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State Historical Society of North Dakota

612 East Boulevard Avenue
701-328-2666

Mission:

To identify, preserve, interpret and promote the heritage of North Dakota and its people.

About Us:

The Museum of the State Historical Society of North Dakota collects, interprets, and preserves diverse items relating to North Dakota and her citizens. We research, write and produce exhibits for the state museum, historic sites and our traveling exhibit program. We provide assistance to individuals and organizations on preserving and interpreting their collections. We are the oldest and largest museum in North Dakota. The museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums.


Upcoming Events at State Historical Society of North Dakota

Holiday Open House

Sunday, Dec 1, 2024 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Bismarck, ND
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Holiday Open House

Sunday, Dec 8, 2024 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Bismarck, ND
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Fibers and Flavors

Saturday, Dec 14, 2024 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Former Governors Mansion
Bismarck, ND
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Recent News

Germans From Russia Folk Culture Exhibit Opens at ND Heritage Center and State Museum

BISMARCK, ND - “The Art of Making Do: Folk Culture and Heritage of Germans From Russia” is now on exhibit at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck. This exhibition, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of…

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North Dakota Properties Listed in National Register of Historic Places

BISMARCK, N.D. – A barn near Hettinger has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register of Historic Places is the federal government’s list of properties it considers worthy of preservation and…

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Winter Hike at Fort Mandan State Historic Site

Winter Hike at Fort Mandan State Historic Site WASHBURN, N.D. – The public is invited to join the Winter Hike at Fort Mandan State Historic Site in Washburn Saturday, Jan. 20 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The free hike will be hosted by nationally…

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Winter Games Featured at North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum

Bismarck, ND - Visit the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck Sunday, Jan. 7, through Saturday, Jan. 13, to learn about and play outdoor winter sports and indoor board and card games. Games will be set up during regular…

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Stutsman County Courthouse State Historic Site Winter Hours Begin January 3, 2024

Jamestown, ND - Winter hours begin Jan. 3 for the Stutsman County Courthouse State Historic Site, 504 Third Ave. SE, Jamestown. The site will be open Wednesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through May 23. Built in 1883, the historic Stutsman…

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$470,800 in Cultural Heritage Grants Awarded by State Historical Society

BISMARCK – The State Historical Society has awarded $470,800 in Cultural Heritage Grants for the coming biennium to 20 eligible organizations throughout the state. Cultural Heritage Grants provide grant funding to nonprofit organizations…

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Pieper Bloomquist Art Exhibition Opens at ND Heritage Center and State Museum

Pieper Bloomquist Art Exhibition Opens at ND Heritage Center & State Museum BISMARCK, N.D. – "Fantastical Flourishes: The Folk Art of Pieper Bloomquist," a new exhibition at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum,…

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Caroling at the Stutsman County Courthouse State Historic Site

Caroling at Stutsman County Courthouse State Historic Site JAMESTOWN, N.D. – Carolers of all ages are invited to fill the courthouse with song to kick off the holiday season. The free family-friendly event will be Sunday, Dec. 3, from…

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Holiday Activities Planned at Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site

Holiday Activities Planned at Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site ABERCROMBIE, N.D. - Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site near Fargo will host a holiday open house as part of Small Business Saturday Nov. 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Museum Store…

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Holiday Activities Scheduled at Former Governors' Mansion State Historic Site

Holiday Activities Featured at Former Governors' Mansion State Historic Site BISMARCK, N.D. – The Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site in Bismarck will host its free annual Holiday Open House Sunday, Nov. 26, and Sunday,…

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Entries Sought For Gingerbread Competition At Chateau De Morès State Historic Site

MEDORA, N.D. – Entries are being accepted for the Fifth Annual Gingerbread Competition at the Chateau de Morès State Historic Site. Entry forms are due Wednesday, Nov. 17, by 5 p.m. MT. The competition is open to individuals or teams…

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'Fibers and Flavors' Scheduled at Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site

