Project

Alexandria Boat Works Exhibit Research

Introduction

The Legacy of the Lakes is seeking proposals for a detailed historical research project into an early Alexandria, Minnesota boat manufacturing company, Alexandria Boat Works (ABW), and its connections to the growth of Alexandria as a community, and the contributions ABW made to boat manufacturing.

Legacy of the Lakes Museum and Gardens celebrates the shared memories and experiences of Minnesota lake life and preserves that legacy for future generations. Located in Alexandria, Minnesota, the museum has two full-time and three part-time employees plus a handful of dedicated volunteers. It is open seasonally from mid-May through October and welcomes over 4,000 visitors every year. The museum hosts an array of events including Music in the Gardens, an annual classic boat show, and other educational programs. 

Scope of Project

• -          Research using the archives at Legacy of the Lakes Museum, the Douglas County Historical Society, and Minnesota Historical Society archives
• -          Conduct interviews with descendants of ABW founders and local historians
• -          Write a detailed research report that answers the questions found in Legacy of the Lakes Museum’s Interpretive Plan

Proposal Requirements

• -          Demonstrated experience with the following:
• o   Conducting thorough historical research
• o   A team member who meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historian
• -          Proposed activities to complete the project
• -          Proposed timeline for the project to begin in March 2021 and be completed no later than August 2021
• -          Proposed budget not to exceed $9745.00 including time, travel expenses, research fees, and copying materials
• -          Sample of your writing, 3-5 pages

Submissions

Proposals are due to the Legacy of the Lakes Museum by 5:00 pm on Monday, February 8, 2021. Proposals must be submitted via email to museum@legacyofthelakes.org as a PDF. Proposals will be reviewed, and finalists will be interviewed the week of February 15, 2021. Applicants will be notified of our decision shortly thereafter.

Any questions about this RFP should be directed to Kaci Johnson (kaci@legacyofthelakes.org or 320-759-1114) or Carol Swenson (carol@legacyofthelakes.org or 320-759-1114). For more information on the museum, visit www.legacyofthelakes.org.