October 23, 2024
 

North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Expansion

“We are grateful to have welcomed more than 2 million guests to our larger and enhanced facility since 2014,” said Bill Peterson, director of the State Historical Society of North Dakota. “We serve as a connecting point to the state’s heritage, enriching the lives of all North Dakotans and guiding visitors to attractions across the state.” 

The 2014 expansion nearly doubled the size of the facility designed to help preserve and share the state’s history. Explore the interactive exhibits showcasing 600 million years of history across North Dakota. 

Throughout the day, view the new “Our Heritage” video series, highlighting key moments in North Dakota history. Use a compass and follow directions to navigate history in the State Museum. Take selfies with a life-sized bison or Lawrence Welk cutout, and try your hand at playing an accordion. Challenge yourself with a dinosaur puzzle. Participate in a mini archaeological dig. Recreate Nancy Hendrickson’s animal photography style. Try pottery making with provided supplies. Have your face painted and select a North Dakota history-themed temporary tattoo. Stop by the State Archives to view select original plates from wet plate photographer Shane Balkowitsch’s latest book. 

Schedule of Events 

• 10 a.m. Little Kids, Big World. "North Dakota’s Birthday" is a 30-minute program for toddlers and preschoolers. 
• 11 a.m. Junior Historians. "North Dakota Topography" is a 30-minute program for school age children in kindergarten through fifth grade. 
• Noon to 3 p.m. Shane Balkowitsch Book Signing. Celebrated photographer Shane Balkowitsch will sign copies of his new book, Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective, Volume 3, in the Missouri River Event Center. Books are available for purchase in the Museum Store.  
• 12:30 p.m. Book Signing Opening Reception. Enjoy a short program featuring Mandan-Hidatsa flute maker and musician Keith Bear, singing by Hunts Along with Jason Morsette, and Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation dancers in the Missouri River Event Center. Shane Balkowitsch will introduce his book. Regalia welcome. 
• 1 to 3 p.m. Dakota Discoveries Series. Stop by the Russell Reid Auditorium to learn how State Historical Society collections and technologies have evolved over the last 10 years. 
  • 1 p.m. State Archives. Lindsay Meidinger, deputy state archivist, will reflect on significant advancements in accessibility and preservation, as well as showcase a few notable collections. 
  • 1:30 p.m. Museum Artifacts Collection. Melissa Thompson, head of curatorial services, and Jenny Yearous, curator of collections management, will present some of their favorite objects. 
  • 2 p.m. Archaeology. Timothy Reed, research archaeologist, will discuss the use of drone technology as an eye in the sky for preservation. 
  • 2:30 p.m. Paleontology. Becky Barnes, North Dakota Geological Survey paleontologist, will talk about new exhibits, discoveries, and collections added over the last decade. 
• 3 to 4 p.m. Cake Celebration. Join us for cake to commemorate this special occasion. 

-30-

CONTACT
Kara Haff, Public Information Officer
701.328.3547
kahaff@nd.gov

See More News Releases