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St. Peter Public Library in the aftermath of the 1998 tornado, St. Peter, MN.
ABOUT US
ABOUT US
Mission
Mission
The Minnesota Alliance for Heritage Response (MN-AHR) is a statewide network of museums, archives, libraries, performing arts organizations, historic preservation groups, and emergency responders dedicated to preparing for and responding to disasters affecting collections and historic properties. The purpose of the group is to share resources and create an environment of cooperation and preparedness in order to reduce the impact of emergency situations on Minnesota collections and historic properties.
Background
Background
Minnesota is home to a thriving art, culture, and heritage community. As an example, there are an estimated 562 historical organizations in the state, ranging from tiny all-volunteer area history museums to the Minnesota Historical Society. Minnesota also hosts roughly 7,000 properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NR). 1,600 properties are listed individually and the rest are located within NR-listed historic districts.
Minnesota is susceptible to natural disasters including tornados, flooding, fires, and winter storms. As demonstrated in 2020, collections and historic properties in Minnesota can also be affected by civil unrest, global pandemics, and economic instability. Finally, disasters that cannot be foreseen or explained such as accidental fires and car accidents affect Minnesota’s heritage resources.
Arson at the Isanti County Historical Society museum completely destroyed the museum and much of the collections.
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Megan Brakob Narvey, Chair
Megan Brakob Narvey is the Outreach Conservator at the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS). Her role at MNHS is to provide assistance in caring for collections to organizations across Minnesota, and she is particularly passionate about getting people prepared for emergencies. Megan is also a National Heritage Responder!
Grant Wilson, Vice Chair
Grant Wilson is the archivist of Stearns History Museum in St. Cloud, Minnesota. In 2021, he earned a Master of Information degree concentrating in archives and preservation from Rutgers University.
Nicole Grabow, Secretary
Nicole Grabow is the Director of Preventive Conservation at the Midwest Art Conservation Center (MACC), a non-profit center for preservation and conservation. A trained Objects and Preventive Conservator with over 20 years of experience, Ms. Grabow works with the collection caretakers from hundreds of non-profit organizations to advance preservation efforts and enhance the level of collections care in the Midwest region and beyond.
Adam Smith, Member At Large
Adam Smith works as an Archives Technician at Minnesota State University, Mankato and serves as a board member for the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums. He’s passionate about disaster preparedness and providing training opportunities for cultural heritage staff and volunteers to prepare for emergencies.
Jess Edberg, Member At Large
Jess Edberg is the Executive Director of the Dorothy Molter Museum in Ely, MN and is passionate about helping other organizations plan and prepare for emergencies.
Maddison Zikmund, Member At Large
Maddison Zikmund is the Fire Chief for the City of Fridley, MN a first-ring suburb of the Twin Cities. He serves as a Fire Service Instructor at the local and national level including response to fires after a suppression system activation. Chief Zikmund is a strong proponent of partnerships as indicated by his work with the American Red Cross, numerous non-profits, and extending to the Alliance for Heritage Response.
Mary Coburn, Member At Large
Preservation Specialist, University of Minnesota
MN-AHR would like to thank the following individuals who contributed to its creation:
Melissa Amundsen
Crystal Boyd
Dan Cagley
Madeline Cooper
Tiffani Emig
Nicole Grabow
Elaina Gregg
Pejuta Haka Red Eagle
Saira Haqqi
Hannah Novillo Erickson
Catherine Sandlund
Joe Hoover
Kate Hujda
Emily Kurash
Julia Larson
Todd Mahon
Megan Narvey
Adam Smith
Heidi Swank
Todd Topper
Colin Turner
Rita Walaszek Arndt
Richard Walker
Nyle Zikmund
In 2002 a flood in Roseau, MN filled the basement of their courthouse with water which held the county historical societies archives.
If you are interested in getting involved in the Alliance for Response, please fill out this form or contact allianceforresponsemn@gmail.com.
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