Bismarck, ND - The Former Governors' Mansion State Historic Site will be hosting “Fibers and Flavors,” Saturday, Nov. 11, 1-4 p.m. Fiber craft enthusiasts, bring your crochet, knitting or preferred fiber craft projects to work on in the…

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North Dakota Properties Listed in National Register of Historic Places

BISMARCK, N.D. – An auditorium and a historic district in Grand Forks have been listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register of Historic Places is the federal government’s list of properties it considers…

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Free Learning Series 'Little Kids, Big World' Featured at North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum

Free Learning Series "Little Kids, Big World" Featured at North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum Bismarck, ND - Toddlers and preschoolers are invited to the free interactive learning series "Little Kids, Big World" at the North Dakota…

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Fort Buford State Historic Site Hosts Ghost Walk

Williston, ND - Halloween is fast approaching, which means it’s almost time for the annual “Ghost Walk” at Fort Buford State Historic Site near Williston. The family friendly event is free and open to the public. The “Ghost…

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Free Public Viewing Of 'The American Buffalo' At North Dakota Heritage Center And State Museum

The State Historical Society of North Dakota in partnership with Prairie Public Broadcasting of Fargo invites the public to a free viewing party for the premiere of "The American Buffalo," a new film directed by Ken Burns. The two-episode event will…

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'Fibers and Flavors' Scheduled At Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site

BISMARCK, N.D. - The Former Governors' Mansion State Historic Site will be hosting “Fibers and Flavors,” Saturday, Oct. 14, 1-4 p.m. Fiber craft enthusiasts, bring your crochet, knitting or preferred fiber craft projects to work on in…

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REVISED: State Archives Celebrates American Archives Month in October

BISMARCK, N.D. – The State Archives of the State Historical Society of North Dakota joins archives around the country in celebrating American Archives Month in October. American Archives Month focuses on the importance of records of enduring…

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Bis-Man Rail Bridge Funds Awarded

BISMARCK, N.D. – The State Historical Society of North Dakota, through funding provided by BNSF Railway Company under a memorandum of agreement with the U.S. Coast Guard, awarded $500,000 in salvage and direct funds to three eligible…

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'Mystery At The Mansion' At Former Governors' Mansion State Historic Site

Step back in time to the 1920s when you attend “Mystery at the Mansion,” a murder mystery party game at the Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site, Bismarck. Two separate events are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 27, and…

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State Archives Celebrates American Archives Month In October

The State Archives of the State Historical Society of North joins archives around the country in celebrating American Archives Month in October. American Archives Month focuses on the importance of records of enduring value and recognizes people and…

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Free Learning Series 'Little Kids, Big World' Featured at North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum

Bismarck, ND - Toddlers and preschoolers are invited to the free interactive learning series "Little Kids, Big World" at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum. These interactive 30-minute programs introduce children to North…

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Twilight Hike At Fort Mandan State Historic Site

The public is invited to join the 2023 Twilight Hike at Fort Mandan State Historic Site in Washburn on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The free tour will be hosted by nationally certified interpreters who will guide participants from the…

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History Alive Program at Chateau De Mores State Historic Site

Medora, ND - The public is invited to attend History Alive on Sept. 2 and 3 at the Chateau de Morès State Historic Site. The free programs explore the lives and times of decades gone by, combining theater arts with history. The 30-minute…

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September Sunday History Program Planned at Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site

September Sunday History Program Planned at Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site Fort Abercrombie, N.D. – Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site near Fargo will host the last Sunday History Program for the season on Sunday, Sept. 3, from 2 to…

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August Events Planned at Fort Buford

August Events Planned at Fort Buford and Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center WILLISTON, N.D. – The public is invited to these upcoming events at Fort Buford and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center near…

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State Historical Society Makes $150,000 Available for Restoration, Preservation of Historic Property

