“Half a Century of Hair-Raising Fun: Exploring the Wonders of Science at the Bakken Museum”

A cornerstone of Minnesota’s scientific innovation and education has reached a significant milestone. The Bakken Museum in Minneapolis is commemorating 50 years of making electricity and scientific education vibrant.

The museum has evolved into a central hub for scientific inquiry, display, and preservation, featuring an exceptional collection of rare books and instruments, alongside exhibits covering electricity, architecture, and beyond.

“There’s just a deep passion for learning, exploring, and discovering within this organization,” stated Anika Taylor, the museum’s vice president of programs. “I genuinely value the chance to collaborate with visitors who are here to explore something, witnessing them make connections, have discoveries, or experience illuminating moments.”

Earl Bakken, renowned for co-founding Medtronic and inventing the first external battery-operated pacemaker, established the museum in 1975 with the ambition of creating a research facility centered on “Electricity in Life.” The museum now also includes exhibitions on plants, medicine, and even Mary Shelley and her book “Frankenstein,” which has greatly inspired Bakken.

During his youth, Bakken dedicated his time to assembling and dismantling various electronic gadgets. After watching the film adaptation of “Frankenstein,” he realized he wanted to embark on a career in electrical engineering, a field he studied at the University of Minnesota.

Taylor mentions that the Mary Shelley exhibition is particularly cherished.

“I absolutely adore it because there are so many engaging stories and concepts connected to this exhibit, including the biography of Mary Shelley and her motivations for writing that tale, the idea that this represents one of our earliest examples of science fiction, and that such science fiction has, in return, inspired scientific endeavors and encourages the public to view the science we conduct in diverse ways as we explore it within fictional dimensions.”

Interim Vice President of Advancement Stu Silberman emphasizes that what distinguishes the Bakken is how it “invests in the future of Minnesota while drawing on its wonderfully rich history.” This history traces back before the museum transitioned into a nonprofit and was established at its current site on Bde Maka Ska in 1975. Prior to that, Bakken had been amassing artifacts and literature at his company’s headquarters.

The Bakken is a favored destination for field trips, offering interactive experiences such as the shock circle that plays with static electricity, making students’ hair stand on end, and the Bakkenspiel, an interactive musical workshop. Heather Walch, a board member, enjoys observing students’ reactions.

“My absolute favorite aspect is witnessing the excitement of the kids visiting the Bakken as they learn something new; they often aren’t even aware they’re learning because it’s so fun and full of laughter,” Walch commented.

Through its STEM education initiative, the Bakken Museum has begun to take its educational programs on the road, visiting sites and schools across the state where educators spend a week engaging with students.

Taylor aspires for the museum to continue shifting away from its “hidden gem” image.

“Whether it involves visiting our museum or inviting us to any corner of the state, we would love to involve as many individuals as possible in celebrating this 50th year,” she expressed.

The museum is hosting a series of events throughout the year to commemorate its milestone birthday, which includes a celebration in October and family discovery day events throughout the year, along with their “Bakkenalia” 21+ events.