The Dakota County Historical Society will host its 85th annual meeting, followed by a panel discussion which is open to the public, on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 11:30 a.m. The panel discussion is titled “9/11: A Dakota County Aviation Perspective" and will feature three individuals who were involved in the aviation industry during 9/11. The doors will open at 11:30 a.m. for attendees with lunch beginning at 11:45 a.m. and the program beginning at 12:45 p.m. The event will take place at the Lawshe Memorial Museum in South St. Paul.
The Lawshe Museum is located at 130 Third Ave. N. in South St. Paul. Registration for the event is $40 for members of DCHS or $50 for non-members and includes a lunch. Attendees can register for the presentation only for $20 per person. For more information call 651-552-7548 or visit the Dakota County Historical Society website.
A special panel discussion called “9/11: A Dakota County Aviation Perspective" will follow the lunch. The panel will feature Steve Beenck, a retired pilot who was flying from Amsterdam to Washington, D.C., on 9/11. He will be joined by Bob Becker, who was at home when he saw the attacks unfold on television as he prepared for his shift as an air traffic controller. The third member of the panel will be Tim Callister, who was airport director for MSP Airport. The event will be moderated by Kristy Barse, President for the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau.
Most people can recall where they were when the 9/11 terrorists attacked. Most stories we hear are from families who lost loved ones or the brave men and women who went on search and rescue missions following the attacks. Attendees will hear unique perspectives which are not often shared from three people in varying roles within the aviation industry on 9/11.