Even though some urged Laurence McKinley Gould — a polar explorer and geologist known as “Mr. Antarctica” — to enter politics or even run NASA, he instead chose to devote his considerable talents toward furthering the fortunes of higher education while leading Carleton College as the institution’s fourth president. Listen to Carleton College Archivist Eric Hillemann present “A Beacon So Bright: The Life of Laurence McKinley Gould” at the Northfield Historical Society Thursday, June 19, at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
The Northfield History Month celebration includes a number of events that will end with a festive fireworks display July 4. In addition, local stores will display historic photos from the Save the Depot organization that document the rich history of the role of railroads in the area’s thriving agricultural businesses and industries.
Five of the month’s six remaining events are free and open to the public, including a day of free admission to the Northfield Historical Society museum:
June 22: Free admission to the Northfield Historical Society museum
June 26: Opening of “Northfield Wheels: A History of the Automobile” exhibit featuring a show by the Sundowners Car Club
June 27: History Mystery Pub Crawl in Northfield
July 2: Books and Stars with the historic Fort Snelling Band
July 4: Vintage baseball game
July 4: Fireworks