Become a Member of the Historic Resources Advisory Committee

The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) seeks candidates for service on the Historic Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC). Committee members make funding recommendations for requests of more than $10,000 and provide policy and grant-making guidance for the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants program, funded by the Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. 

The Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (ACHF) is one of four funds created by the Legacy Amendment, passed by voters in November 2008. For the current biennium (2024-2025), the Minnesota Legislature appropriated $36,981,000 from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund to the Minnesota Historical Society, including $13.486 million for Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage grants to be awarded during the biennium. Expectations are high for what these grants can accomplish across Minnesota – they are supporting projects of enduring value for the cause of history and historic preservation.

The Minnesota Historical Society’s Grants Office administers the competitive Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants program and appoints members to the Historic Resources Advisory Committee. Legislation specifies that the committee have balanced statewide membership and includes representatives of local, county, and statewide historical and cultural organizations and programs. It further requires that the committee include, but is not limited to, members representing the interests of historic preservation, local history, archaeology, archival programs, and other cultural programs related to the history of Minnesota. To maintain a balanced statewide membership, the Grants Office will first consider candidates that meet one or more of the following criteria: living and/or working in greater Minnesota, represent a culturally specific organization that has not historically participated in the grant program, and professionals who have particular expertise in historic preservation or archives.

Committee expectations:

• Seek public input,
• Provide policy and grant-making guidance on the expenditure of Legacy funds for Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants program grants, and
• Review, evaluate, and recommend funding to the MNHS Executive Council for applications to the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants program in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 138.01. 

Committee terms/participation

• Serve a two-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term. 
• Attend two meetings a year, 1) a one-day spring meeting held to discuss the grant process and other grant-related items and 2) a two-day fall meeting held to deliberate and make funding recommendations on 60 to 100 applications. HRAC members have two weeks before this meeting to review all applications, score each one, and come prepared to discuss them with their committee colleagues. 

Qualifications

• Skills and/or knowledge to evaluate and apply criteria related to grant requirements and professional standards
• Work independently to read and analyze applications
• Communicate effectively during review meetings
• Contribute to an effective group process by being cooperative, constructive, and flexible
• Adhere to conflict of interest policy
• Possess either basic computer skills and familiarity with MNHS’ grant portal, or the ability to quickly learn the application review process through MNHS’ grant portal. 

Benefits of serving on the committee

• Make an impact on history and historic preservation work statewide
• Expand your professional network 
• Develop an understanding of statewide history and historic preservation needs
• Reimbursement for mileage, meals, and lodging (if necessary). 

Recruitment process 

The schedule is as follows:

July/August:             Advertise
September:              Candidate's Letter of Interest and Resume is due; MNHS Grants Office recommendations sent to the Minnesota Historical Society's Executive Council.
October/November: Minnesota Historical Society's Executive Council appointments candidates to the committee
December:               Candidates are informed of the decision. 

There is normally at least one open appointment every calendar year, with terms starting in January.

How to apply

To be considered for the term starting on January 1, 2025, please send 1) a letter of interest stating the reason(s) why you want to serve on the HRAC and 2) a resume by Monday, September 2, 2024 to carolyn.veeser-egbide@mnhs.org or by mail to:

Grants Office, Historic Resources Advisory Committee
Minnesota Historical Society
345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul, MN 55102

Please contact Carolyn Veeser-Egbide, Grants Manager, at 651-259-3469 or carolyn.veeser-egbide@mnhs.org with any questions.