Work Proceeds to Create Counter Narratives to Racist Murals in St. Paul

End-of-Year Deadline Set to Complete Work

A community Task Force created by the Ramsey County Historical Society has begun work to change the art — and the racist  narratives it promotes — in the chambers shared by the St. Paul City Council and Ramsey County Courthouse.

The Task Force held its first meeting more than a month ago and but some basic details still are in the works. For instance, the names of Task Force members have not been released as the list is not yet final.

The Task Force expects to complete its work by November or December, according to an update from Chad Roberts, the Historical Society’s executive director.

Change is Coming to Racist Murals in St. Paul City Hall and You Can Play a Role

Task Force Volunteers Sought to Help Select Artists for New Installations in Chambers Used by the City Council and Ramsey County Commission

Four large murals in St. Paul City Hall depict white supremacy and Manifest Destiny, creating an unwelcoming space for many citizens who come there to speak to their elected council members and county commissioners. The Ramsey County Historical Society is creating a task force of community members to select and guide local artists in creating new art that will cover two of the four murals at any one time.

Advocacy still is needed to convince local leaders that all four murals should be moved to a different location, such as a museum. Still, there is a great opportunity for people to help select the new art. The Historical Society is seeking task force applicants, according to a recent posting on the Historical Society website. Chad Roberts, President of the Ramsey County Historical Society, will chair the 11-member group.

Here is the online application process.