Bismarck, ND - The State Historical Society of North Dakota, through its annual appropriation of Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) money from the National Park Service, is making $150,000 available to the public for use in the restoration,…

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Public Invited To Radio Stars Concert At North Dakota Heritage Center And State Museum

The public is invited to a free music program featuring Radio Stars at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 20, at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck. Radio Stars is a four-man band with a distinctive take on modern and traditional…

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"Oscar-Zero Family Day" Planned at Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site

“Oscar-Zero Family Day” Planned at Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site COOPERSTOWN, N.D. – The public is invited to attend “Oscar-Zero Family Day” on Saturday, Aug. 19, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the…

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Kittson Cabin Rededication Set for Aug. 19 at Walhalla State Historic Site

Walhalla, ND - The public is invited to the rededication of the Kittson cabin Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Walhalla State Historic Site. The cabin was disassembled last fall following best historic preservation practices, with careful removing,…

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'There’s a Story There: Art in the State Collections' Opens at the State Museum

Bismarck, ND - A new exhibition of fine art from the state collections opened to the public today at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck. “There’s a Story There: Art in the State Collections” features…

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Art Activities Scheduled at the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum

Art Activities Scheduled at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum BISMARCK, N.D. – The public is invited to a day of art activities geared toward all ages on Monday, Aug. 7, at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State…

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Public Invited to Annual Ice Cream Social at Former Governors’ Mansion

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Art Mortvedt To Discuss Polar Expeditions at North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum

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State Historical Society of North Dakota News - July 27, 2023

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Capital in Farm Country Walking Tour Scheduled in Bismarck

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Activities Planned at Chateau de Mores State Historic Site - August 2023

August Activities Planned at Chateau de Morès State Historic Site MEDORA, N.D. – The public is invited to attend free activities promoting fun and learning for adults and children this summer at the Chateau de Morès State…

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State Historical Society of North Dakota News - July 21, 2023

Free Concert at Stutsman County Courthouse State Historic Site JAMESTOWN, N.D. – The public is invited to attend a free family-friendly outdoor concert by local band Stick Ponies on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 1-3 p.m. at the Stutsman County…

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State Historical Society of North Dakota News - July, 2023

Free Learning Series "Little Kids, Big World" Featured at North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum BISMARCK, N.D. – Toddlers and preschoolers are invited to the free interactive learning series "Little Kids, Big World" at the…

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State Historical Society of North Dakota News - July 20, 2023

Aber Days Celebration and Sunday History Programs Planned at Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site Fort Abercrombie, ND - Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site near Fargo will host Aber Days and the Sunday History Program series in August. Aug. 5,…

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August Activities Planned at Welk Homestead State Historic Site

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State Historical Society of North Dakota News - July 19, 2023

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State Historical Society of North Dakota News - July 18, 2023

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Cultural Heritage Grant Application Now Available 2023

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State Historical Society of North Dakota News - July 12, 2023

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See Conserved Portrait of Medora at the Chateau de Morès State Historic Site This Summer

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State Historical Society of North Dakota News - June 27, 2023

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July History Programs Planned at Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site

July Programs Planned at Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site Fort Abercrombie, N.D. – The public is invited to the Fort Abercrombie Sunday History Program series and Fort Abercrombie Story Time in July at Fort Abercrombie State Historic…

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National History Day in North Dakota Project Showcased at Smithsonian Museum

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Book Signing and Presentation Planned at Fort Mandan State Historic Site

Book Signing and Presentation Planned at Fort Mandan State Historic Site WASHBURN, N.D. – Fort Mandan State Historic Site near Washburn is hosting a book signing and presentation by Cait Clark on Tuesday, July 4, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.…

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National History Day in North Dakota Project Showcased at Smithsonian Museum

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Teacher Workshop To Explore Cattle Industry During Great Dakota Boom

Teacher Workshop To Explore Cattle Industry During Great Dakota Boom BISMARCK, N.D. – The State Historical Society of North Dakota is offering a free teacher workshop, “Barons, Bulls, Boom, and Bust,” Aug. 8 and 9 from 9 a.m.…

