106 Group: Connecting People, Place, and Time

09/08/2026

What can a broken bottle, fragment of pottery, or discarded object tell us about the past?

Join 106 Group for Free Archaeology Lab Tours: Uncovering Local Histories Through Archaeology and explore how archaeologists use artifacts and material evidence to connect people, place, and time. Through guided lab tours and interactive learning stations, participants will examine artifacts, learn archaeological methods, and discover stories from a recently excavated Twin Cities archaeological site.

Choose from four sessions:
• Saturday, September 19 | 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
• Saturday, September 19 | 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
• Saturday, September 26 | 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
• Saturday, September 26 | 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

📍 106 Group, 550 Vandalia St. Suite 102, St. Paul, MN

Register today:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-archaeology-lab-tours-uncovering-local-histories-through-archaeology-tickets-1999303327071

In honor of Archaeology Month, 106 Group will be hosting a series of free archaeology lab tours and interactive learning stations.

09/04/2026

Happy Labor Day weekend to our employees, clients, and partners. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and direct contributions to 106 Group’s growth and goals. It feels great to look back over the past year and see all we’ve achieved together.

Have a fantastic holiday weekend!

08/27/2026

When Nellie Stone Johnson won a seat on the Minneapolis Library Board in 1945, she became the first Black person elected to public office in Minneapolis.

Johnson was born on a farm in Dakota County and moved to Minneapolis to finish her high school degree. She worked as an elevator operator at the Minneapolis Athletic Club and helped to organize the club’s union. Her experience as a labor organizer inspired her passion for politics.

In addition to serving on the library board, Johnson also helped the Democratic and Farmer-Labor parties to merge. She played an important role in the passing of Minnesota’s Fair Employment and Fair Housing laws and served as the campaign manager for Van White, the first Black member of the Minneapolis City Council.

In 2022, a statue of Johnson was permanently installed at the Minnesota State Capitol. She was the first woman to be honored with a statue on the Capitol grounds.

Nellie Stone Johnson’s story was documented as part of the Minneapolis African American Historic and Cultural Context study. Learn how this study will help us identify and preserve places that are important to African American heritage in Minneapolis: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/property-housing/preservation/historic-preservation/current-studies/african-american-context/

08/21/2026

We're grateful to have been part of last month's National Alliance of Preservation Commissions Forum as a sponsor, connecting with preservation professionals from across the country, showcasing Minneapolis and the surrounding area, and welcoming attendees to our archaeology lab for an onsite tour. It was a fantastic opportunity to share our work, exchange ideas, and build new connections within the preservation community.

We're also proud to have contributed to the Minneapolis African American Historic and Cultural Context Study, which was recognized with NAPC's Best Practices: Identification & Registration Award.

Here's a four-minute video about the award: https://youtu.be/UwNKLyvpy18?si=PZSoMOnGc9shFg7G

08/12/2026

Historic places tell the story of a community. That's why 106 Group partnered with the City of La Crosse to develop a dedicated historic preservation chapter that integrates preservation into future planning efforts.

The chapter provides actionable recommendations to protect historic resources, celebrate cultural heritage, and ensure that growth enhances rather than diminishes the city's unique character.

Explore the project: https://106group.com/portfolio/la-crosse-preservation-plan/

Developed a dedicated historic preservation chapter to ensure clear, actionable strategies to strengthen preservation policies, protect historic places, and celebrate cultural traditions

08/10/2026

Strong partnerships help preserve and share history. In our latest blog, we walk through the Minnesota Historical Society Partnership Program, including what it is, how it works, and what organizations should know before getting started.

Read more: https://106group.com/your-ultimate-guide-on-the-mnhs-partnership-program/

Read about a great opportunity to fund partnerships. Learn how this pool money can be used to bring life your history related program.

08/04/2026

106 Group had a wonderful time celebrating together at our annual summer picnic at Vandalia Tower. We played a few friendly games of Jenga and mini air hockey, ate delicious food, and had lots of memorable conversations.

Thanks to everyone who made it such a fun event!

07/28/2026

Did you know July is National Bison Month?

As North America’s largest land mammal and a powerful symbol of prairie conservation, bison represent one of the greatest wildlife recovery stories in history. Their return helps restore grassland ecosystems while reconnecting us to the cultural and natural heritage of the region.

We're proud to have helped tell that story through our Spring Lake Park Reserve Bison Interpretation project, creating engaging experiences that connect visitors to the bison’s enduring legacy.

👉 Explore the project: https://106group.com/portfolio/spring-lake-park-reserve-bison-interpretation/

New signage enriches the visitor experience and fosters greater understanding of Bison

07/23/2026

Historic preservation, local history, and behind-the-scenes archaeology? Count us in!

106 Group is excited to sponsor the NAPC Forum and host an exclusive archaeology lab tour in our office. Come explore, connect, and discover.

Don’t miss out, we hope to see you there!

https://forum.napcommissions.org/tours

07/20/2026

106 Group at National Alliance of Preservation Commissions Forum

The NAPC FORUM 2026 and PreserveMN 2026 will be held jointly in Minneapolis from July 22–26. As the only national conference dedicated exclusively to historic preservation commissions and preservation staff, this biennial event attracts hundreds of local preservation commissioners, municipal staff, and volunteers from across the country.

106 Group is proud to sponsor the conference and will host an exclusive tour of our archaeology lab as part of the event’s mobile workshop offerings. Additional workshops include a walking tour exploring LGBTQ+ history in downtown Minneapolis and a bus tour of Rondo, St. Paul’s historic African American cultural district.

Learn more here: https://forum.napcommissions.org/tours