I would like to echo these comments and say that I am in full support of Proposal B for $45,000. The Northfield Historical Society is not only a gathering space for our community members, but it's also a destination for visitors from around the world. The National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States defines heritage tourism as “traveling to experience the places and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past.” Visitors to Northfield are hungry for our story. They come here to experience and be part of something bigger than themselves. As one of the city's strategic goals, supporting the work done at our museum makes perfect sense. Why reinvent the wheel when we can make ours better, stronger and more robust? I urge the council to vote in favor of Proposal B. It's an opportunity to increase the number of visitors, create a better visitor experience and encourage longer stays - which increases dollars spent in our city. Thank you.

As a resident of Northfield I strongly support the cities continued investment in the Northfield Historical Society. I have attended and participated in many of the events and activities sponsored by the NHS over the years and have greatly benefited by the lectures, stories, events; they have enriched my understanding and appreciation for the history of this community. The NHS is a part of the many rich community resources that serve to remind us of who we are what our dreams and aspirations have been and how we have related and grown as a community. It is fitting that the City be a part of making sure we preserve our past and continue to share our stories with those who join us in community and in the making of our future history.

The Northfield HIstorical Society provides an extremely valuable resource for our community. I use their resources to research class information when I teach Cannon Valley Elder Collegium classes; when I write articles for the Northfield News; when I prepare for a public talks on our beautiful buildings; and when I volunteer to give bus and walking tours as part of community outreach through NHS and for Carleton College's reunions. I've attend several public talks each year and find the topics and the speakers to be interesting and engaging. Community members and visitors of all ages attend these educational events. I'm a proud member of this organization and wish to support their efforts to expand the services that they provide to the city and to its citizens and visitors. The future is bright for preservation efforts and civic pride. We are proud of our well-preserved Historic Downtown and homes--all part of valuing our past, which your commitment to NHS will demonstrate.

As a member of the Northfield Historical Society Board of Directors I would echo Christian and Earl's comments and add that I am always amazed at the work carried out by NHS, the care in which they do it. I support Service Contract and Proposal B ($45,000).

As a member of the Northfield History Collaborative, volunteer at NHS, and archivist at Carleton, I know NHS’s positive impact on Northfield. I have watched NHS volunteers lead tourists through the museum and seen those same tourists stopping at downtown businesses. I have attended, with dozens of others, exhibit openings and historical talks. I have watched NHS staff work closely with SCOPE students and student volunteers in the shop, collections, and museum. These students gain valuable experiences that instill a strong sense of the importance of local history.

Working with Carleton students and external researchers, I make frequent referrals to NHS for additional research, for genealogical information, and Northfield history. Their experiences with NHS are positive and fruitful.

As I volunteered at NHS, I was impressed with the care and commitment NHS has to insuring that Northfield’s history is cared for and preserved. I strongly support the approval of the NHS contract.

I urge the Council to support this item. Leaving aside the argument that the NHS adds a tremendous value to our community and deserves permanent, long-term support from the City, the matter before the Council is to approve a contract for services. Unlike the Public Library, the NHS is not affiliated with the City. As such, it should be justly compensated for the services that it provides the citizens of Northfield - just like any other vendor. Those of us that have volunteered our time at the NHS have ensured that its revenue streams are diverse. They include admission fees, donations, memberships, commercial and residential rents and store sales. They are not asking for a "hand-out" from the City. It is proper to compensate them for the services they provide the City in keeping its permanent records and providing access to those records for our citizens. Thank you.

I would like to go on record in support of the Northfield Historical Society 2018-2020 Service Contract and Proposal B ($45,000). As a volunteer at NHS since 1993, I have assisted in a variety of educational outreach programs between the historical society and local schools. I witnessed the incredible commitment NHS has in developing high quality, educational programs for our local youth. NHS never ceases to demonstrate that our young citizens can be meaningful contributors to our community. I support NHS' vision to incorporate new programs that reach an ever-wider group of children and young adults. NHS has been a shining example of how a local institution can play a key role in bridging the adults and local history with young and eager minds. NHS has a dedicated team of leaders of all ages that will continue to make Northfield proud with new innovative programs designed for 21st century educational needs. Please assist us in this endeavor and join us in watching Northfield grow.