8.2. Handout July 23, 2024Nnwfa�4
1�7i� MINNESOTA
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
July 22, 2024
Zack Carlton
Community Development Director
City of Elk River
13065 Orono Parkway NW
Elk River, MN 55330
Dear Zack,
Ju� 2'31 MY
Thank you for reaching out to the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) regarding the development plan
for the Specht property adjacent to the Oliver H Kelley Farm in Elk River. We appreciate the opportunity
to review preliminary concepts and provide feedback to ensure that the proposed development protects
the Oliver H Kelley Farm, a historic site that holds statewide and national significance, while benefiting
the future of the Elk River community.
The Oliver H Kelley Farm is a significant part of the historical landscape of Minnesota and the
surrounding community. Operated by the Minnesota Historical Society, this site has held stories,
memories, and meanings for many different groups of people across its history. The site is part of the
statutorily -defined Historic Sites Network, outlined in Minnesota Statutes, Section 138.662, Subdivision
27. Its designation as a National Historic Landmark, the highest designation by the US Department of
the Interior, in 1964, has enabled us to preserve and present these stories to audiences who seek deep
and authentic engagement with the past. As a result of this mission -driven work, we are proud to share
that the farm today holds wide appeal for school children, agricultural organizations, history enthusiasts,
and family audiences alike.
Part of this appeal arises from our ability to recreate and reanimate, at scale, the 1860s home farmstead
of Oliver Hudson Kelley and his family. Our visitors come to the site with the expectation that they can
step back in time and experience a mid -nineteenth century farm at its peak. A housing development
within view will no doubt impact this experience, which is why we are eager to work together to explore
ways to mitigate this impact.
One of the major concerns our site has in regards to a housing development on the adjacent property is
viewshed or what the visual impact would be on the visitor experience at the site. Our visitors come to
the site with an expectation that they can step back in time to see a farm operating in the 1860's. Having
a housing development within view could have a significant impact. We do believe that there are ways to
mitigate this impact through design of the site and we look forward to conversations about how this may
be accomplished.
MNHS Letter to Citv of Elk River
Page 2
We are excited to learn that this development will include green space, parks, and trails. The Oliver H
Kelley Farm is interested in connecting with a trail system for the benefit of the community and our
visitors. We have some existing trails already on site and are interested in discussing how the site can be
a part of further trail connections between the historic site and the region.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to comment and share our concerns regarding this proposed
housing development. We look forward to working together as this proposal moves forward.
Sincerely,
David Kelliher Alyssa Olson
Vice President, Public Policy Site Manager, Oliver H Kelley Farm Historic Site
Minnesota Historical Society Minnesota Historical Society