Lakota Visions focus of next Higher Ed program

Cook County Higher Education’s next guest lecture series is The Spirit and the
Sky: Lakota Visions of the Cosmos.

It will be presented from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, by Dr. Mark Hollabaugh. The focus will be on Native American astronomy.

In the 19th century the Lakota (western Sioux) had a deep interest in the night sky and they observed many phenomena as they lived on the great plains of what are now the Dakotas, Nebraska, and Wyoming. How did they react to the appearance of eclipses, meteors, comets, and the aurora borealis? What motivated them to adorn their clothing and dwellings with celestial images? Why were some celestial events so memorable that they became the signature image for an entire year?

In this engaging presentation, Mark will address questions in a talk illustrated with numerous examples of Lakota celestial images. There will be an opportunity for discussion, and refreshments will be available.

Hollabaugh has taught physics and astronomy at Normandale Community College, Bloomington, since 1988. He has also taught at Augsburg College, the University of Minnesota, the United States Air Force Academy, and St. Olaf College.

Hollabaugh is a graduate of St. Olaf College (B.A. cum laude,
physics). He is a member of the American Astronomical Society and the American Association of Physics Teachers.

Mark has been visiting the North Shore and Grand Marais for more than 30 years and finally built a rustic cabin near Colvill in the summer of 2005. He has volunteered at WTIP and for the North Shore Dragon Boat Festival.

All guest lectures are held at Cook County Higher Education’s North Shore Campus, 300 W. 3rd St. Theevents are free and open to the public, although donations are welcome. This event is sponsored by the Grand Marais State Bank, the Lake Superior Trading Post, and the Cook County Community Foundation, and in collaboration with the Grand Marais Senior Center. Refreshments were donated by Birchbark Books and Gifts, Beth’s Fudge and Gifts, and Johnson’s Foods.

Call 218-387-3411 to register for this event.