About Us

Who Built Our Capitol Research Team
Left to Right: Randy Croce, John Sielaff, Dan Ganley, Vickie Woodcock, Dave Riehle.
Photo by and courtesy of Gladys McKenzie. Used with permission.

Randy Croce -Project director and video producer.  Randy has been doing documentary work since 1976, initially as a still photographer, then in video, focusing first on American Indian communities. He has been a video producer at Labor Education Service, University of Minnesota, since 1990, where he researches, shoots and edits various programs and teaches media and labor history classes. He is a member of IATSE Local 219 and has been active on University of Minnesota governance committees. One of his special interests has been past and current immigration. Randy's documentary about Italian immigrant stonecutters, If Stone Could Speak, was broadcast by Twin Cities Public Television and has been screened internationally.

Dan Ganley-Retired pressman at the Star Tribune and member of Local 1M of the Graphic Communications International Union.  Dan obtained visual materials and did research for the project. He uncovered the roles and stories of female workers in the statehouse construction. Dan is a lifelong resident of the Twin Cities and is interested in the civic life of this area. He believes historical research is important as it "...reveals insight into our lives today."

David Riehle-White Bear Lake native and labor historian Dave Riehle wears many hats: he is a retired railroad engineer and labor union advocate, a long time member of Local 650 of the United Transportation Union, a published author in the area of US labor history, he is actively involved in historical preservation efforts in Saint Paul and he also conducts history tours as a Friend of the St. Paul Library. He has been doing research for the Capitol project since it's inception and is passionate about bringing the stories of the men and women who built the Minnesota Capitol building to light. 

John Sielaff-A retired carpenter, John's historical interests lay in the history of stonework, organized labor studies, and genealogy. A first rate researcher, John has traveled all over the United States, from California to New York City searching for details about the lives of the workers on the Capitol project.  John is 30 year member of the Carpenters Union, Local 322.

Victoria Woodcock-California native Vickie Woodcock is another member of the team who wears many hats: retired operating room nurse and professional librarian, she has had a long interest in the history of health care and did much of the research surrounding the fatalities that occured on the Capitol construction project. She also designed and built the website. And when not reading up about the past, she is an avid wood turner.

Labor Education Service, University of Minnesota-This website and video documentary project is coordinated by the Labor Education Service at the University of Minnesota.  LES is an educational program specifically focused on the needs of Minnesota workers and their organizations. Their mission is to equip workers, union officials and labor organizations with the knowledge-based tools to protect and advance their rights and responsibilities in a changing global socio-economic environment. An integral component of this mission is the use of media, including video production and web initiatives, like WorkDay Minnesota. Through these efforts, they foster economic vitality, ethical relations and social justice in the workplace, at home and in the community.   LES is a part of the Center for Center for Human Resources and Labor Studies at the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota.

Advantage Labs, Minneapolis, MN.  Barry Madore, Jeremiah Davis, and Allie Micka have provided technical strategy, ongoing planning, hosting and support services to help us build this site and keep it growing.