The Van de Graaff generator is the twentieth century's contribution to the lineage of static electricity. It was conceived by Robert Van de Graaff while he was working towards a doctorate at Oxford. The first working model, in 1929, produced 80,000 volts. Our small generator, intended for school and hobby use, can easily produce 100,000 volts. The Bakken has more powerful Van de Graaff generators also, but they are used in the education programs instead of being part of the collection.

The early Van de Graaff generators were used as atom-smashers. They still are, with much higher operating voltages. Their chief advantage is versatility: they're not fussy about the particles they accelerate. Electrons? Protons? Carbon? Gold? Give them the particle as an ion, and the Van de Graaff will accelerate it. Most particle accelerators specialize in only one type of particle.

Another use of these generators is to power high-voltage X-ray tubes, creating extremely penetrating X-rays for industrial and medical use. And they are still a classroom favorite.

Another Van de Graaff in our collection is a hobbyist kit by Remco, circa 1962. It was donated by Wayne Windschitl of the Pavek Museum, who had a number of Remco kits as a youth. He'd always wanted this one, but couldn't afford it. When he saw it in a flea-market, he purchased it. The lucky owner of this kit had to start out by winding the motor that powered it - a true learning experience. 

Museum Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 to 5
Thursdays 10 am to  8pm 
Closed Major Holidays
Library Hours: Monday - Friday 9 to 4:30

Admission: $7 Adults; $5 Students & Seniors; Children 3 and under are FREE!

© The Bakken Updated: April 6, 2007