Measuring Up: Better Baby Contests at the State Fair
Minnesota Unraveled: Pulling on the Threads of Minnesota History
In this episode of Minnesota Unraveled, I explore the peculiar history of Better Baby Contests held at the Minnesota State Fair. Join me as I uncover how these contests, which began in the early 1900s, assessed infants based on health and developmental milestones, driven by concerns over high infant mortality rates. Through conversations with historians Laura Lepink and Sarah Policky, we delve into the motivations behind these competitions, the connection to eugenics, and their implications for motherhood and societal values. Discover how these events reflected broader themes of health, gender roles, and the quest for a "better" future generation. Tune in to unravel this fascinating and complex chapter of Minnesota's history.
Loading