Minnesota Historical Society outlines statewide services, requests $925,000 biennial operating adjustment

The Minnesota Historical Society asked the State Government Finance and Policy Committee on March 13 to support an operating adjustment of $925,000 for the upcoming biennium, saying the additional funds would help the agency address rising fixed costs and sustain services statewide.

Kent Whitworth, director and CEO of the Minnesota Historical Society, told committee members the agency is governed by an executive council and has statutory responsibilities in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 138. "We appreciate the opportunity to spend a few minutes providing a very high level overview of the Minnesota Historical Society and then to conclude with our specific budget request," Whitworth said.

The request builds on a base biennial operating budget the society described as $23,900,000 from the general fund, Whitworth and David Kelleher, Minnesota Historical Society government relations and public policy, said. Kelleher said about 35% of the society's operating revenue comes from the state general fund; the remainder is earned revenue and private donations. "That is an important foundation for the work that we do," Kelleher said.

Why it matters: The society runs the state archives, manages a network of historic sites and operates education programs used in schools, the presenters said. Kelleher emphasized Northern Lights, the society's sixth-grade curriculum, and the society's efforts to digitize historic newspapers to improve public access.

Key facts presented to the committee: - The society manages 26 historic sites and roughly 150 structures; about half of those structures are over 100 years old, creating capital and preservation needs, Kelleher said. - The society employs roughly 400 full-time equivalent staff statewide, including seasonal site staff and History Center personnel. - The society recorded about 850,000 in-person visits across sites and museums and reported roughly 19,000 members who support its work. - The Minnesota Historical Society is digitizing the state's newspaper collection; Kelleher called the effort "going to take us years" but said it enables searchable access.

Budget request and rationale: Whitworth and Kelleher said the operating adjustment is intended to help the society restore service levels toward pre-pandemic numbers and address a sustainability imperative in the society's strategic plan. "We need to make sure that our financial and human resources adequately support the mission delivery," Whitworth said, noting rising costs such as utilities, building operations and staff compensation.

Committee response and next steps: Chair Nash thanked the presenters and noted the committee will consider the society's request as part of broader budget work. No formal action or vote occurred; Whitworth and Kelleher said they look forward to continued discussions and offered committee members tours of the History Center.

Ending: The committee laid the presentation and request into the record and will review the society's operating adjustment as it develops the state's budget recommendations.