About Our School

What is a folk school?

The folk school tradition traces its origins to Scandinavian countries, with NFS Grundtvig of Denmark coining the term 'schools for life' as part of his philosophy of education, and of his vision for strengthening and empowering communities. Our folk school focuses on an unplugged, deliberate approach, with an emphasis on intergenerational learning that is fun, collaborative and restorative.

MMFS Mission

Our mission is to enrich lives and strengthen community by inviting all people to discover the joy of creating together from a folk school tradition.

 

MMFS Vision

Our vision is to make a better world by building community, encouraging curiosity, and celebrating the gift of beauty in all we create.

 

MMFS Values

    • We value a culture that supports learners and teachers.
    • We invite all communities to gather in the joy of making.
    • We believe in the restorative value of our natural environment, and in our responsibility to protect it.
    • We strive to be a positive presence, seeking to nurture, support, and champion the communities we serve.

Our Board

8 men and women represeting the folk school stand in a line against a backdrop of green trees

From left: Matt Smith, Julie McGarvie, Nanc MacLeslie, Robin Brooksbank (Marine Mills Folk School Founder and Board Chair), Andy Wallace, Kathy Marker, Greig Tennis, Christa Getchell. Not pictured: Jenni Corbett, Molly Sanford.

 

Robin Brooksbank, Board Chair. Community volunteer, former city council member and board member for a variety of nonprofits, retired co-owner of manufacturing company.

Nanc MacLeslie, Secretary. On the founding Board of Marine Community Library, professional skills in marketing and communications, singer and musician who has often performed for local non-profit benefits.

Kathy Marker. Retired YMCA Day Camp Project Manager and Director of Volunteers; long-time community volunteer.

Julie McGarvie. Returned to the area as an adult after growing up in Chisago County. Always interested in the arts, professionally she has focused on strategic communications and creative production for arts and cultural organizations.

Matthew Smith. Local resident and volunteer, retired County Manager of Dakota County. Prior roles include Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Revenue, and Director of Finance, City of St. Paul.

Andy Wallace. Owner of construction company for 20+ years, long-time local volunteer for a variety of organizations.

 

Reports and Forms

Annual Impact Reports

2023-2024 Impact Report

2022 Annual Report

2021 Annual Report

2020 Annual Report

990 Forms

2023 Form 990

2022 Form 990

2021 Form 990

Our Shared Stories

Sawmill in Marine MIlls courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society

History of Marine Mills

Founded in 1839, Marine Mills was the site of the first commercial sawmill in what would become the state of Minnesota.  As lumbering became less of a dominant economic force, Twin Cities residents became increasingly interested in the area for its natural beauty and access to the St. Croix River.  In an effort to emphasize the area's  pastoral beauty, the city name was changed to 'Marine on St. Croix' in 1912, as 'Marine Mills' was felt to be too industrial.