“What’s that whirring sound?” A visitor once asked as they stepped inside the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting. The Pavek Museum of Broadcasting is not just a building. It is a time capsule. It preserves the history of electronic communication.
Founded in 1988, the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting began with Joe Pavek’s passion. Pavek collected old radios. He was an instructor at Dunwoody Institute in 1946. He saw students tearing apart beautiful radios. He wanted to save them. His collection grew.
Joe Pavek’s collection was nearly sold at auction in 1984. Earl Bakken stepped in to help. Bakken was the co-founder of Medtronic. He invented the wearable pacemaker. Bakken shared Pavek’s love for radios. Together with Paul Hedberg, they formed a non-profit. This non-profit became the Pavek Museum.
Inside the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting, you will find over 12000 square feet of treasures. Antique radios, televisions, and broadcast equipment are on display. The Joe Pavek Collection forms the base. Many donations have enriched it over the years.
One unique collection is the John T. “Jack” Mullin Collection. Mullin was in the Signal Corps during World War II. He brought back two AEG Magnetophon tape recorders from Germany. Tape recording was new to the U.S. Mullin was hired by Bing Crosby. He recorded Crosby’s radio program. This was the first use of tape in American broadcasting. The Pavek Museum acquired Mullin’s collection in 1990.
The Pavek Museum’s Minnesota Collection highlights local manufacturing. It represents over thirty radio and television businesses. These companies operated in Minnesota in the 1920s. Historical broadcast equipment is also showcased here. Cameras, consoles, and microphones tell their stories.
The Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame honors important figures. Pioneers like Dave Moore and Joyce Lamont are featured. Their stories and changes in broadcasting are preserved. This hall of fame started in 2001. It recognizes the outstanding talent of Minnesota broadcasters.
Joe Pavek’s ham radio call sign was W0OEP. It meant “Old Empty Pockets”. This call sign lives on at the museum’s club station. Joe collected radios by traveling and talking to barbers. They knew who had old radios. His business, Twin City Nut and Bolt, helped him travel.
Earl Bakken encouraged education at the Pavek Museum. The Broadcast Workshop began in 1991. Elementary students learn about broadcasting history. They create their own 1960s-style radio shows. A quiz show reinforces their learning. The workshop is very popular and is booked every year.
The Pavek Museum of Broadcasting is more than exhibits. It is a living, breathing tribute to innovation. It inspires future generations. It offers a vast library of technical information. Students, hobbyists, and historians find it invaluable. Come and explore the Pavek Museum. Discover the magic of broadcasting history.