We invite you to stop by the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck for a family photo with our feathered friend! While you’re here, don’t forget to stop by the James River Café and the Museum Store!

A demand for better public transportation by Grand Forks' growing population in the late 19th century was the catalyst behind creating a street railway system. At a time when a full day of meals and a hotel room cost one dollar, the existing system of horsecabs was too expensive at fifty cents per ride. The streetcar was a welcome evolution. 

Learn about streetcars in Grand Forks.
Read articles from other issues of North Dakota History.

Celebrate Medora's Old Fashioned Cowboy Christmas with an open house Friday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 5, noon-5 p.m., at the Chateau de Morès State Historic Site, Medora. Included are the Gingerbread House Contest viewing and voting online via Facebook and on-site Dec. 1-5; Eats on the Streets, Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; and Victorian Games and Crafts on Dec. 4,1:30-3:30 p.m. All Chateau event times are Mountain Time. Admission is free.

The Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site in Bismarck will host its free annual Holiday Open House Nov. 28 and Dec. 5, 1-4 p.m. each day. Visit with Santa, enjoy refreshments, and take a self-guided tour of the mansion, which will be decorated for the holiday season.

On Dec. 11, 2-4 p.m., visitors to the Former Governors' Mansion are invited to help decorate the Christmas tree with hand-crafted ornaments. Craft items will be available to make a variety of ornaments and tree trimmings. All ages are welcome. Refreshments will be served. On Dec. 24, 1 p.m., enjoy a favorite Christmas story and a sweet treat. Events are free. The Former Governors' Mansion is located at the corner of Fourth Street and Avenue B in Bismarck.

Have you ever seen underwear displayed in a museum? Or COVID-19 vaccine boxes? See 40-plus contemporary pieces in the Recent Donations exhibit case. Private individuals donate the majority of the several hundred objects added to the State Museum Collection each year. Our curatorial staff selected a cross-section of their favorite donations from the last few years. On view at the ND Heritage Center & State Museum, Bismarck.

The fur trade frontier of the 18th and 19th centuries is often perceived as a vast and harsh wilderness where people battled the elements. Not necessarily. Outreach Coordinator Brian Hardy at Pembina State Museum takes a look at the region’s role in a globally linked economy and the array of comforts it afforded people who participated in the fur trade. Some luxury goods on exhibit at the Pembina State Museum include original pipes, metal utensils, dishes, and shards of original stoneware and china.

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Many North Dakota communities constructed structures to commemorate the war. Shown here, the Memorial Stadium on the University of North Dakota campus was built in 1927 as a tribute to those from the UND community who died in World War I. Gov. Arthur Sorlie spoke at the dedication on Oct. 8, 1927.

 

Dec. 11 Former Governors’ Mansion Christmas Tree Decorating. 2-4 p.m. Former Governor’s Mansion State Historic Site, Bismarck
Dec. 18 Little Kids, Big World: Happy Holidays! 2:30 and 3 p.m. ND Heritage Center & State Museum, Bismarck
Dec. 23 Little Kids, Big World: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas! 9:30 and 10 a.m. ND Heritage Center & State Museum, Bismarck
Dec. 24 Christmas Story and Sweet Treats, 1 p.m. Former Governor’s Mansion State Historic Site, Bismarck
Dec. 26 "Dakota 38" free film showing at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., ND Heritage Center & State Museum
Dec. 27 Little Kids, Big World: Star Light, Star Bright, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. ND Heritage Center & State Museum, Bismarck
Dec. 29 Little Kids, Big World: Families Are Like Snowflakes, 9:30 a.m. ND Heritage Center & State Museum, Bismarck
Dec. 30 Little Kids, Big World: Family Trees, 2 p.m. ND Heritage Center & State Museum, Bismarck