The "Who Built the Capitol?" project is off and running. David Riehle, experienced local labor historian, has plunged into the archives at the Minnesota History Center and the Minnesota State Capitol to find original sources about the workers who participated in the construction of the building between 1896 and 1907, as well as workers who have continued to do restoration and maintenance on the statehouse up to the present.

We can really use the help of many people to find this information, most of which has not yet been uncovered by historians - that's why we're undertaking this project. If you have any of the following knowledge, or know someone else who might know, please contact project director Randy Croce, 612-625-5546 or rcroce@umn.edu.

• A grandparent or other family member who worked on the Capitol
• Any records your Minnesota building trade or related union has that go back to the late 1800s and early 1900s in your union hall, training center, your international's office or a private collection. While we're obviously looking at the trades, we want to tell the stories of other workers who made the Capitol possible, such as the men who worked in the quarries, the Teamsters who hauled materials and seamstresses and carpenters who made drapes and furniture.
• A union member, staff or someone related to the union, who has taken an interest in the history of the local, the trade or labor in general, who might know something about the Capitol construction.
• Any construction contractor or other company that may have worked on the Capitol.

We know that at least six workers died in the building process, but MHS only has the names and circumstances of two of them. Dave has found the story of an additional worker so far. We would like to know about all of them so that they can be remembered and honored.