Soudan Mine - Then and Now - with James Pointer, Interpretive Supervisor at Soudan Underground Mine State Park, and Al Lipke, Outreach Education Coordinator at Soudan Underground Physics Lab

2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$3,013

Project of

Arrowhead Library System Legacy Grant SFY 2014 - SFY 2015

Fund Source

Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund

Recipient Type

Libraries

Status

Completed

Start Date

March 2015

End Date

April 2015

Activity Type

Education/Outreach/Engagement

Fund Administration

Counties Affected

Carlton

Itasca

Koochiching

Lake

St. Louis

Project Overview

Pointer will share the story of the mining operations and the role the state has played in fostering other research. Pointer will also discuss current happenings with their bat population. An unexpected benefit of maintaining the underground mine is the cutting edge research facility it now houses. Lipke will explain why the mine is the perfect location for the physics lab that takes advantage of the depth of overhead rock, low background radiation levels, and constant environmental conditions. Lipke will talk about how scientists from around the world travel 2,341 feet below the surface at the Soudan Underground Laboratory to answer questions about the universe we live in.

Project Details

238 participated

Project Details: 2015 Fiscal Year

Legal Citation / Subdivision

Laws of Minnesota for 2013 Chapter 137, Article 4, Section 2, Subdivision 4

2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$3,013

Other Funds Leveraged

$2,703

Direct expenses

$5,717

Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

The intended outcome of the program is to stimulate patron imagination, creativity and interest in Minnesota history. This multi-faceted program covered the history of the Soudan Underground Mine, plight of the bat, and the repurposing of the mine as an international education and research facility. A survey was distributed to receive feedback from those attending the programs.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Surveys were distributed to participants at all programs. 86% strongly agreed that this was an enjoyable experience and 81% strongly agreed that they would attend a similar event. Comments: I liked the nice mixture of nature, science and history. I wasn't familiar with the Soudan mine and I learned about different types of bats. It was enjoyable to be able to speak one on one with the presenters.

Source of Additional Funds

17 libraries provided space (or partnered with two schools), staff, and additional promotion for the programs and approximately 16 regional newspapers provided marketing through press releases, photos and interviews with artists and performers.