Water Wednesdays: History of the St. Louis River (RECORDING)
Join the St. Louis RIver Alliance as we welcome Heidi Bakk-Hansen and Gina Temple-Rhodes for our 3rd installment of "Water Wednesdays" a series of talks and events revolving around deepening understandings, connections, and stewardship of the land and our beloved River. Water Wednesdays will be held the 4th Wednesday of each month, March-September 2022. Originally recorded on May 25th, 2022.
During this presentation local historians and researchers, Heidi and Gina, discussed the history of the St. Louis River and Estuary, including early inhabitants, explorers, industrialization, and the 1970's cleanup efforts and formation of WLSSD. The history of the River is fascinating and so many people have played a part in renewing what was once a devastating situation. Though there is still much work to be done, we are making strides and can celebrate a cleaner river with the St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail and all of the projects and progress happening in the St. Louis River Area of Concern.
ABOUT OUR PRESENTERS:
Heidi Bakk-Hansen is a local historian, teacher and writer who has spent many lovely hours on the St. Louis River and Estuary in her little green kayak. Gina Temple-Rhodes is a self-described local history nerd. After years working for the National Park Service and WLSSD, she became a self-employed oral historian and interviewed local elders and those involved in Duluth’s recent past. She loves saving and sharing stories.
Additional links and resources where you can learn more:
Ojibwe History in the Twin Ports: www.duluthstories.net
St. Louis River Area of Concern Story Maps: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/waste/storymap-habitat-restoration-progress-slraoc
Sediment Clean Up Sites: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/saint-louis-river-area-concern-sediment-contaminant-data
Science and Stories of the St. Louis River: www.stlouisriverestuary.org
For photos, articles and more search 'Duluth Harbor' or 'St. Louis River' at MNDigital.org, UMD Archives or the Duluth Library
