Hands-On History
A hands on "walk through history" exhibit was developed by the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum that puts the Walnut Grove area in context with the residency of Laura Ingalls Wilder. The permanent exhibit features small town venues that include a general store, a bank, a post office and a telephone booth dating from the 1870's to the 1940's. The teaching goals of the exhibit are: to experience life in a small southwest Minnesota town in its early years, to introduce Laura Ingalls wilder's neighbors living in the area in 1875, to demonstrate banking practices and to show how early telephones worked. The variety within this historical exhibit provides an interactive experience for all ages but especially for school-age children.
(b) Statewide Historic and Cultural Grants. (i) $2,250,000 in 2010 and $4,500,000 in 2011 are appropriated for history programs and projects operated or conducted by or through local, county, regional or other historical or cultural organizations; or for activities to preserve significant historic and cultural resources. Funds are to be distributed through a competitive grants process. The Minnesota Historical Society shall administer these funds using established grants mechanisms, and with assistance from the advisory committee created herein.