Here are a few things you can do to help save the Upper Post. Some have a greater impact than others and not everyone has the time to devote to meetings. So I've included a few items here, roughly from easiest to most involved.

These societies have the staff and experience to increase public awareness through press releases and press conferences. Your membership dollars help assure that they can continue their work.

• Preservation Alliance of Minnesota
• National Trust for Historical Preservation
• Friends of Fort Snelling

They track the number of inquiries they get on an issue, so your voice counts. I've included four letters to the politicians whose districts cover the Upper Post, complete with their addresses for your convenience.

• U.S. Senator Al Franken
• U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar
• U.S. Representative Keith Ellison
• Commissioner Peter McLaughlin of the Hennepin County Board

Public outcry in the 1950s saved the 1820s Fort Snelling from being plowed under by highway expansion. It turned the tide then and your voice can make a difference today.

Star Tribune
Editorial Department
425 Portland Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55488
Or use this link to send a letter through their web site.

Pioneer Press Opinion Page
345 Cedar St.
St. Paul, MN 55101

Commissioner Peter McLaughlin has been spearheading an effort to stabilize the buildings so we can buy time and find a solution for the site. Periodically he hosts meetings and brings the interested parties together to discuss progress, proposals, and difficulties. If you would like to get on the list so you know when a meeting is scheduled, drop Patrick R. Connoy a note and let him know you're interested in receiving notifications.

A lot of people lived on the Upper Post through the many years it was in service. Soldiers passing through as they were mustered into the Army, families of NCOs and officers who were stationed here, and doctors working at the hospital are all part of the rich history of this post. Many of the buildings were in use into the 1970s and a few into the early '90s. Your stories are part of the rich tapestry that breath life into what would otherwise be a few old buildings, sitting forlorn while the wrecking ball approaches.

If you would like to share your experiences feel free to email me with your story. Any anecdotes, pictures, or maps would be greatly appreciated.

Don't be shy about showing up, see what progress has been made, and add your voice to the chorus. Bring your ideas and your enthusiasm!

• When: Tuesday, September 14, 2010
• Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
• Where: Cavalry drill house (building 201). We'll get a sneak peak at the Boy Scout's remodeling job.

See you there!

We're constantly adding new projects, wrapping up old ones, looking for fresh ideas, and volunteers to help with all of the above. Check out the following page to see what we're up to.