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A visually appealing point of interest where visitors can experience what it was like to attend a one-room <br />schoolhouse; learn about the history of the building and its architecture; and hear the stories of the teachers, <br />students, and others who passed through its doors. <br />A new home for the Hugo Historical Commission and the Forest Lake Historical Society, where they can showcase <br />rotating displays that tell the stories of the civic leaders, businesses, and citizens who drove progress to make our <br />community what it is today. <br />A place where area businesses can offer interactive educational displays that highlight cultural aspects that have <br />been significant in shaping the community – connecting the past with the present and challenging visitors to <br />consider their role in shaping the future. <br />A new meeting place where community members can gather and collaborate to build on the work of those who <br />came before us and continue advancing progress in our community. <br />A welcoming place for those taking a break from the trails to rest, recharge, and learn about area history and <br />programs offered by the HSHC. <br />Dear Neighbors, <br />I am reaching out to invite you to join us in an exciting collaboration to create a heritage center for our community. As <br />you may know, the Hopkins Schoolhouse is one of the few remaining historic buildings in the area that offers an <br />opportunity for citizens, and others passing through the area, to connect with the past and the cultural history of the <br />community in a tangible way. The schoolhouse was built to serve children in the Hugo area, and was part of the Forest <br />Lake School District. <br />For the last several months, a group of volunteers has been meeting to develop a proposal to the City of Hugo to <br />restore the Hopkins Schoolhouse and transform it into a heritage center that will benefit the community in several ways. <br />Specifically, the proposed Hopkins Schoolhouse and Heritage Center (HSHC) will provide: <br />While often the preservation of historic sites is pursued because of linkages with famous persons, most communities <br />are built by everyday citizens who are active in their community (be it through public service, business leadership, <br />volunteerism, or other civic engagement). The Hopkins Schoolhouse and Heritage Center offers a place where their <br />stories can be shared, and future generations can be encouraged to follow in their footsteps. <br />The City of Hugo has given the community until the end of the year to demonstrate substantial community support for <br />the project, and we need your help. As current business leaders, we invite you to join us in this effort through pledges of <br />financial or in-kind support. Five levels of corporate sponsorship with corresponding recognition levels are outlined on <br />the attached Hopkins Schoolhouse and Heritage Center Sponsorship Form. <br />To lend your support to this effort, please complete the form and return it to hopkinsschool.heritagecenter@gmail.com <br />by Friday, December 9, 2022. If you have any questions, please reach out to me at 612-309-6382. <br />With gratitude, <br /> Justin Brink, Chair <br /> Hopkins Schoolhouse and Heritage Center Steering Committee <br />Attachment 7