Overview

During the engagement phase, community members shared stories about people, places, and events in Minneapolis. The consultant team wrote an outline for the context study. In this second phase, we are using that outline to write the context study. The context study will be completed by summer 2025.

We received a state grant and hired 106 Group as the consultant. This process includes:

• Writing the context study
• Conducting an architectural history survey
• Public engagement

This project was made possible in part by the people of Minnesota through a grant funded by an appropriation to the Minnesota Historical Society from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Visit the Minnesota Historical Society website to learn more

King Solomon’s Mines was located on the first floor of the Foshay Tower.
Photo credit: Mike Zerby, courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society

Context study

The context study will focus on African American heritage in Minneapolis from the 1820s to the present day. It will be divided into seven themes:

• Arrival
• Residential Life and Neighborhoods
• Religion and Houses of Worship
• Employment and Professional Growth
• Community, Social Organizations, Recreation, and Education
• Arts, Design, Music, and Culture
• Segregation, Discrimination, Civil Rights, and Reclamation

The consultant team will conduct research and write a chapter on each theme. Staff and various stakeholders will review drafts of the context study. The final context study will help us understand what places in Minneapolis reflect the history of African Americans. We will publish it on this website.

Share your ideas about people, places, and events to include in the context study

A group of African American civic leaders. They include: Jimmie Slemmons, William Donald Brown, Sr., Harry Davis, Sr., James Wardlaw, A.B. Cassius, James Cannon, and William Manson Seabron.
Photo credit: Hennepin County Library and the children of John Glanton

Survey process

We will survey 25 properties in Minneapolis that might be important to African American heritage. The properties will relate to the seven themes. We will develop the list with the consultant and the African American Heritage Work Group. We will ask property owners for consent to survey their property.

• The consultant will take photos of each property and do some research.
• They will recommend if each property is historically significant.
• They will prepare survey forms and a report.
• Staff and various stakeholders review the survey forms and report.

Share your ideas about which properties should be included in the survey

St. James AME Church is the home to the oldest AME congregation in Minneapolis.
Photo credit: Minnesota Historical Society

Engagement

• We will attend community events throughout the year to share information.
• The African American Heritage Work Group meets every 1-2 months. Meetings are open to the public. Find the meeting schedule
• Sign up to receive email updates
• Provide input

Harriet Robinson Scott and Dred Scott
Photo credit: MNopedia