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April 2004
"Mystique of mobility" on display at Minnesota History Center
A new Minnesota History Center exhibit, "Going Places: The Mystique of Mobility," explores how America’s attraction to mobility has shaped Minnesota. Past, present, and future modes of transportation, such as hot-air balloons, streetcars, bicycles, and rockets, are a part of the exhibit, as well as multimedia programs and hands-on activities for the entire family.
Throughout Minnesota’s history, the allure of movement has shaped our lives and permanently altered the landscape. Many people have begun to question the transportation choices we have made, leading to increasing freeway gridlock in the Twin Cities. “Going Places” will inform visitors about contemporary mobility issues and alternative modes of commuting, and look at the future of Minnesota’s transportation choices, including the Hiawatha light-rail line.
A highlight of the ongoing exhibit is a 1950s-era rocketship. Visitors can also create their own personalized vehicle, crank the engine of a 1915 Model T, climb aboard a 1950s Soo Line boxcar, and learn about Minnesota-based companies such as Northwest Airlines and the Great Northern Railway.
“Going Places,” part of the Minnesota History Transportation Network, is funded in part by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) through the U.S. Department of Transportation. “We are indebted to Congressman James Oberstar to make this exhibit possible, along with major funding for some of our other recent site projects,” says Loris Sofia Gregory, exhibits developer.
A focus group that helped plan the exhibit included Robert Johns, CTS director; Max Donath, ITS Institute director; John Adams, chair of the University of Minnesota’s geography department; and Richard Braun, founding director of CTS.
A related program is being planned for Statehood Day on Tuesday, May 11, from 7–8 p.m., with the exhibit open until 9:00 p.m. A panel discussion will feature Professor Adams, Minnesota Senate Minority Leader Dick Day, and representatives of transit, environmental, and taxpayer groups. The goal is to inspire people to think about what kind of Minnesota they want to live in and how their daily transportation choices shape Minnesota, Gregory says. For more information, please call 651-296-6126, TTY 651-282-6073, or visit the Minnesota Historical Society website.