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Vesterheim’s “Innovators & Inventors” lecture series looks at military contributions
Free Zoom presentations are today and Nov. 15 at 7 p.m.
DECORAH —Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, continues free online presentations this month connected with the new exhibit “Innovators & Inventors.” The exhibit and lecture series are sponsored by the Tomson Family Foundation.
The lecture series brings together some of the most creative and inspiring Norwegian-American leaders, thinkers, and artists working today, and the two November sessions focus on historic innovation. Visit vesterheim.org to register for the Zoom links.
Today at 7 p.m., Jamie Holmes will recount the dramatic story of the scientists of Section T, headed by Dr. Merle Tuve, and their work to develop the proximity fuse, which was an invaluable asset to the Allies in World War II. Holmes is the author of “12 Seconds of Silence: How a Team of Inventors, Tinkerers, and Spies Took Down a Nazi Superweapon.”
On Nov 15 at 7 p.m., learn more about the important Norwegian-Americans brothers, Merle A. and Richard L. Tuve, from Merle’s daughter, Lucy Tuve Comly, and Richard’s daughter, Christine Tuve Burris. The Tuve brothers made significant contributions to the fields of physics and chemistry that were of critical importance during World War II. Merle’s discoveries led to the development of radar technology and the proximity fuse for military weapons. Richard worked to increase the survival rate of military personnel stranded in the ocean.
The exhibit “Innovators & Inventors” celebrates the creativity and ingenuity of Norwegian immigrants and their descendants in America. The exhibit covers everything from Karsten Solheim’s ergonomic golf putters to the pacemaker, invented by Earl Bakken.
In addition to patents, drawings, models and artifacts, Vesterheim shares the stories behind the creations and shines a light on some unknown Norwegian immigrants and their descendants who helped make the world a better place. The exhibit also prominently includes contemporary innovators and inventors.
More presentations by Norwegian-American innovators from around the country will be scheduled through the winter and spring. Look for an updated schedule at vesterheim.org.
Richard Tuve is shown in this photo provided by Vesterheim. Tuve and his brother Merle Tuve, of Norwegian-American descent, made significant contributions to the fields of physics and chemistry that were of critical importance during World War II. They are featured in Vesterheim's "Innovators & Inventors" exhibit and lecture series for November. (Vesterheim)
