A vital part of Minnesota’s science innovation and education has reached an important milestone. The Bakken Museum in Minneapolis is celebrating 50 years of bringing electricity and science education to life.
The museum has become a center for scientific research, exhibitions and archives, including a collection of rare books and instruments, as well as exhibits on electricity, architecture and much more.
“I think there’s just a deep love for learning and exploration and discovery within this organization,” said the museum’s vice president of programs, Anika Taylor. “I love the opportunities to work with visitors who are here to explore something and see them make a connection or make a discovery, or have a light bulb moment.”
Earl Bakken, famous for co-founding Medtronic and creating the first portable, battery-powered external pacemaker, founded the museum in 1975 in hopes of becoming a research center focused on “electricity in life.” It now also includes exhibits on plants, medicine and even Mary Shelley and her book “Frankenstein,” a particular Bakken inspiration.
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As a child, Bakken spent his time building and dismantling different electronic devices. When he saw the film version of “Frankenstein,” he knew he wanted to pursue a career in electrical engineering, which he studied at the University of Minnesota.
Taylor says the Mary Shelley exhibit is truly one of her favorites.
“I love it, because there are so many fun stories and ideas that tie into this exhibit, the story of who Mary Shelley was and what led her to write this story, the idea that this is somehow our first example of science fiction. , and that science fiction has, in turn, also inspired science and inspires the public to consider the science we do in different ways, because we can explore it in fictional domains.
The Bakken Museum. photographed on September 18, 2020, is located on the west bank of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. Founded by Earl Bakken in 1975, it features interactive exhibits for all ages and STEM education programs.
Courtesy of the Bakken Museum
Interim Vice President of Advancement Stu Silberman says what makes the Bakken special is how it “invests in the future of the state of Minnesota while leveraging its wonderful historic past.” A past that began before the museum became a non-profit organization and was established at its current location, Bde Maka Ska, in 1975. Before that, Bakken collected artifacts and literature at his company headquarters.
The Bakken is a popular excursion destination with hands-on opportunities like the shock circle that plays with static electricity that sticks students’ hair to its ends or the Bakkenspiel, an interactive musical workshop. Board member Heather Walch loves seeing students light up.
“My favorite thing is the kids visit the Bakken when they learn something new, and they don’t really realize they’re learning something because it’s fun and it’s just full of laughter” , Walch said.
Through its STEM education program, the Bakken Museum has begun offering educational programs on the road to sites and schools across the state, where educators spend a week with students.
Taylor hopes the museum continues to change its status as a “hidden gem.”
“Whether it’s visiting our museum or taking us to any corner of the state where people are, we would like to involve as many people in celebrating this 50th anniversary,” he said. she declared.
The museum will organize events throughout the year to mark its milestone anniversary, including a party in October and family discovery days throughout the year, as well as their 21+ “Bakkenalia” events.