Opening July 1 in the Governors Gallery
Visit this special, limited-time exhibition to experience 250 years of North Dakota in the American story.
Discover an inspiring celebration of North Dakota’s contributions through rare artifacts and unforgettable stories. See Theodore Roosevelt’s rifle, view artist Karl Bodmer artworks from his time here, take a selfie with a 10’ Dala Horse, plan your own digital ND road trip, and so much more.
The Introduction situates the exhibition as part of the national America250 celebration. It also explores how the physical landscape of the Louisiana Territory, which included the region now known as North Dakota, was perceived in 1776, and how those details were expanded and clarified through additional exploration.
Who Was Here in 1776? looks at the vibrant Indigenous cultures existing in the region and the area’s importance as a hub of Native trade and commerce. This portion of the exhibition includes extensive artwork and photographs documenting the region’s tribal people. During the project development phase, our curators strongly recommended incorporating original artworks by Native artists. Toward this goal, we photographed several of the winter counts in our collection, including details of scenes and individuals, for inclusion.
European Immigration explores the circumstances that encouraged the mass immigration of Europeans in the 19th and early 20th centuries and how it defined the character of North Dakota. It also explores the impact of immigrants on the region’s Native tribes, including the loss of traditional lands and the imposition of the reservation system.
Destination North Dakota: Promoting the State features the range of promotional campaigns created to entice early immigrants and eventually tourists to come to Dakota Territory and North Dakota. The section also provides an overview of how the various campaigns have impacted perceptions of North Dakota’s contributions within the region, the nation, and the world.
Explore Your Roots introduces visitors to genealogy and family history research techniques and resources by posing the question “Where were your people in 1776? It also provides details of resources available through the State Archives to investigate your family history. Period photographs of people engaging in various activities represent the “Faces of North Dakota” and show the continuity and resilience in North Dakotans’ traditions over time.
New Frontiers: The Road Ahead focuses on North Dakota’s current role as a leading agricultural and energy producer within the nation’s economy, exploring the surprising range of technological research and advances happening within the state and asking what the next 250 years might bring. The section celebrates some of the unique and defining features that make North Dakota what it is, including our fun assortment of “world’s largest” roadside art.
Hit the road to Bismarck to experience this free, once-in-a-lifetime exhibit.