Cyclomania: The History of Bicycles & Bicycling

From its origins as a substitute for horse-powered transport in the early 1800s, the bicycle has become perhaps the most ubiquitous human-powered vehicle in the modern world. Join us as we discuss over 200 years of bicycle history and the people, events, and organizations that influenced its progress along the way, with special emphasis on the history of bicycling in Minnesota. Presented in conjunction with the current exhibition, “Spokes & Folks: The Evolution of Bicycles and Trails in Washington County,” assistant curator and researcher Christian Bjornson will use artifacts, images, and historic bicycles from the exhibit to bring alive the story of this important machine.

Christian Bjornson holds a MA in history from Norwich University. He was an assistant curator and researcher on the “Spokes & Folks” exhibition, and is an employee of the Washington County Historic Courthouse. A resident of Washington County, he also serves as a historical interpreter for the Minnesota Historical Society.

Photo courtesy of the Washington County Historical Society