Explore a map of historic properties identified through this work and discover how the individual properties reveal stories of migration, community-building, and neighborhood resilience that continue to shape Minneapolis today.
Learn how you can leverage this pool of money to fund and enable new programs into existence.
Cultural resource compliance can feel like a black box for local governments. The regulations are real, the risks are meaningful, and the consequences of getting it wrong can be significant.
Smart risk management is not a simple checkbox. Integrate cultural reviews early to keep your project on schedule, on budget, and moving forward.
Great news for Minnesota! Small Legacy Grants have increased from $10,000 to $20,000. Learn what this means for your project and how to apply…
Grants help communities bring meaningful, inspiring ideas to life. The key is knowing how to connect your project with the right funder, tell your story clearly, and demonstrate that you can deliver what you promise.
We’re excited to announce that 106 Group has expanded into Illinois with the opening of our Chicago office!
Say hello to Bill Walker, Proposal Manager and Cultural Heritage Planner! Bill has decades of experience in interpretation, planning, and cultural resources management.
Meet Lindsey Wallace, recently promoted to Services Director at 106 Group! In her new role, Lindsey provides strategic oversight and direction for our project work.
Say Hi to Alyssa! She’s one of our award-winning graphic designers. She helps plan and design the visual elements for interpretive projects across the US.
Say Hi to Julie Davis! She’s a Senior Interpretive Planner at 106 Group. Unique to Julie is her dynamic career as a researcher, writer, educator, and public historian. She’s also an expert on US and Native American histories.
Meet Patrick Biedermann! Most of the time you can find him cataloging and analyzing finds in our archaeology lab. But he’s on digs all over the globe…
Cultural resource regulations are tricky. Different agencies can interpret the rules differently, and the process can often be slow and arduous. Let’s unpack efficiencies to help move your project from plan to implementation.
106 Group recently presented “Best Practices for Partnering and Collaborating with Tribes” at the National Association of Environmental Professionals Virtual Conference. Together, with Paul Backhouse (Seminole Tribe of Florida), we shared best practices for tribal consultation and engagement and successful tools for building long-term relationships with Tribes.
Preserving and honoring LGBTQ+ heritage sites can help create anchors for ownership/pride, stabilize communities, and elevate Queer stories.
106 Group, a leading cultural heritage company, is excited to announce a strategic series of promotions across various management roles.
We’re thrilled to announce that 106 Group has embarked on an exciting new journey! We’ve relocated to the historic Vandalia Tower, situated within the bustling Creative Enterprise Zone of St. Paul.
Terminal expansions, runway repairs, hangar upgrades. These are just some of the many airport improvement projects that 106 Group historians and archaeologists contribute to at dozens of airports throughout the region.
Earlier this fall, 106 Group Sr. Architectural Historian and Planner, Lindsey Wallace, co-facilitated an interactive session at the 2023 Preserve MN Conference in Mankato. The session, “Continuing the Conversation: Working Towards Equity in Historic Preservation,” laid out key DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) concepts, including differences between equality and equity.
In 2023 the Minnesota State Legislature updated the Private Cemeteries Act (MS 307.08). Read on to understand how these changes might affect your project.
CEO Anne Ketz introduces a framework for how to tell truthful stories in interpretive exhibits and heritage planning. She draws directly from the four notions of truth developed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission during the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa. This post is adapted from Anne’s virtual presentation for the 2023 ICOMOS Conference, held in Sydney, Australia.
Last month, Anne Ketz, the CEO of 106 Group, had the distinct honor of addressing an audience at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe. IAIA, an esteemed institution, stands as a beacon of progress in the ongoing empowerment of Native communities. Through its commitment to education, financial support, and the cultivation of self-sufficiency, IAIA exemplifies the transformation that is unfolding within Native communities nationwide.
106 Group has helped clients navigate regulatory requirements for major energy infrastructure enterprises, including numerous wind energy projects that provide key sources of renewable energy. If your renewable energy project requires compliance with federal, state, or local environmental and cultural regulatory requirements, we can assist you through the process.
Imagine you’re just getting started planning an exhibit project. Your team is outlining key themes and topics and you already know you’d like to make your exhibits more accessible with durable tactiles. Great! But wait—there’s more to designing a tactile than meets the eye.
When embarking on a project, one of the crucial steps is defining the project area and its boundaries. This involves identifying the specific region where the work will be performed and determining the extent of its impact on the surrounding areas.
How do you know whether your project needs to comply with cultural resource regulation? Knowing the regulatory requirements at project start saves time, money, and keeps your project moving forward.
We’re excited to share news that Bill Walker, has joined 106 Group as a Proposal Manager. Bill is an expert on cultural resource management, Section 106 review process, and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of cultural history for the National Park Service and a variety of local historical societies and museums.
