The Gunflint Trail Historical Society

President Terms of the Gunflint Trail Historical Society

Betty Hemstad 2006 – 2008

Sue Kerfoot 2008 – 2010

Fred Smith 2010 – 2012

Bob Baker 2012 – 2014

Dave Tuttle 2014 – 2016

Barb Bottger 2016 – 2018

Suzanne Weber 2018 – 2020

Bill Douglas 2020 – 2022

David Coleman 2022 – 2024

Richard Allyn 2024 – 2026

Vision

The Gunflint Trail Historical Society is the primary resource for history of the Gunflint Trail region.  The role of the Gunflint Trail Historical Society is threefold:  preservation, presentation, and participation.

Preservation of the cultural and natural history of the Gunflint Trail through

•   Collecting and storing historical artifacts, photographs, audio and visual stories and documents (including electronic storage)
•   Cataloging, describing, interpreting, and mapping historic sites of the Gunflint Trail 
•   Observing and documenting the natural history of the Gunflint Trail through recordings and citizen-science-based activities 

Presentation of the cultural and natural history of the Gunflint Trail through 

•   Exhibits and the library collection at Chik-Wauk Museum, the historic Watercraft collection, and the cabin replica
•   Science based displays and the extensive field guide and reference library at Chik-Wauk Nature Center 
•   Beautiful, well-maintained grounds and gathering places in a backdrop of native forest 
•   Speaker programs

Participation in the cultural and natural history of the Gunflint Trail through 

•   Providing opportunities to stimulate and inspire lifelong learning 
•   Interactive displays 
•   Hands-on multigenerational activities, both indoors and outdoors 
•   Hiking trails through the forest and along the lake where aquatic life, trees, wildflowers, birds and animals may be observed 
•   Opportunities to explore views of geological formations, waterways and large-scale landscape settings 

VALUES

Innovation

•   Offers dynamic exhibits, activities and events that stimulate and inspire inquiry 

Resourceful

•   Is a center of active listening and recording of stories 

Inclusivity

•   Considers the valuable input from all visitors 

Integrity 

•   Is a well-known national, state, and local destination 

Collaboration 

•   Partners with other organizations 

GOALS and STRATEGIES must…

•       be consistent with the mission
•       be financially viable
•       have organizational capacity (human resources) 
•       meet partnership requirements of USFS Special Use Permit
•       follow guidelines from the Cultural Landscape Review (CLR) Option 4 
•       positively impact the environment
•       be sustainable into the future
•       include measurable impact (project by project)