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Museum rises out of mill ruins
by Greta Cunningham, Minnesota Public Radio
August 25, 2003

Part of the mill that was ruined by fire in 1991. (MPR Photo/Greta Cunningham)

Minneapolis, Minn. — A new museum in Minneapolis has been built from charred ruins. The Minnesota Historical Society is getting ready to open its Mill City Museum on the banks of the Mississippi River.

The MHS bought the mill site after a large fire in 1991 almost destroyed the old Washburn Crosby Mill. The museum will show visitors the story of how Minneapolis came to be the milling capital of the world in the 1880s.

	Nina Archabal

At the industry's peak, the Washburn A Mill was the most technologically advanced, and the largest in the world. At peak production, it ground enough flour to make 12 million loaves of bread in a day. The mill closed in 1965.

The museum opens on Sept. 13. Minnesota Public Radio's Greta Cunningham recently toured the $32 million Mill City Museum with Nina Archabal, the director of the Minnesota Historical Society.

The museum features several exhibit areas which highlight the history of the milling industry in the city, the mechanics of the mill, and the development of products made from wheat by Pillsbury, General Mills and other companies based in the area.

To listen to Greta's interview with Nina Archabal, click the audio link in the right column.

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