Community Collaboration--Zumbro River History and Science Project

The Zumbro River History and Science Project provided SELCO Libraries in the Zumbro Watershed with twelve presentations of high-quality history and science programs that educated and inspired the public about the wonders of the Zumbro River Valley. This project included the creation of one new program "Zumbro River History" by using information and pictures from the Zumbro Watershed History Project, a joint project of the History Center of Olmsted County and the Zumbro Watershed Partnership that has gathered a library of river history information. This program brought history to life for area residents, showing them what the river, landscape, and settlements looked like 100 years ago, and how things have changed over the last 100 years. The story of the river was told through historic photos, newspaper accounts, maps, diaries, and video-interviews of longtime residents. In addition to the performances, two new brochures were created -- "Learn More About Zumbro River History" and "Learn More About Zumbro River Science" -- that help adults and children extend their learning by using their local SELCO Library, the History Center of Olmsted County, and internet resources to learn more about the history or science of the Zumbro River.