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As stated in the introduction to Historic Resources in Minnesota: A Report of Their Extent, Location, and Need for Preservation, Submitted to the Minnesota Legislature by the Minnesota Historical Society (Minnesota Historical Society, 1979), "The 1977 State Legislature directed the Minnesota Historical Society 'to identify, inventory, and organize information about Minnesota's historical resources in a comprehensive plan.' It was anticipated that such a survey would be 'of inestimable use to the state, counties, cities, and regions in charting a course for historic preservation, recommending legislation needed in this field to the 1979 legislature, and bringing into sharp focus what programs and projects most need the State Historical Society's grant-in-aid program in the future'" (p. 1).

The heart of the RRVSGA collection is the transcripts of interviews conducted with several dozen individuals involved in the sugarbeet industry in the Valley. Most of those interviewed are members of the RRVSGA, although former employees of the old American Crystal Company, some migrant laborers, and a few elected officials were also interviewed. Each interview transcription is fully described in the inventory. In addition to the transcript, a tape of the interview is also available.