Speaker: Frederick Johnson
Topic: Red Wing’s Central Research Laboratories: Precision Instruments for the Atomic Age
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The history of Red Wing’s Central Research Laboratories and how it evolved into a world-wide industry during the early years of America’s nuclear research programs is a complex and compelling story. Frederick L. Johnson, author of a Minnesota History magazine feature (Spring 2024) on CRL, traces the work of three modest but brilliant scientists—Frank Chesley, Demi Jelatis and Gordon Lee—as they developed a world-class manufacturing facility at the dawn of the atomic age. Considering the workload of these highly-respected PhDs, it is remarkable that they made time to become active leaders in their adopted community. Johnson will also discuss the lasting impact these scientists and their families have had on Red Wing.
About Frederick Johnson:
Frederick Johnson continues his efforts to illuminate the history of his native Red Wing through numerous books and magazine articles. He is a three-time winner of the American Association for State and Local History award; the most recent honor being for the highly-praised Patriot Hearts: World War I Passion and Prejudice in a Minnesota County. His newest effort, Making History in Minnesota: Red Wing and Its People Impact the State, Volume 1, is coming soon!
