Making History: Local Historical Society Launches Interactive Exhibit

Got a story from your days at Black Dog  High, as BHS was known in the town's early days? Or maybe something interesting happened last week? The Burnsville Historical Society has issued a call: Come and share your stories at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center.

The society debuted its first exhibit last Thursday. The Burnsville Historical Society itself is a rather new organization. It was officially recognized as a chapter of the Dakota County Historical Society in June. Since then, the fledgling organization has launched a website, burnsvillehistory.org, and opened up a headquarters at 190 South River Ridge Circle.

Their latest venture takes place at the BPAC Gallery, which they have transformed into a "Time Machine" during this exhibition, known as "Stories of Burnsville." According to event organizers, this is no typical historical show. 

"We've recorded nearly twenty videotape conversations so far—many with those who were here when Burnsville Township was nearly all farms, and the population was about 550," Jeff Jerde said in a press release from the group.

Flat screen televisions in the space, showing the interviews on a continuous loop. Topics include the development of Buck Hill and Bloomington's infamous attempt to annex the fledgling community.

The exhibit also includes a small video studio to do interviews in the gallery itself.

"The exhibition itself is a great opportunity to capture stories," said Len Nachman, a key member of the group, adding that the call is out to "anyone who has a Burnsville story or memory to relate, whether from last week or a century ago."

The exhibit will run until the end of the month.