Dakota County Government: Historical Society Presents State Geologist

Press release from the Dakota County Government:

2/2/2022

The Dakota County Historical Society will host a virtual book club presentation with Minnesota State Geologist Henry Thorleifson on discussion Thursday, Feb.17 at 7 p.m. Admission to the event is free. The presentation will coincide with the historical society's book club's featured book “Minnesota Geologist: The Life of Newton Horace Winchell" by Sue Leaf.

While registration for this event is free, donations are encouraged. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. No account is required to view the presentation once you receive the link. Contact the Lawshe Museum at 651-552-7548, or visit the Dakota County Historical Soceity website to reserve a spot.

At age 25, Newton Horace Winchell was a young geologist tasked with heading the Minnesota Geological and Natural History Survey. Winchell went on to chart the prehistory of the region, its era of inland seas, volcanic activity and its several ice ages. Since that time, the job and position of Minnesota's state geologist has changed.

Thorleifson is the current state g​eologist. He will present on the impact of Winchell as well as the many changes that have taken place since Winchell's time in the same role he now holds.

This press release was produced by the Dakota County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.