Surveillance cameras to be upgraded at Hjemkomst Center as vandalism, thefts rise

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR-KFGO) – Moorhead’s Heritage Hjemkomst Center is looking at ways to protect the site as there are growing security problems inside and outside the center.

The Moorhead City Council unanimously approved a grant request for security cameras and software on Tuesday night.

Moorhead Parks and Recreation Director Holly Heitkamp says in the last year, there’s been a growing number of troubling incidents including theft of museum property, people hiding in the building, defacing the Stave Church, along with altercations with people who are aggressive, angry, and in an altered state.

Last week, windows were smashed out of two employees’ cars.

The City and the Clay County Historical and Cultural Society grant being applied for is funded by Minnesota’s “Legacy Amendment.” The grant request totals $63,579 with a $20,000 match from the city of Moorhead, for a total of $83,579.

The Hjemkomst Center is owned and operated by the Moorhead Parks and Recreation Department.