The Next Broadcast: What the History of Communication Teaches Us About Protecting Kids Today

Saturday, September 12, 2026

11:00 a.m. Presentation

$9.88 (why $9.88?)

Doors open: 10 a.m.
Special Artifact Demonstrations: 10:30-11 a.m.

The Pavek Museum connects generations by sharing the story of how electronic communication transformed society. That story did not end with radio and television. It continues today in the phones in our children’s pockets and in the artificial intelligence tools they increasingly turn to for companionship and advice.

Every communication technology preserved in the Museum’s collection arrived with public debate about its effect on children, and society responded with norms, standards, and public interest obligations. Today’s communication technologies have arrived faster than those safeguards, and Minnesota families are living the consequences.

Take a look inside the living history of electronic communication and ask what the next chapter of that history should look like. It is a natural extension of the museum’s mission to preserve knowledge of the past and inspire innovation.

The conversation will feature Minnesota families who have lost children to online harms and Minnesota legislators leading the policy response.

SAVE: Suicide Awareness Voices of Education is a national nonprofit working to prevent the tragedy of suicide through education, advocacy, lethal means safety efforts, and support for suicide loss survivors.

The Pavek Museum is offering a special admission rate of $9.88 to bring attention to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988).

Audience

• Parents and guardians
• Anyone who uses social media or AI
• People interested in electronic communication

About the Pavek Museum of Electronic Communication
The Pavek Museum of Electronic Communication connects generations by sharing stories of history, art, and technology, inspires innovation through dynamic experiences, and preserves knowledge of the past through historical collections and hands-on education. Inspired by our vision to be the leading national museum of electronic communication and an empowering community pillar, Connecting Conversations fosters lifelong curiosity about the history, science, technology, and art of electronic communication through engaging presentations and discussions.