New Director of Heritage Preservation Joins MNHS

The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) welcomes Amy Spong, former preservation specialist for the City of St. Paul, as the new director of Heritage Preservation, beginning Nov. 1, 2016.

In this position, Spong will lead MNHS preservation programs and services by administering the state and federal historic preservation program which includes the identification, evaluation, registration and treatment of historic properties; encouraging the development of state and local history programs and organizations in Minnesota; and overseeing MNHS grants-in-aid programs.

“Preservation is at the core of what MNHS does,” said Andrea Kajer, director of external relations. “With Amy Spong’s help, we look forward to building and extending our strong relationships with preservation partners across the state.”

Spong comes to MNHS after 16 years as a preservation specialist for the City of St. Paul where she implemented the city’s preservation program and staffed the Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission. Prior to her work in St. Paul, Spong worked at the State Historical Fund for the state of Colorado. She has also served as a member of the Minnesota Historic Resources Advisory Committee, which is administered by MNHS. Spong was born in southwestern Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Housing with a concentration in the areas of historic preservation, design and technology.

About MNHS
The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history. Visit us at mnhs.org.

The Minnesota Historical Society is supported in part by its Premier Partners: Xcel Energy and Explore Minnesota Tourism.