Programs and Activities

Below is a description of the different programs offered at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum. Included are approximate lengths, appropriate ages of the audience, and a description of the experience and learning.

PLEASE NOTE: Most programs can be modified to fit different age ranges and time frames.

 

Guided Tours and Talks: Learn from an expert. Programs in this section will be led by a gallery guide and provide additional information about galleries or themes beyond what is written in exhibit text.

Hands-on Activity: Bring history out from behind a museum case. Programs in this section will include using objects or artifacts to learn about a particular theme or historical event. These programs vary with group size and content and may take place in either a gallery or classroom setting.

Self-Guided Worksheet: Pace yourself and place yourself at the center of learning. Programs in this section are intended to be used by individuals or small groups to allow for more introspection and connection with the gallery.

Games and Play: Both children and adults alike enjoy playing. Programs in this section will include a brief history of the game’s relevance to North Dakota and the instructions on how to play. The rest of the time will be spent playing with the toy/game.

Beacon Island

This program takes place in the Innovation Gallery: Early Peoples next to the Bison antiquus. Learn about the world class dig that took place in North Dakota, a bison hunt, and how prehistoric people lived 12,000 years ago.

Length: 15 minutesAge: 6 and upCategory: Guided Tours and TalksTheme: Early Peoples
Dakota the Dinomummy

The program takes place in the Corridor of History next to Dakota the Dinomummy. See one of the rarest finds in the world, a dinosaur with skin. Learn about how paleontologists conduct a dig and the history of Dakota.

Length: 30 minutesAge: 4 and upCategory: Guided Tours and TalksTheme: Dinosaurs (Paleontology)
French Gratitude Train

This program takes place in the Hall of Honors located in the lower level. Hear the origins of the train car and the history of how it came to North Dakota. Learn about some pieces that were sent in the car.

Length: 15 minutesAge: 14 and upCategory: Guided Tours and TalksTheme: Military in North Dakota
Full Guided Tour

This program takes place in three State Museum galleries. Enjoy highlights with a tour guide in the Adaptation, Inspiration, and Innovation galleries. Learn in-depth about the progression of North Dakota through time from its prehistoric record to today. Ask the guide questions and satisfy your curiosity.

Length: 2 hoursAge: 4 and upCategory: Guided Tours and TalksTheme: Multiple Galleries (Covers Many Times and/or Events)
Highlights of History

This program takes place in three State Museum galleries. Enjoy highlights with a tour guide the Adaptation, Innovation, and Inspiration galleries. Learn a brief overview of the progression of North Dakota through time from its prehistoric record to today. Ask the guide questions and satisfy your curiosity.

Length: 1 hourAge: 4 and upCategory: Guided Tours and TalksTheme: Multiple Galleries (Covers Many Times and/or Events)
Holland Automobile

This program takes place in the Corridor of History next to the Holland automobile. Learn about the history of cars and the connection of the car to bicycles and the railroad.

Length: 15 minutesAge: 4 and upCategory: Guided Tours and TalksTheme: Turn of the Century (1900s)
I Am Not a Mammoth

This program takes place in the Corridor of History next to the mastodon. Learn how to tell the difference between a mammoth and a mastodon and hear about the history of this mastodon skeleton.

Length: 15 minutesAge: 4 and upCategory: Guided Tours and TalksTheme: Fossils/Geology
Smallpox

This program takes place in the Innovation Gallery: Early Peoples. Listen to a presentation on smallpox. Learn how the disease came to the continent and spread, in addition to the impact it had on Indigenous peoples.

Length: 15 minutesAge: 14 and upCategory: Guided Tours and TalksTheme: Early Peoples
USS North Dakota

This program takes place in the Hall of Honors. Listen to a presentation about the USS North Dakota, a dreadnought in the U.S. Navy. Learn about its adventures from when it set sail in 1910. View a model of the ship along with its bow plate and bell, which were saved prior to its disassembly.

Length: 15 minutesAge: 6 and upCategory: Guided Tours and TalksTheme: Military in North Dakota