the full restoration, the grounds can offer a place for those taking a break from the trails to rest, recharge, and learn about opportunities to get involved with the restoration of the building and creation of the Heritage Center and its programs. It is well established that museums and/or heritage centers as proposed here attract out of town visitors to the area who then patronize local businesses and eateries contributing to the local economy. As a testimonial to this fact, please reference the August 8, 2022, letter from Christine Maefsky, Mayor of the City of Scandia, included as Attachment 1. In her letter she describes how the Hay Lake School and the Gammelgarden Museum have contributed to their community’s economic vitality. Short Term Project Leadership As the new non-profit organization is being formed, a temporary fiscal host will be needed for the project. A draft Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement is enclosed as Attachment 2. The Forest Lake Historical Society (“the Society”) is a 501c-3 non-profit organization designated by the IRS as a public charity; its mission is to collect, preserve, and disseminate historical knowledge about the Forest Lake area. The Society has determined that sponsorship of the formation of the Hopkins Schoolhouse and Heritage Center is consistent with its goals and has agreed to serve as the temporary fiscal host for the project. In this capacity, the Society will serve as the temporary fiscal host organization for managing all governance, finance, legal, technical, and business operations outlined in the proposal, until the new non-profit is formed. This includes serving as the lead organization for any lease agreements, contracts, or insurance policies secured to carry out activities; preparing requests for proposals, securing bids, and selecting vendors as needed; developing and executing development plans and partnership agreements to secure necessary funding; recruiting and managing individual and corporate volunteers. Once the new non-profit is formed, these responsibilities will be transitioned, and the new organization will provide long-term management to carry out its mission and ensure the ongoing preservation and sustainability of the Hopkins Schoolhouse. The Hugo Historical Commission (“the Commission”), established by the City of Hugo in December 2002, will serve as a primary partner in leading the project. The role of the Commission is aligned with its mission as established by the City of Hugo. This includes contributing important information and artifacts that the commission has located, collected, and