Sherburne County Heritage Center Interpretive Plan Final Report 2005

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and fowl abound here, and it must become a popular resort; as the road passes on the shore of the lake, parties will be landed in their pleasure grounds." (Emphasis added; The St. Paul Daily Press V:163 (July 19, 1865): 2, O. H. Kelley) Theme Statement Theme 1: People searching for opportunities have always recognized the unique resources of Sherburne County. Theme 2: Being on the edge where three ecological land types meet enabled easy transportation and access to natural resources and economic resources. Subthemes Subtheme 1. People from all over the world chose to make Sherburne County their home; their values shape our communities today. Subtheme 2.1. Indian tribes recognized that the area that later became Sherburne County was strategically located on the edge of woodlands, prairie, and the Mississippi River, and the area became a contested borderland between the Ojibwe and Dakota people. Subtheme 2.2. Living on the edge of metro area, pineries, and western wheat fields provided access for Sherburne County people to metro markets and jobs in other areas. Subtheme 2.3. Trails, roads, and rails developed in the corridor along the edge of the Mississippi River, prairie, pine forest, and deciduous forest. Subtheme 2.4. Sherburne County's edge landscape included plentiful lakes, wetlands, and abundant wildlife that have been key to the areas' history and development. Contemporary visitor relevance 1. The audience survey indicated that members wanted to see exhibits that tell stories of first families and how their communities developed. 2. All audience segments indicated very high interest in stories about pioneers and how early settlers lived. 3. All audience segments except members indicated high interest in interactive exhibits, however, it is expected that members will find the interactive opportunities in this section very attractive, because as long-time county residents, they will have a chance to tell the history themselves. 4. The audience survey indicated that SCHS's audience segments, particularly members and teachers, preferred opportunities for interaction with interpreters, perhaps people who have experienced the history themselves. This response supports the use of volunteer docents in the community section, particularly during expected high visitation periods. Desired Learner Outcomes 1. Some visitors will recall the early descriptions of Sherburne County and that first settlement occurred along the rivers, streams, and the Red River Ox Cart Trail. (cognitive) 2. Some visitors will describe the early history of Big Lake, including Brown's Hotel, and the important role of the lake and Red River Trail. (cognitive) 3. Some visitors will discuss the history of Big Lake and contribute photos, stories, or objects. (cognitive, affective, action) Sherburne County Historical Society Heritage Center Interpretive Plan, April 21, 2005, page 46