November 25, 1998
Mr. Lyle Rustad, Executive Director
Diversity Foundation, Inc.
Dear Lyle:
On behalf of the board of directors of the Winona County Historical Society, I am writing to express our wholehearted support for your funding proposal to produce a film/video project titled; "Wapasha's Prairie: The Story of a Family and Community". At our most recent board meeting it was unanimously decided to support this important and long overdue undertaking.
The Winona County Historical Society has known for a long time that much more can, and should be done, to educate the residents of this area and our visitors about the Native American heritage of the Dakota people. The story of Chief Wapasha and his descendents can be woven in a way that will sensitively inform the public about this important part of our state's history. The use of film, video and multi-media technology is going to be a very effective tool to accomplish this. The Society has made limited efforts in the past through exhibits and in-school programs that don't fully tell the story. With this film we intend to make it an important part of our offerings to the schools, our members, and to the general public. We are very enthusiastic to be a part of the project and will work with you and others by making all the resources of our library & archives available and the time of our two-part time archivists. I also will be involved in any way that I can be useful. If we can participate in helping with grant proposals we also will do so.
Your proposal appears to be complete and the credentials of all those involved are very impressive. The amount of money you seek is also reasonable for a project of this scope.
Good luck and please don't hesitate to ask for any help along the way.
Sincerely,
Mark F. Peterson
Executive Director
