Library staff invited to join the Minnesota Alliance for Heritage Response

Text courtesy of the Minnesota Alliance for Heritage Response.

By filling out the Alliance's Member Directory Signup Form, you agree to receive (infrequent) emails from MN-AHR, and to share your contact information with other Members for the purposes of Heritage Response information and coordination. You agree not to use the Directory for private purposes, and to abide by the MN-AHR Code of Conduct in all communication with other Members. Membership in MN-AHR is open to any interested individual or institution.

Mission

The Minnesota Alliance for Response 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

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.