Pavek Museum of Broadcasting facts for kids
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| Established | 29 October 1988 |
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| Location | St. Louis Park, Minnesota |
| Type | Telecommunications museum |
| Founder | Joe Pavek, Earl Bakken, Paul Hedberg |
The Pavek Museum is a special place in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. It holds one of the world's most important collections of old radio and television equipment. The museum started with the collection of Joe Pavek. He began gathering unique radios in 1946 while teaching at the Dunwoody Institute. Joe was worried about old radios being destroyed by students.
Contents
History of the Pavek Museum
How the Museum Began
Joe Pavek's collection grew a lot through the 1970s. He then looked for someone to take over his amazing collection. It was hard to find the right person. In 1984, Joe was about to sell everything at an auction. But then, Earl Bakken stepped in to help.
Earl Bakken was the founder of Medtronic. He also invented the first wearable pacemaker. Earl had spent many years fixing old radios and TVs. He shared Joe Pavek's strong interest in vintage electronics.
Opening Day for the Museum
Joe Pavek and Earl Bakken joined forces with Paul Hedberg. Paul was from the Minnesota Broadcasters Association. Together, they created a nonprofit organization. This group would manage the new museum.
The Pavek Museum officially opened its doors on October 29, 1988. This day was even honored by Governor Rudy Perpich. He made a special declaration calling it "Joe Pavek Day."
Expanding the Museum's Collection
Joe Pavek passed away a year after the museum opened. Earl Bakken then took charge of the organization. In 1990, the museum's collection became much larger. It added the amazing items from John T. "Jack" Mullin.
Jack Mullin was a veteran from the Army Signal Corps during World War II. He brought some special AEG Magnetophon tape recorders back from Germany. Mullin used these recorders to tape Bing Crosby's radio shows. This was the very first time magnetic tape was used in American broadcasting. Over the years, he collected many other recording devices. His collection became famous around the world.
Learning at the Museum
The Pavek Museum has offered educational classes since it first opened. These courses are for both children and adults. They help people learn about the history of radio and television.
Other Collections Like This One
- Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago, Illinois
- Museum of Broadcast Technology in Woonsocket, Rhode Island
