Photo Credits to Hennepin County Library & Minnesota Historical Society
The City of Minneapolis received grant funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund to develop the Minneapolis African American Historic and Cultural Context Study. 106 Group led research and authored the study of documenting the history of Black residents of the city from 1820s to the present and highlighting significant places in the built environment related to that history.
Scope
The context study includes primary and secondary research, a robust narrative that identifies key themes, events, and people related to African American history in Minneapolis, associated property types, and National Register criteria for property evaluations. It also addresses different types of historic designation, the social and economic benefits of preservation, and recommendations for future work.
Outcome
The project involved a reconnaissance survey of 25 properties to assess potential eligibility for NRHP and local landmark designation, including property inventory forms and a survey report. By integrating community input and working closely with partners Judge LaJune Lange and Denise Pike—as well as the African American Heritage Work Group—the study provides a clear framework for future preservation planning.
