The Legacy of the Lakes Museum in Alexandria was recently awarded three grants, totaling more than $22,000 for the museum.
The Minnesota Historical Society awarded two of the grants. The first grant will be put towards a collection inventory. The inventory will enable staff to identify items in the collection that are at risk and will also help them make informed decisions when it comes to adding to the collection, which is currently estimated to be around 500 artifacts.
Along with the funds to hire a temporary staff person to complete the project, the grant award provides for an update to the museum’s data keeping software and for the purchase of a laptop to be used to complete the project. This grant was awarded for $8,773.
The second grant, awarded for $9,745, is for research into the history of Alexandria Boat Works. The boat works and its history are closely woven with the history of the Alexandria community. Eventually, this research will lead to an expanded exhibit on Alexandria Boat Works, according to the museum.
Minnesota Historical Society grants are made possible through the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, which is part of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.
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The third award to the museum is from Alexandria Area Community Foundation’s Alexandria Area Response and Recovery Grant, in the amount of $4,320. This grant will go toward digital enhancements at the museum, replacing outdated computers and software and purchasing equipment to provide better quality digital programs, like the upcoming “History at Home,” which the museum is hosting in partnership with the Runestone Museum Foundation, Douglas County Historical Society, and Alexandria Community Education.
The Legacy of the Lakes Museum thanked the Minnesota Historical Society and the Alexandria Area Community Foundation for the grant awards and the community for its continued support.
