Extraordinary footage and unforgettable stories of strength and survival are part of “Minnesota Disasters,” a new exhibit at the Stearns History Museum January 28 – March 18, 2012. Minnesotans are no strangers to man-made or natural disasters. They have faced devastating swarms of grasshoppers, tornadoes, fires and floods. Using photos, text and film, “Minnesota Disasters” explores the preparation, reaction and aftermath to catastrophe in our state. Intertwined with details of those calamities are the incredible stories of human vulnerability and resilience.
The Minnesota Historical Society’s exhibit includes two area disasters, the Grasshopper Plague of 1873 and the 1886 cyclone. In addition photographs and items from the Stearns History Museum’s collection highlight snowstorms, floods and lightning strikes. The highlight of our local collection is photographs from the infamous cyclone that wiped out Sauk Rapids making St. Cloud the center of commerce in Central Minnesota.
This exhibit is on temporary loan from the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul and will be traveling to venues throughout Minnesota.
The Minnesota Historical Society Traveling Exhibits Program has been made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on November 4, 2008.
Photographs of Stearns County disasters are available upon request.
There is no charge for Stearns History Museum members; admission for non-members is $5. For information about this exhibit or the Museum, please call (320) 253-8424. The American Association of Museums accredits the Stearns History Museum and Research Center. It is located at 235 33rd Avenue South in St. Cloud.