SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, Representative Samakab Hussein (DFL-Saint Paul) held a press conference with local leaders and community advocates to address the historical preservation efforts of the Justus Ramsey House through legislative action. Rep. Hussein is the House sponsor of HF 3517, which would allocate funding for the relocation of the Justus Ramsey Stone House.
“The Justus Ramsey Stone House is a symbol of St. Paul’s diverse cultural heritage,” said Rep. Hussein, Vice Chair of the House Legacy Committee. “The relocation of the house would mark a significant step in preserving local history and showcasing the stories of the communities that have contributed to the city’s identity.”
Justus Ramsey came to Minnesota in 1849 with his brother Alexander Ramsey, who had been appointed Minnesota’s first territorial governor. For about 40 years, from the 1890s to 1933, the 170-year-old limestone cottage on W. 7th Street was home to railroad porters and hair stylists, shopkeepers, and domestic servants, according to research compiled by local historian Jim Sazevich and preservation champion Tom Schroeder. The area was the center of Black life in St. Paul before the ascent of the Rondo neighborhood.
Marvin Roger Anderson, the Executive Director of the Rondo Center of Diverse Expressions and the Rondo Commemorative Plaza, shared his support of the legislation:
“I support the proposal put forth by the Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM) to relocate and restore the historic Justus Ramsey House. This endeavor is not only commendable but essential in preserving an integral piece of our community's past.
“The intervention of the MTM represents a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience of our community. By advocating for the relocation and restoration of the Ramsey House, we are not only salvaging a piece of history but reaffirming the principle that every voice and every story deserves to be heard and preserved.”
The bill was laid over in the House Legacy Committee for possible inclusion in a future committee bill. Additional information and documents from the hearing are available on the committee webpage.
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