LAKELAND PBS Est. 1980 • lptv.org • Bemidji, MN
IMPACT STORY Lakeland PBS & Legacy Funding Support Communities Preserving Their Heritage
Through the direct result of Legacy-funded productions, Lakeland PBS is able to share the talents and stories of northern and central Minnesota’s rural and culturally diverse people. Not only do we ignite new interests and renew commitments to the arts, culture, and heritage, we expand the station’s partnerships with artists, artisans, craftsmen, nonprofit and volunteer groups, and other organizations across the region while telling their stories to the outside world.
In the season premiere episode of Common Ground , we follow the small community of Sebeka, including the Sebeka Historical Society and community members young and old, as they restore a sacred local historic landmark. Sebeka’s Finnish-Built Log Schoolhouse Restoration A Finnish-built log schoolhouse on display in Sebeka’s community park served children 135 years ago in School District 26 in Red Eye Township, Minnesota. The log schoolhouse’s condition has deteriorated, and after it was learned it may be one of just two Finnish built schoolhouses left in the United States, the Sebeka Historical Society moved forward in its effort to preserve this historic log schoolhouse.
Great reminder of all that is so special about our “special place”
Helps me feel better about living in the frigid North country. -Lakeland Program Preference Poll Responder
here on the Northern Tier! -Lakeland Program Preference Poll Responder
Exterior shot of the Finnish-built log schoolhouse after the restoration project is complete in Sebeka, MN.
“Being able to tell the stories of the unique and talented people who make up this community is extremely important. In doing so, it allows us to preserve our stories while sharing them with the rest of the world.” - MPTA Legacy survey participant
AREAS OF IMPACT
PRESERVING AMERICAN ART TRADITIONS
CULTIVATING A FARM TO TABLE EXPERIENCE Follow Amber Lynne of Bemidji, Minnesota as she begins work to open a farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Bemidji. Watch her journey as an entrepreneur, grow as a chef, and adapt as a business owner as she opens her fine dining restaurant during the 2020 pandemic.
EXPANDING FOCUS ON CLIMATE EFFECTS AND CHANGE
The Marcell Experimental Forest documentary was able to take viewers into the unique and critical scientific study facility on climate change in Marcell, Minnesota. It detailed the process of how experts from all regions of the nation look at the local effects of peatland and connect that to a macro level understanding of climate change.
Barn quilts have a rich history throughout north-central Minnesota. They can be found on barns, buildings, fence posts, and other features of the rural landscape. This art form is created and displayed by residents and business owners throughout Morrison, Wadena, Todd, and Cass counties on the Central Minnesota Barn Quilt Trail, where visitors can enjoy barn quilts on self-guided tours.
Local contractor Roy Schwartz replaces rotten log facings.
Post-renovation picture of the interior of the schoolhouse, staged as it would have been used.
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MPTA | LAKELAND PBS
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