In order to create a successful project, building trust with the community is essential. By incorporating authentic culture and heritage, the project team can better reflect all voices in the community and create more effective plans.
If naming is claiming, how do city, state, and local agencies create naming policies and practices that honor the people, land, and events of a particular place, while building relationships throughout the community in the process?
If you suspect there are burials in or near a project area, there are a handful of key things to understand and address as you navigate next steps.
Through our documenting work in archaeology and history, we see that the story of a place is so much more than what is written in a regulatory report. The history of a place, written and unwritten, and the stories told through archaeological and architectural resources can contribute to the future design of a place and enhance its uniqueness.
106 Group’s Anne Ketz has been nominated to the Minnesota Women Business Owners’ Hall of Fame. In a recent interview, Anne reflects on her role in cultural heritage planning and a career dedicated to increasing knowledge, understanding, and preservation of cultural sites and resources around the world.
The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) has recognized Hennepin County Public Works and 106 Group with an Award of Excellence for the Flying Cloud Drive Interpretive Plaza. The Award of Excellence is part of the AASLH Leadership in History Awards, the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation of state and local history.
106 Group is thrilled to share that we have been chosen to design a permanent exhibition dedicated to the life and work of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, a member of the Omaha Tribe. Dr. Susan was the first Native American doctor. Born shortly after the Civil War, she dedicated her life to public health and land rights for her Omaha people.
We’re excited to share news that Lindsey Wallace, has joined 106 Group as a Senior Architectural Historian and Planner. In her new role within our History Team, Lindsey will lead a range of projects for public and private clients.
Archaeological monitoring is the observation of construction activities by an archaeologist in order to identify, document, protect, and/or recover potential archaeological resources discovered during those activities. 106 Group helps clients navigate this process and minimize the risk that an inadvertent discovery could hinder a project with potential schedule delays or budget implications.
106 Group recently presented at the National Association for Interpretation Conference. Our interpretive planners, Regine Kennedy and Julie Davis, along with Joshua Tree National Park staff, Jennie Albrinck and Jo Lombard, shared strategies for mitigating the compounding effects of climate change and other challenges that parks face related to sustainability.
Section 106 regulations require federal agencies to consider the effects of their activities on cultural resources within their proposed projects. If your project will be federally funded or licensed, then your project may require consultation with American Indian Tribes.
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) are two of the principal federal laws intended to protect environmental and cultural resources. Any project conducted with federal funding, or requiring a federal permit, license, or approval, is required to comply with these laws. So, how are they similar? How are they different? How does compliance with these laws impact your project?
How do you ensure that you are providing visitors with inclusive and accessible experiences? Where do you start when planning for interpretive waysides that are accessible to all?
The creation of a long-term exhibit is a multi-step process. Take advantage of these steps to maximize opportunities for discovery that lead to brilliant, unique experiences for your visitors.
Working with the designers, fabricators, media companies, and artists in a single contract can be both efficient and creatively fruitful.
So, you want to create an exhibit. How should you structure your planning process and contract? Here are some things you should know about Design versus Design/Build process (even if your contracting office doesn’t give you a choice).
We are proud to announce that Anne Ketz, our CEO and Services Director, has become an American citizen.
Water Works is one piece of a much larger story, in the layered riverfront history of what we now call Minneapolis. For this Mississippi riverfront park, 106 Group led preservation planning, archaeology, documentation of community histories, and interpretation.
At 106 Group, we believe in Connecting People + Place + Time. But what does that mean for the current pandemic we are all experiencing? Are our collective experiences new, or part of a millennia of epidemics and pandemics that have shaped our societies?
The Minnesota River Valley has attracted people to live and work along its banks for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence from The Landing-Minnesota River Heritage Park shows that Native Americans were hunting and gathering in the area since approximately 3,000 years ago.
How do you interpret the history of a place older than the U.S.? Listen to our team’s conversation with the National Park Service at the 2020 National Association for Interpretation National Conference.
Recently, 106 Group’s Anne Ketz sat down with the hosts of the Wandering Naturalist podcast to share stories and historical perspectives on the Shakopee region of Minnesota and its people, past and present.
Within the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Cultural Tourism program, proposed development of a new Akwesasne Heritage Complex was a key initiative. The Complex will be the heart of the tourism program, visitor experience, and community heritage and cultural programming. Developing a Business Case is an important step to support tribal decision making as they develop the Heritage Complex.
We recently had the opportunity to participate in an important conversation on Equity in Preservation Planning at Preserve Minnesota 2020, hosted by the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office.
PolyMet Mining, Inc. is proposing to develop a copper-nickel-platinum-group elements mine and associated processing facilities known as the NorthMet Mining Project, near Hoyt Lakes, St. Louis County, Minnesota. The Project involves the reactivation and rehabilitation of a former taconite processing facility and development of a new mine site. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) has been established outlining mitigation for adverse effects to a diverse set of historic properties.
