Palmer Lake Historical Society presents Wayne Russert and “Early Electrification in Rural Colorado – When We Got the Power!” – Colorado Public Radio

Report on Historical Society Presentation: Rural Electrification and Sustainable Development

Event Overview

• Event Title: Early Electrification in Rural Colorado – When We Got the Power!
• Presenter: Wayne Russert
• Organizing Body: The Palmer Lake Historical Society

Presentation Focus and Historical Context

The presentation will provide a historical analysis of the expansion of electric power throughout Colorado. The narrative will trace the progression of electrification from its initial applications in mining districts and urban centers to its eventual deployment in rural farms and ranches. A central focus of the discussion is the Rural Electrification Act (REA) of 1936, a pivotal piece of legislation that transformed rural life. The event will also feature a curated display of historical artifacts, illustrating the technological evolution of electrical devices from early, hazardous models to their modern, safe counterparts.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The subject matter of the presentation directly correlates with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing a historical precedent for contemporary development challenges.

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: The presentation’s core theme—the history of the Rural Electrification Act—is a foundational case study in achieving universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services. It highlights the transformative impact of energy infrastructure on underserved populations.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The expansion of the electrical grid into rural areas represents a significant milestone in building resilient infrastructure. This development fostered innovation, promoted inclusive industrialization, and laid the groundwork for future technological advancement in agriculture and local economies.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: By providing essential services like electricity, the REA was instrumental in making rural communities more inclusive, safe, and resilient. Access to power improved quality of life, safety, and economic viability, contributing to the long-term sustainability of these communities.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The introduction of electric power to farms and ranches dramatically increased productivity, promoted sustained economic growth, and created new opportunities for decent work within the agricultural sector and related rural industries.

Presenter Profile

The presentation will be delivered by Wayne Russert, a retired electrical engineer with 41 years of experience at Lockheed-Martin. His expertise is complemented by a lifelong passion for electrical and mechanical equipment. Mr. Russert is actively involved in the restoration of museum displays and is a notable collector of antique radios, with a portion of his collection on display at the Lucretia Vaile Museum in Palmer Lake, CO.

Organizational and Logistical Information

• Host: The Palmer Lake Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization established in 1956.
• Accessibility: The program is offered free of charge and is open to all members of the public, promoting inclusive community engagement and lifelong learning opportunities in line with SDG 4 (Quality Education).
• Networking: The event will conclude with light refreshments, providing an opportunity for community discourse.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article, while being an announcement for a historical presentation, connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its subject matter and the nature of the event itself.

   • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

     The core topic of the presentation, “Early Electrification in Rural Colorado,” directly relates to the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The article focuses on the historical expansion of electricity access, a foundational aspect of this SDG.

   • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

     The article discusses the development of electrical infrastructure, specifically its extension to rural farms and ranches through the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. This is a clear example of building resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being.

   • SDG 4: Quality Education

     The event is hosted by the Palmer Lake Historical Society, described as an “educational 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.” By offering a free program that is open to the public, it promotes lifelong learning opportunities and disseminates knowledge about technological and social history.

   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

     The work of the Palmer Lake Historical Society, including this presentation and its museum displays, contributes to the goal of making communities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard cultural heritage.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the themes present in the article, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

   • Target 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.

     The presentation’s subject, tracing the history of electric power from cities “finally to the farms and ranches as a result of the Rural Electrification Act (REA) of 1936,” directly addresses the historical process of achieving universal energy access in a specific region.

   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.

     The Rural Electrification Act mentioned in the article was a key government initiative aimed at developing the electrical infrastructure necessary to provide equitable access to power for rural populations, which is the essence of this target.

   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development.

     The historical society’s free and public program serves as a platform for informal education, helping the community understand the history of technological development (electrification) and its societal impact, which contributes to a broader understanding of sustainable development.

   • Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

     The Palmer Lake Historical Society’s mission is to preserve and share local history. The presentation, the display of historical artifacts, and the mention of the Lucretia Vaile Museum are direct efforts to safeguard the area’s cultural and technological heritage.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   The article implies several qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress toward the identified targets:

   • Indicator for Target 7.1: Proportion of population with access to electricity.

     While not providing data, the article’s narrative about extending power “to the farms and ranches” implies this indicator. The entire historical account is about the change in this proportion over time, from near zero in rural areas to universal access.

   • Indicator for Target 9.1: Development of rural infrastructure.

     The implementation of the “Rural Electrification Act (REA) of 1936” is a concrete historical indicator of a policy and program designed to expand essential infrastructure to underserved rural communities.

   • Indicator for Target 4.7: Provision of lifelong learning opportunities.

     The existence of the “FREE and open to the public” program hosted by the “Palmer Lake Historical Society” serves as a direct indicator of educational opportunities being made available to the entire community outside of the formal education system.

   • Indicator for Target 11.4: Efforts in heritage preservation.

     The activities mentioned, such as the presentation itself, the display of “many artifacts,” and the maintenance of collections at the “Lucretia Vaile Museum,” are tangible indicators of efforts to protect and promote local cultural heritage.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators (as implied in the article)
   SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy	7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.	The historical extension of electric power to rural farms and ranches, marking progress toward universal access.
   SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure	9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure…with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.	The implementation of the Rural Electrification Act (REA) of 1936 as a measure to build out essential infrastructure.
   SDG 4: Quality Education	4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development.	The provision of a free, public educational program by the historical society to promote lifelong learning.
   SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.	The activities of the historical society, including displaying artifacts and maintaining museum collections, to preserve local heritage.

Source: cpr.org