Sherburne County Heritage Center Interpretive Plan Final Report 2005

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There is an often -expressed interest to plant roots in the area by learning more about its history, and by linking history to current issues and events. When the preliminary orgdnizing concept of "the edge" was described to interviewees, many expressed surprise (because they had not thought about it before) and interest in how it pulls many aspects of the county's history and current issues together. There was some concern that the concept of the edge may convey a negative image. The interest in the outdoors, related issues of natural history, and generally favorable response to the edge concept suggest that an exhibit and program that uses an environmental history approach, at least in part, will be very successful. Our surveys and conversations also provided some very clear guidelines for the type of program experience SCHS's audience prefers, and the way in which the stories should be presented. As non -museum professionals, they have a surprisingly articulate and sophisticated understanding about the need for a layered approach. Many interviewees said they liked exhibits with lots of artifacts. Most potential audiences for the Heritage Center emphasize the importance of a very active, colorful, and interactive exhibit and program experience. They also said the exhibit and program should provide opportunities for adults and seniors to read text and see photos and artifacts. The exhibit should be layered for a quick glance and a more in-depth treatment of the subject. For children and even many adults, the exhibit should provide lots of interactive opportunities. It should have things to do and ways for adults and children or families, in general, to interact with the exhibit content and design. Some interviewees expressed an interest in making the audience think by asking them questions, rather than just giving them all the answers. This finding supports the interactive nature recommended for the exhibit by many interviewees. It is also important for some audience members that parts of the exhibit be changeable to keep people returning and to suggest a dynamic aspect to the Heritage Center program. While color and motion and a general dynamic feel is a critical component for the exhibit's success, there should also be quiet, restful areas within the exhibit or Heritage Center grounds where visitors can sit and "soak in" the experience and relate it to their own lives. SCHS's audiences enjoy outdoor activities. It is important that the SCHS provide a mix of significant outdoor programming and opportunities for social activity out-of-doors near the Heritage Center. Many people we contacted expressed an interest in having a picnic area where families could spend the entire day, with an activity area for children, perhaps organized around historical activities, and an area for adults to sit and visit. Teachers emphasized the importance of space for students to eat lunches during the fieldtrip. Other stakeholders discussed the importance for raising revenue to support operating expenses. Both these responses reinforce the need for a picnic pavilion facility that will provide a gathering point for families, corporations, and schools as part of the Heritage Center visit experience. The importance many people attached to personal interaction suggests that an active volunteer program will be important to the success of the Heritage Center. Many audience members prefer to view demonstrations of historical crafts or activities and have an opportunity to talk to the demonstrator. Sherburne County Historical Society Heritage Center Interpretive Plan, April 21, 2005, page 3