Strategic planning for cultural tourism guides the process for communities to realize their vision and establish procedures and operations necessary to achieve that vision.
If you find yourself faced with a project requiring Section 106 review, the process can be complicated. Understanding how the process works is important to help you avoid project delays and improve outcomes. Here is some guidance for where to start.
National, state, and regional parks have seen overwhelming numbers of visitors amid the pandemic. A dream on paper, this has a downside. Interpretation can be a part of the solution. Consider these strategies used by parks to protect the resources and keep visitors safe.
Award from the National Association of Environmental Professionals for NEPA and Planning Integration.
We are honored to have been a contributor to the Saint Paul African American Historic and Cultural Context. The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) recently recognized this document with an Award of Excellence.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission that emerged during the dismantling of South Africa’s apartheid system acknowledged four kinds of truth as part of a societal healing process. See how these truths are reflected in recent interpretive planning at Thomas Jefferson’s retreat home, Poplar Forest.
Julie Davis, PhD, has joined 106 Group as a Senior Interpretive Planner. In her new role, Julie will lead interpretive planning and exhibit development projects for cultural sites and museums.
The Flying Cloud Drive Reconstruction included support from Dakota tribes to interpret the significant number of artifacts including stone tools, pottery fragments, and animal remains, that were recovered throughout the archaeological investigations.
106 Group is completing a CRMP at Point State Park that will guide long-term protection of cultural and historic resources at this iconic urban park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
This is the third and final article in a series examining the role that cultural understanding plays in the community engagement process.
Our interpretive planners and designers share some sights from their recent trip to Joshua Tree National Park, where we are developing new wayside exhibits.
The 21st General Assembly and International Symposium will bring together a community of academicians, practitioners, and members of the Life Beyond Tourism Movement.
Our historian follows one community’s path to healing in the wake of destruction by transportation infrastructure.
Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial is a place of study and contemplation of some of the most difficult aspects of American history, including military service; sacrifice; citizenship; duty; loyalty; slavery, and freedom. New interpretative exhibits provide a more complex view of the historic site.
Our archaeology team presents special findings and uncovered histories at Water Works—a park with a unique design that incorporates a complex historical landscape consisting of the ruins of 19th-century sawmills and flour mills.
Our CEO and Services Director, Anne Ketz, has been re-elected as VP to ICIP for the International Council for Monuments and Sites. In this role, she continues her work to preserve, protect, and uncover the stories beyond the hundreds of heritage sites around the world.
What is accessibility and why is it so important? Through the lens of human senses, explore how you can be more effective at making exhibits for everyone.
We are proud to announce that our work with Andersen Engineering and the MN VA to renovate Fort Snelling’s Building 222 is a recipient of the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota’s Impact award.
Explore our recent project on Flying Cloud Drive, in which respectful engagement with consulting tribes, archaeology, and traditional knowledge came together to protect and grow the Dakota narrative in Minnesota.
On the east side of Saint Paul, Minnesota, at the base of an impressive bluff line, is a cave that the Dakota call Wakan Tipi and that Euro Americans have named Carver’s Cave.
At the heart of Saint Paul’s African American history is the Rondo neighborhood. That history is often excluded from mainstream documentation. Now, the Aurora Saint Anthony Neighborhood Development Corporation is trying to change that.
In honor of World Heritage Day, we sat down with two of our employees to talk about their favorite heritage sites and 106 Group project work.
Regine Kennedy shares her top community engagement tips after attending the Minnesota Transportation Conference. After years of experience in the fields of engagement and interpretation, Kennedy brings new light to this incredibly valuable service.
The Interpret Europe: Mechelen 2016 conference recently explored how heritage interpretation can help evolving communities approach issues such as human rights, peace, and active citizenship. Anne Ketz’ paper, “Interpretive Planning Methods and Processes as an Effective Mechanism for Community Building,” was presented at the conference.
106 Group senior designer Chris Evans joined a team of panelists to present “Stronger Together: How Digital Media Adds Layers to Guided Interpretation” at the National Association for Interpretation’s 2015 Annual Workshop in Virginia Beach. This packed session generated a lively discussion among interpreters about the rising use of digital media.
Many people have the same questions about choosing interpretive media. Which media is best for my story? What resources do I need? How do I get started? Let’s ask a few key questions, consider some details, and point you in the right direction to select media for your outdoor site.
In a rapidly changing world where local communities are becoming more diverse, and needing to be more holistic in their thinking, public engagement can get people talking, learning from each other, and working together to identify problems and create solutions.
We have been participating in the Great River Gathering for many years. Over this time, 106 Group has been a proud participant in dozens of successful redevelopment projects in St. Paul.
