“Electrifying Minnesota,” a new exhibit at the Mower County Historical Society on view from now through Sept. 9, illuminates the powerful ways electricity has transformed lives in Minnesota for well over 100 years.

Imagine what it was like, for the first time, to have electricity available at the flick of a switch. Discover what makes the miracle of generating electricity possible. Learn what people thought about electricity in the late-19th and early-20th centuries and how we will generate it in years to come. Period silent films, photography and an interactive electromagnetic generator all reveal the power of electricity and how it shapes our lives as Minnesotans.

This exhibit was created by The Baaken Museum in partnership with the Minnesota History Center. It is on temporary loan from the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul and will be traveling to venues throughout Minnesota.

Also on view will be a complimentary exhibit entitled “Bringing Light to Mower County: The Arrival of Electricity.” The local display talks about the first street lights in Austin in the late 1800s and the arrival of electricity on rural Mower County farms in the 1930s. Also featured will be photographs from the Mower County Historical Society collection and newspaper articles from the time.

The Minnesota Historical Society Traveling Exhibits Program has been made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008.

Admission to the Electrifying MN/Bringing Light to Mower County exhibits is free. Officially tours open on the rest of the buildings May 3 through the end of September. Tours are $5 per person, but are free for members. Reduced rates for seniors and children are available. MCHS is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

April 2016 Lunchbox History Series

The Lunchbox History Series for April was at noon today in the Pioneer Building of the Mower County Fair, hosted by Historical Society Executive Director John Haymond.
Future Lunchbox History Series dates: May 26, June 23, July 28, Aug. 25, Sept.22, Oct. 27.
All presentations are at noon. Bring your lunch and a friend! The presentation is free and open to everyone, but donations are always appreciated! Call 437-6082 for more information.