Military Historical Society of Minnesota (MHSM)
The Military Historical Society of Minnesota (MHSM) is a prominent nonprofit educational organization, chartered in 1976 and recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is dedicated to preserving and explaining the military history of Minnesota, largely through the operations of the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum. This museum stands as the principal activity of MHSM and functions through a public/private partnership in collaboration with the Minnesota Historical Society, the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs, and the U.S. Army Center of Military History.
Key Figures and Governance
- Mark Ritchie, President: Located in Minneapolis, Mark Ritchie serves as the President of MHSM. He is also involved in various other leadership roles and initiatives. His experience and connections, particularly as a former Minnesota Secretary of State, solidify his impact on the societal outreach and effectiveness of MHSM.
- Randal Dietrich, Executive Director: Operating from St. Paul, Dietrich is listed as an ex officio member of the Board of Directors for MHSM, indicating his integral role in the organization's daily functions and strategic planning. His compensation is reported at $81,200 annually, reflecting the value of his leadership within the organization.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors comprises various individuals who contribute to the strategic leadership of MHSM:
- Stephen Osman: Vice President for Programs
- Nicholas Ostapenko: Vice President for Personnel
- Dean R. Ascheman: Secretary
- Larry Herke: Vice President for Facilities
- At-large members: Frank A. Messina, Richard Nash, Jon Vander Hagen, and BG Shawn Manke (Adjutant General of MN National Guard).
Financial and Operational Insights
The museum's operations are largely funded through private sources, which include gifts, grants, admissions, merchandise sales, and investment incomes. Approximately 30% of operational funds come from legislative allocations. The reliance on private funding highlights the need for ongoing community engagement and support to maintain and expand the museum's offerings.
Facilities and Operations
The museum is situated at Bldg. 1-86, 15000 Highway 115, Little Falls, MN, and operates with seasonal variance in hours:
- May through September: Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, including national holidays.
- October through April: Open Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM, closed on national holidays.
Strategic Importance
MHSM's strategic importance lies in its educational mandate, strengthening public understanding of Minnesota’s military history. Its partnerships with governmental and historical bodies position it as a focal institution for preserving state heritage and fostering public education on military contributions.
Competitor Profiling
Competitors
The Military Historical Society of Minnesota operates amid notable competitors such as the Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation, the 1st Cavalry Division Museum, and the Army Historical Foundation. Each of these entities provides unique perspectives on military history, focusing on specific branches and divisions such as airborne operations and cavalry units.
1. Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation: Located in Fayetteville, NC, this museum covers the history of airborne and special operations forces from 1940 to the present. It is a prominent non-federal entity experiencing financial challenges due to funding decreases.
2. 1st Cavalry Division Museum: Based at Fort Cavazos, Texas, this museum celebrates the storied history of the 1st Cavalry Division, noted for its significant contributions from World War II, the Vietnam War, and into modern peacekeeping missions.
3. Army Historical Foundation: As the official fundraising arm for the National Museum of the United States Army, this foundation supports educational programs and the preservation of Army artifacts. Established in 1983, it operates independently from the federal government.
Key Attributes
- Type: Non-profit educational organization (501(c)(3))
- Location: Little Falls, MN
- Focus: Preserving Minnesota's military history through various exhibits and military records research.
Recent Developments
The Minnesota Military Museum has participated in competitive grant programs administered by the Minnesota Historical Society. These initiatives emphasize collaboration with nonprofit educational organizations and government units. Extensive efforts in history preservation are made to engage the community and showcase Minnesota's military contributions.
Opportunities
For enhanced impact, potential opportunities include collaborations with institutions like the Minnesota Historical Society and leveraging grants and educational programs. Emphasizing unique historical exhibits that set it apart from competitors may also provide strategic advantages.
The Military Historical Society of Minnesota, with its focus on state-centric military narratives, complements the broader national stories offered by its competitors, thereby fulfilling an essential niche in the historical preservation landscape.
