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The State Historical Society of North Dakota Foundation is a private, non-profit organization supported by membership and donations. The Foundation was formed in 1965 by the state legislature to generate private financial support for the State Historical Society's projects and programs that cannot be funded by the legislature.
Shown above is the proposed new entrance to the North Dakota Heritage Center
Students with cell phones help launch
updated Passport and History on Call Program
Eighth grade students from Shiloh Christian School in Bismarck brought their cell phones to the May 14 ceremony launching the new History on Call program that provides recorded information about historic sites across North Dakota.
A new edition of the award-winning Passport to North Dakota History, a traveler’s guide to North Dakota historic sites, has been republished for another North Dakota tourist season with a $25,000 donation from Tesoro.
Complementing the Passport this year is the new State Historical Society of North Dakota’s History on Call program, which offers sound bites to travelers about the historic sites included in the Passport. The statewide History on Call number – (701) 557-9190 – can be accessed by cell or regular telephone. A partnership with the USDA US Forest Service has provided a $15,000 donation for the program.
The new Passport and History on Call were introduced at the North Dakota Heritage Center today before a group of people that included eighth grade North Dakota Studies students from Shiloh Christian School of Bismarck and members of the Roughrider Family Campers and RVers Club, who used the Passport during camping trips during the summer of 2008.
“The historic attractions available in North Dakota tell the unique stories that showcase our many legends. The Passport to History and History on Call tools will help visitors find and enjoy these 69-plus sites across the state,” said North Dakota Tourism Director Sara Otte Coleman at today’s ceremony.
The new edition of the Passport features thumbnail sketches and photos of more than 60 historic sites, state parks, scenic byways and wildlife refuges. It also lists state campgrounds and scenic byways.
By the end of May, more than 90 Tesoro retail stations in North Dakota and the region will begin to distribute the Passports, and they will also be available at state and national historic sites, Dakota Prairie Grasslands offices, North Dakota parks and recreation areas, a number of grocery stores, and at the North Dakota Heritage Center Museum Store.
“We are part of North Dakota. Our operations are here, our employees are here, and what we can do to support the area is a win-win for everyone,” said Leif Peterson, human resources manager at the Tesoro Refinery in Mandan.
“The Passport to North Dakota History is a great opportunity to partner with the State, Forest Service, and the State Historical Society of North Dakota,” said Tesoro’s Mandan Refinery Manager John Berger. “We encourage folks to use it to explore and celebrate the tradition and history of North Dakota.”
Tesoro, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, supported the project by working side-by-side with project partners to design, plan and promote the joint venture throughout North Dakota.
“We are very proud to have partnered with the State Historical Society of North Dakota Foundation on the development of first The Passport to North Dakota History and now to expand it with History on Call,” said Dave Pieper, USDA US Forest Service, and Dakota Prairie Grasslands Supervisor.
According to Tom Turck, Dakota Prairie Grasslands Archaeologist, for the USDA US Forest Service, the 2008 Passport to North Dakota History won the USDA US Forest Service regional and national Windows on the Past Award for Excellence.
More than a dozen partners are participating in the production and distribution of the Passports and promoting History on Call. Dave Blair at Kadrmas, Lee and Jackson coordinated the book’s design and it was printed by Image Printing of Bismarck. Other promotion and distribution partners are North Dakota Tourism, the Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau, North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department and the North Dakota Geological Survey, Cass-Clay Creamery and regional grocery stores -- Dan’s Supermarkets of Bismarck, Mandan and Dickinson, Leevers Foods of Devils Lake and regional stores, Hornbacher’s Foods in Fargo-Moorhead, Miracle Marts in Minot, Economart in Williston and the North Dakota Grocers Association.
In addition to being available at Tesoro stations and sites across the state, the Passport is available online to download and print from the Society and Foundation websites.
H.B. 1481 Heritage Center expansion bill now law with Governor Hoeven's signature in May 6 ceremony
Rep. Lawrence Klemin hands another pen to Governor John Hoeven during the May 6 bill signing of HB 1481, providing for a $52 million expansion of the North Dakota Heritage Center.
