Justus Ramsey House Update: April 5, 2024

[Saint Paul, MN] - The Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM) has emerged as the proud winner of the Justus Ramsey House Reconstruction Project, an exciting development that promises to further enrich the historical narrative of Saint Paul's West Seventh Neighborhood.
The Justus Ramsey House, an iconic stone house with a history dating back to the early 1850s, holds a special place in the heart of the community. This historic gem has been a witness to the ever-evolving landscape of the neighborhood, from its origins as Dakota and Anishinaabe land to its present-day status as a vibrant and diverse community. The house was designated as one of Minnesota's National Registered Historic Places in 1975 and holds dual Saint Paul Heritage Designation Site designations, providing it with protected status.

Despite its storied past and recognition, the Justus Ramsey House faced various challenges that necessitated its methodical deconstruction in the winter of 2023. In response, a dedicated group of community partners and stakeholders, led by members of the West 7th/Fort Road Federation (District Council 9) and Historic St. Paul, initiated a Request for Proposal process to ensure the preservation of this historical landmark. The Request for Proposal was released to the public on May 24th. Four letters of intent were received, three met the minimum criteria and were invited to submit a full proposal. In the end, two full proposals were received and scored,  and ultimately the Minnesota Transportation Museum was awarded the reconstruction project.

The Minnesota Transportation Museum's vision for the Justus Ramsey House is both ambitious and inspiring. This iconic house will become an integral part of the museum's ongoing mission, emphasizing the history of Minnesota railroading and providing an opportunity to delve into the rich history of St. Paul's African American community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With the house's relocation, the connections between the local railroading industry and the community will be more prominently showcased. The house will provide an ideal setting to explore the home life of African American railroad industry workers and their families, who played a vital role in the development of the neighborhood.

The museum's recent "Twin Tracks" exhibit, focusing on the working lives of local African American railroad industry workers, including Pullman Porters and Red Caps, serves as a testament to the commitment to preserving this important history. This exhibit, featuring artifacts, photographs, and informative pop-up banners, offers a unique perspective on the daily working life within the industry. The Justus Ramsey House will complement this narrative by recreating the house in a manner that accurately reflects its exterior appearance during the time it was occupied by members of the African American community, spanning several decades.
The Minnesota Transportation Museum is determined to interpret the story of home life as comprehensively and authentically as possible, further strengthening its relationship with the local African American community and enhancing its presentation.

The Justus Ramsey House Reconstruction Project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering commitment to preserving shared heritage. It is a significant step towards revitalizing a crucial piece of Saint Paul's history and ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from it.