Freshwater celebrates 50th Anniversary

by Mary Salisbury, development officer

We want you to help us celebrate!

This year marks Freshwater’s fiftieth anniversary. In 1968, a local businessman and visionary group of individuals and institutions came together to create the very first freshwater research lab in Minnesota. Fifty years later, we are celebrating that legacy and the decades of work for water that followed.

One way we’re doing so is to publish the story of our evolution over 50 years. Part of the project includes a timeline with images and vignettes from the students, researchers, scientists, and citizens who have contributed to our work over the years. Please stay tuned in October for the release of this history publication ­— and throughout the year to read more stories in print and online.

We’re also celebrating with a birthday party: our 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Minnesota History Center on October 25. As a guest you’ll enjoy complimentary entrance to the gallery exhibit, 1968. Wow, 1968 really was quite a year! You’ll hear from special guests about the continued importance of our work for water ­— then and now.

You are a key part of this story. We sincerely hope you will join us to celebrate the past, present, and future of healthy water in our state!