Dustin Heckman, executive director of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, told the Superior Common Council on Sept. 21 that the museum has recovered much of its lost attendance since 2020 and is expanding educational and exhibit offerings.

"My name is Dustin Heckman. I'm the executive director of the Richard I," Heckman said as he opened a presentation describing the center's mission, collections and programming. He said the center now holds more than 15,000 artifacts and more than 700 oral histories and recently opened a new Korea and Vietnam exhibit.

Heckman described two youth programs: a Junior Curator week for middle‑school students that trains participants to conduct oral histories and produce short exhibits, and the Bong Squad for high‑school students that provides summer jobs leading tours. Councilors praised those programs during questions and thanked the young participants for their work.

Heckman said the museum has increased its virtual offerings for school groups, adapted gift‑store operations and built out an online store, and developed alternate ways to collect oral histories during the COVID‑19 pandemic, such as remote interviews and a checkout backpack with recording equipment for families.

On operations and near‑term needs, Heckman said the building — opened Sept. 24, 2002 — will require upgrades, noting HVAC and sidewalk improvements for accessibility among anticipated larger costs. He said private fundraising supports veteran programming such as a free weeklong Boundary Waters trip for veterans and holiday meal deliveries.

Councilors responded with appreciation. Councilor Bender offered to deliver related family artifacts for display; Councilor Elm and others thanked Heckman for adapting programs during the pandemic. Mayor Payne asked that the council's thanks be passed to the young curators who produced local exhibits.

The center did not ask the council for an appropriation during this presentation; Heckman closed by inviting questions and further council engagement ahead of the museum's 20th anniversary next September.