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July Activities Planned at Welk Homestead State Historic Site

July Activities Planned at Welk Homestead State Historic Site BISMARCK, N.D. – The Welk Homestead State Historic Site will be hosting a blacksmith demonstration and Creative Crafting Days in July. All events are free and open to the…

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State Historical Society of North Dakota News - June 15, 2023

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July Programs Hosted at Stutsman County Courthouse State Historic Site

July Programs Hosted at Stutsman County Courthouse State Historic Site JAMESTOWN, N.D. – The public is invited to attend a free family-friendly outdoor concert and a civics event in July at the Stutsman County Courthouse State Historic…

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State Historical Society of North Dakota News - June 14, 2023

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'Confluence Trail Walk' Planned at Missouri-Yellowstone Conference Center

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Crafting Activity Planned At Welk Homestead State Historic Site

The Welk Homestead State Historic Site will host “Creative Crafting: Make Your Own Bubble Solution and Wand” on June 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. Assistant Site Supervisor Amanda Baumgartner will lead the hands-on demonstration. The program is…

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State Historic Sites Open for Summer Visitors

State Historic Sites Open for Summer Visitors BISMARCK, N.D.–State historic sites managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota welcome visitors for the summer travel season. All times are Central time unless otherwise noted.…

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Public Invited to Todd Harburn Presentation and Book Signing at North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum

Public Invited to Todd Harburn Presentation and Book Signing at North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum BISMARCK, N.D. – The public is invited to a presentation and book signing by Todd Harburn, author of “A Life Cut Short…

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June Activities Planned At Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site

Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site near Fargo is hosting activities in June to promote learning and fun for adults and children. At the Fort Abercrombie Sunday History Program on June 11 from 2 to 3 p.m., learn how to preserve your photos,…

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Nominations Sought for Local History Awards

Nominations Sought for Local History Awards BISMARCK, N.D. – The State Historical Society of North Dakota is seeking nominations for the annual awards program recognizing outstanding achievement in three categories of history: Excellence…

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State Historical Society of North Dakota News - June 2, 2023

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Free Learning Series 'Little Kids, Big World' Featured At North Dakota Heritage Center And State Museum

Toddlers and preschoolers are invited to the free interactive learning series "Little Kids, Big World" at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum. These interactive 30-minute programs introduce children to North Dakota’s…

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Public Invited To 'Life On The Homestead' At Welk Homestead State Historic Site

Welk Homestead State Historic Site staff invite the public to “Life on the Homestead,” a full day of free activities Saturday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Bob McCay, an amateur blacksmith from Bismarck, will share his…

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Opening Day Activities Planned at Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site

Opening Day Activities Planned at Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site Fort Abercrombie, N.D. - Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site will open May 27 with summer hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Labor Day, Sept. 4. On opening day,…

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Fort Buford And The Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center Programs

The public is invited to these upcoming events at Fort Buford and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center near Williston. Events are free and open to the public. All times are Central time. May 20 19th-Century Sewing, Textile…

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Teacher Workshop To Explore German-Russian Immigration to North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. – The State Historical Society of North Dakota is offering a free teacher workshop, “E Pluribus Unum: Immigration History and the Impact of German-Russian Immigrants to North Dakota,” July 24-27 at the North Dakota…

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National History Day in North Dakota Finalists Advance to National Contest

Bismarck, ND - Students from around the state participated in the National History Day in North Dakota state contest April 28 at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck. Nineteen are now eligible to advance to the national…

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National History Day in North Dakota Entries Available for Public Viewing

Bismarck, ND - On April 28, the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck will host students from across the state competing in the National History Day in North Dakota state competition. Students in grades six to 12 will present…

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'On the Edge of the Wind: Native Storytellers and the Land' To Open April 27, 2023

