Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Imholte.
We’ve been impressed with The Bakken Museum, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart?
The Bakken Museum inspires a passion for innovation by exploring the potential of science, technology, and the humanities to make the world a better place. At the heart of our mission is a steadfast commitment to STEM equity and belonging through open-ended, experiential learning and the power of curiosity. We reach 40,000 people a year, including partnering with over 150 schools across the region, to do just that. The Bakken Museum invites visitors to engage actively with hands-on exhibits, participate in community events, and participate in workshops and summer camps. Our outreach initiatives are dedicated to delivering a comprehensive STEM curriculum to students across Minnesota, with a particular emphasis on reaching those who might not otherwise have access to high-quality STEM education.
We’re known for our beautiful museum full of experiences that entertain and inspire and for our outreach programs, where we bring the Bakken Museum to schools, libraries, and community centers across the Twin Cities metro area and the state. These innovative STEM programs encompass theatre-based assembly performances and hands-on, in-classroom workshop options. Designed to impart solid STEM skills, they also foster the development of confidence, curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving abilities. Community funding is pivotal in enabling The Bakken to bring these enriching programs to students who may not traditionally have access to such STEM enrichment opportunities.
The Bakken’s public events series invites community members to connect with our mission at our museum on the shores of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. Our full slate of events for 2024 can be found here (https://thebakken.org/events)
- Food trucks
- Drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Exploration of the museum inside and out
- Activities presented by museum educators and special guests
This year’s Bakkenalia dates are the evenings of June 6, July 18, and October 10.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest challenge we face is letting people know we’re here! We’re often called a “hidden gem,” – which is an incredible compliment. However, we wish we were less “hidden!” Our recent remodel has helped draw more attention to our building, and our exhibits and programs speak for themselves. See Come visit us and help spread the word so we can become a well-known gem!
We’d like to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
The museum was lucky that we had planned a remodel to begin in 2020 and had already anticipated lower revenue and attendance once the pandemic started, so the beginning was less of an initial hit than it was for other cultural institutions. We’re unlucky that we reopened our beautifully remodeled areas and exhibits during a pandemic and lost the usual boost an opening has. We’re fortunate to have an incredibly talented, deeply, and authentically engaged staff with the museum and our audiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thebakken.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebakkenmuseum/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebakkenmuseum/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bakken-museum
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-bakken-museum-minneapolis
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebakkenmuseum
