Come learn about fascinating archival materials, tour the underground storage caverns, mingle with public health colleagues and friends.

The Elmer L. Andersen Library sits along the Mississippi River bluff; however, its true wonder lies some 80 feet below ground, where archives and special collections are housed in two caverns carved out of sandstone that span nearly the size of four football fields. The collections represent one of the largest archives at a public university.

Three half-hour tours will be offered and are limited to 15 people each. 

Pre-registration is encouraged to secure your spot on the cavern tour!

Selected documents, books, and artifacts will be exhibited from the collections of the Minnesota Public Health Association archives, UMN School of Public Health archives, and the UMN Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine. Presentations by Linnea Anderson Archivist, Social Welfare History Archives; Lois Hendrickson Curator, Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine, and Erik Moore, Head, University Archives & Director, University Digital Conservancy, University Archives. For a preview, check out the MPHA archives video!

Light refreshments will be served.

This event is open to MPHA members and friends. Donations to support the event are appreciated.

Parking & Public Transit

Elmer L. Andersen Library (Andersen Library) sits on the West Bank of the Mississippi River near Willey Hall and the University Law School’s Mondale Hall.

Parking is recommended in University parking’s Lot C86 as the closest parking facility to Andersen Library. The lot lies directly north-west of Andersen Library. 

University Parking and Transportation Services has up-to-date information about transit options, biking, parking, and other campus transportation needs.

Accommodations

If you need accommodations, please email Merry Grande, admin@mpha.net.

Sponsored by MPHA, the University of Minnesota Libraries Social Welfare History Archives, and School of Public Health.