Earl Bakken’s doctor bag. Artifact preserved in the Earl Bakken Legacy Collection at The Bakken Museum.
The Earl Bakken Legacy Collection
In October 2018, Earl Bakken passed away at the age of 94, having lived a long life as an inventor, innovator, and source of inspiration for many in his home of Minnesota and around the world. He left behind a legacy of inspiration through his work and the collections he built for all to have access to.
As part of this legacy, Earl left a large collection of materials to The Bakken Museum. With the creation of the Earl Bakken Legacy Collection, visitors and researchers now have a fuller look into Earl’s life and legacy. With support from a Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grant, The Bakken Museum has processed over 1,100 objects and papers, which are now available to the public.
Explore the full collection and learn more from The Bakken Museum.
“Earl Bakken asked that the items that inspired him throughout his life be given to The Bakken Museum at the time he passed on. He dreamed that the story woven by the Bakken Museum through the objects and information would continue to inspire many new generations to create and invent in a way that will continue to help humankind and improve the world.”
— Georgine Busch, Bakken Family Office, LLC, Treasurer & Secretary