Join the University of Minnesota Libraries at the Minnesota State Fair where you can test your health I.Q. and identify weird — and frightening — medical instruments of the past.

Our events take place on August 23 and September 3.

‘What was this used for?’

What: “What was this used for?” stage show
Who: Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine
When:  Thursday, August 23, 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Where: On the stage in front of the U of M Central Building

Weird, clever, frightening, and confounding medical instruments from the past intrigue us, even more when we realize such instruments may still be in use today. Find out more in the “What was this used for?” stage show as audience panelists attempt to identify historical medical artifacts from the Wangensteen Historical Library’s collection.

Recognized as one of the Top 10 UMN activities at the Fair!

‘How health info savvy are you?’

What: “How health info savvy are you?” exhibit
Who: Bio-Medical Library
When: Monday, September 3, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: U of M Building

Test your health knowledge with our popular “Health Fact or Fiction” quiz.  If you are feeling adventurous (and have a strong stomach), try your hand at our the “Guess the Old Medical Device” quiz. You can also learn about “healthy” information resources freely available from the National Library of Medicine. Giveaways include the always popular U Libraries pencils and this year, buttons featuring everyone’s favorite skeleton, Flexible Fred. It’s sure to be a fun-filled day for all!