Although many people have heard of Ole Evinrude’s outboard motor or John Tokheim’s gasoline pump, many more Norwegian Americans have made significant contributions to our daily lives. Innovators and Inventors is an exciting new exhibit from Vesterheim that celebrates the creativity and ingenuity of Norwegian immigrants and their descendants in America.
The exhibit will cover everything from Karsten Solheim’s ergonomic golf putters to the pacemaker, invented by Earl Bakken. We’ll also meet people like Harriet Lovseth, the South Dakota teacher who invented a chalk holder to keep her students a little bit cleaner at the end of the day.
In addition to patents, drawings, models, and artifacts, Vesterheim will share the stories behind the creations and help shine a light on some unknown Norwegian immigrants and their descendants who helped make the world a better place. We’re not just focused on innovations of the past, however. Contemporary innovators and inventors will also be featured prominently in the exhibit.
The exhibit is sponsored by the Tomson Family Foundation.
Check back for a schedule of special events and online activities.
