Your View — Treaty site’s story will be told properly

The Free Press June 2, 2007

— As executive director of Nicollet County Historical Society, I would like to sincerely thank Rep. Terry Morrow and Sen. Kathy Sheran for their difficult and diligent work in the last legislative session.

Through their exhaustive efforts they were able to secure an appropriation for the Treaty Site History Center to complete the central exhibit focused on the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux signed in St. Peter in 1851. NCHS is not the first local historical organization to receive state funding nor will we be the last. But I feel that this project is especially important to every Minnesotan, not just those of us in our area. The Treaty of Traverse des Sioux accounted for about 38 percent of what we call Minnesota today (roughly everything south of I94).

This funding will allow us to tell the story in the way it deserves to be told. I am excited for the day when students, young families, and seniors can relate to our past through hands-on activities, life-size images, and insightful text. Thankfully, that day is not far off.

The state understands the importance of this exhibit thanks to the hard work of Sheran and Morrow. Please stay tuned for more on this exciting project, or contact me at the Nicollet County Historical Society.

Ben Leonard
St. Peter