Exhibit Research for Inventing for Health: Minnesota's Biomedical Revolution
To hire a qualified consultant to research the history of the biomedical technology industry in Minnesota in preparation for a future exhibit.
Available upon request. Contact grants@mnhs.org
The application identified three short-term impacts, one intermediate impact, and one long-term impact. The short-term impacts were framed as goals to be accomplished within the grant period. These were exceeded or achieved, and detailed comments are below. The intermediate and long-term impacts are targets to be achieved after the conclusion of the project. Given our success in achieving our short-term goals, we anticipate meeting our intermediate and long-term targets as well.
Results were achieved/exceeded because the contractors working on the project were highly-experienced and talented. Bakken staff took considerable care to choose this contract staff. The project was a staff priority, and is part of a larger project that is an institutional priority. Finally, a $10,000 MHCH grant that preceded this one provided direction and established a strong basis for completing the work.
Comments regarding short-term impacts and progress indicators:
1. Learn about three new directions for research through the survey of historical archives, repositories and resources.
This was exceeded. The researcher uncovered a number of fascinating and relevant narratives. Several of these were pursued and resulted in interesting interviews. Others could be pursued at a later date.
2. Learn key historical stories of innovation that took place in Minnesota's Medical Alley that are supported by images, artifacts and video footage, indicated by the identification of historical resources to include in at least two exhibition components.
This was achieved, and as development on the broader "Inventing for Health" project continues, we may find that it was exceeded. As noted above artifacts and stories acquired through this project will be used in a small "prologue" exhibit to open spring of 2018. Video interviews will be used in a larger exhibition, and will be supported through additional narratives, archival resources and objects collected or identified through the project.
3. Identify the historical stories uncovered through this project that resonate with a diverse group of visitors.
We achieved this by testing portions of the video interviews with two focus groups. A report on the focus groups is attached.
Available upon request. Contact grants@mnhs.org