The Minnesota Historical Society announced 49 recipients of Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Small Grants (up to $10,000 each) totaling $421,647 in 25 counties.

One grant, for $9,380, was awarded to the Freeborn County Historical Society to acquire a microfilm reader, printer and scanner that will make microfilmed records more accessible to the public.

The grants are awarded quarterly to help nonprofit and educational organizations, government units and tribal organizations preserve and share Minnesota history. The awards were approved on Feb. 20 by the MNHS Executive Council.

“Each grant round offers further proof that Minnesotans are excited about building a lasting legacy for future generations,” said Carolyn Veeser-Egbide, grants manager. “This group of 49 recipients, along with past awardees, are preserving what makes Minnesota a great place to live.”

Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants are made possible by the Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008. The Legacy Amendment supports efforts to preserve Minnesota land, water and legacy, including Minnesota history and cultural heritage.