Bismarck, ND - A new exhibition opens to the public at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck on Thursday, April 27. "On the Edge of the Wind: Native Storytellers & the Land" helps visitors explore the connections…

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National Junior Ranger Day Observed At The Lewis And Clark Interpretive Center

National Junior Ranger Day will be observed Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Washburn. Explorers of all ages are invited to pick up an activity booklet and earn a Junior Ranger badge. This program is…

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State Historical Society of North Dakota : Class B Basketball History Highlighted at the ND Heritage Center And State Museum

BISMARCK, N.D. – Learn about the history and nostalgia of Class B basketball in North Dakota during “Class B Basketball at the State Museum,” March 16-19, at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck.…

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State Historical Society of North Dakota - Free Learning Series "Little Kids, Big World" Featured at North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum

Free Learning Series "Little Kids, Big World" Featured at North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum Toddlers and preschoolers are invited to the free interactive learning series "Little Kids, Big World" at the North Dakota Heritage Center…

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Upcoming Programs at Fort Buford and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center

Upcoming Programs at Fort Buford and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center The public is invited to these upcoming events at Fort Buford and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center near Williston. All events…

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Bis-Man Rail Bridge Fund Grant Applications Now Available

The Bis-Man Rail Bridge Fund is a one-time grant opportunity to document the history and legacy of the Bismarck-Mandan Rail Bridge. Applications for salvage, exhibits, special projects, and education activities directly related to the history the…

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Free Learning Series "Little Kids, Big World" Featured at North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum

Free Learning Series "Little Kids, Big World" Featured at North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum BISMARCK, N.D. – Toddlers and preschoolers are invited to the free interactive learning series "Little Kids, Big World" at the North…

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State Historic Preservation Board To Meet on January 27, 2023

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota State Historic Preservation Review Board will meet in Classroom A at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck. The board reviews nominations to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) prior to…

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Native American Hall of Honor Seeks Nominations

BISMARCK, N.D. – The public nomination process is open for the 2023 North Dakota Native American Hall of Honor. Located in the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck, the annual ND Native American Hall of Honor program and…

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Upcoming Programs at Fort Buford and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center

Upcoming Programs at Fort Buford and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center The public is invited to these upcoming events at Fort Buford and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center near Williston. All events…

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State Historical Society Adds National History Day Resources to Website

Bismarck, N.D. – The State Historical Society of North Dakota has compiled subject guides for students competing in National History Day in North Dakota. While the guides were created primarily for middle and high school students, they will…

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Free Learning Series 'Little Kids, Big World' Featured At North Dakota Heritage Center And State Museum

Toddlers and preschoolers are invited to the free interactive learning series "Little Kids, Big World" at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum. These interactive 30-minute programs introduce children to North Dakota’s…

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North Dakota Property Listed in National Register of Historic Places

BISMARCK, N.D. – The Schlafmann Barn near Turtle Lake has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register of Historic Places is the federal government’s list of properties it considers worthy of…

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2022-2023 Cultural Heritage Grant Applications Now Available

2022-2023 Cultural Heritage Grant Applications Now Available BISMARCK, N.D. – The Cultural Heritage Grant Program provides grant funding for local museums and historical societies for exhibits, special projects or events, education…

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State Historical Society Adds Digitized Newspapers to Web Site

State Historical Society Adds Digitized Newspapers to Website The State Historical Society of North Dakota, in partnership with the North Dakota Genealogy Society, has added more than 50,000 pages of newspapers online at…

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State Historical Society Awards $130,000 In Historic Preservation Fund Grants

The State Historical Society of North Dakota, through an appropriation of Historic Preservation Fund money from the National Park Service, awarded $130,000 to six eligible organizations around the state. The grants, available to the public for use…

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Upcoming Programs At Fort Buford And The Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center

The public is invited to these upcoming events at Fort Buford and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center near Williston. All events are free and open to the public. All times are Central time. Dec. 15 History Book Club, 7 p.m.…

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