A bill appropriatiating $39.7 million for the expansion of the North Dakota Heritage Center was signed into law by Governor John Hoeven in the Main Gallery of the North Dakota Heritage Center on May 6.
Hoeven was joined by state officials, legislators, staff and supporters.
Legislature approves $51.7 million Heritage Center expansion project in historic May 2 vote
Separate votes by the North Dakota House and Senate on Saturday, May 2, during the final hours of the 61st legislative session approved the $51.7 million expansion project for the North Dakota Heritage Center. The votes were 70-19 in the House and 45-1 in the Senate.
The legislation, H.B. 1481, has been in a House-Senate conference committee for the past several weeks to work out differences between the two chambers. The House approved the bill by a 57-35 vote on February 19, and the Senate approved its version of the legislation by a 43-03 vote on April 7.
The bill appropriates $39.7 million in state funds to double the size of the Heritage Center, with $12 million to come from private and other donations. The legislation requires that at least $6 million in private funds be in hand before the project can go ahead.
Supporters of the Heritage Center expansion worked tirelessly before and during this legislative session contacting their legislators and attending hearings to ensure the passage of the bill.
Thorsgard returns to Legislature to support the Heritage Center
Enoch Thorsgard, a lifelong Northwood farmer who served in the North Dakota House of Representatives from 1969 to 1980, has been a supporter of the North Dakota Heritage Center for nearly 40 years. He championed the building of the Heritage Center as a Republican member of the House Appropriations Committee, and today at 91 years of age, he supports its expansion.
He was present to testify at the March 5 Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the Heritage Center expansion. “North Dakota has in the past often been referred to as a state of lesser significance, but in recent years that has been drastically reversed. The character of our people, our ambitious government and our prosperous economy all have an inviting influence. ‘A Smithsonian on the Prairie’ may be the added fringe benefit that will keep us excelling and put us on a level above much of our country. Little did we realize more than 25 years ago the significance of our investment in our present Heritage Center, and this expansion may secure our future.”
Thorsgard recently published a book about his life, “Enoch’s Saga: Horsepower to Satellite in a Lifetime,” and it is in this book and in a recent interview on WDAZ-TV news, Thorsgard speaks about the importance of the Heritage Center, then and now.
“As soon as I became knowledgeable of the issues at hand, I realized that it was the need for the new Heritage Building that was being discussed,” Thorsgard writes in his book about his first days in the House Appropriations Committee. “I very soon took that as something I would lend my efforts to. If someone asked me to support their budget needs for their school project, I let them know that I needed support for the Heritage Center. I remember one member said, ‘I don’t like it. My people may shoot at me for it, but being you want that money for the Center so bad I will vote for it anyway.’”
Although private fund-raising was going on, “It had to have Legislative approval,” Thorsgard wrote about the Heritage Center appropriation. “At one time, we had a fund drive among the House membership. This was partly to gain interest and support. We elected Representative [Earl] Rundle, a very colorful rancher and short and stout with a bald head and weathered complexion. He would often stand up with a foolish statement or question to be discussed. He stood up in his seat and shouted, “Whoever gives the biggest and highest priced calf for the Heritage Center will get a prize!” I was selling cattle to the famous hockey player Bobby Hull, so I pledged $700, which was supposed to be what Bobby Hull paid me for one. I believe I got the first prize.”
Thorsgard carried the budget for the new Heritage Center and the museum budget before the Appropriations committee every year he was in the Legislature. “It wasn’t a popular issue at that time. I do not remember anyone giving me an encouraging statement. I also usually had the park and recreation budget.” He remembered how his colleagues sometimes made fun of him working on what they considered unimportant programs, and they even gave him a teddy bear at a party.
“Little did they realize that tourism would be our second largest industry. We are in a very favorable location. People can leave the crowded city and still find a place where they can be alone and get lost. Whatever we can do to help them have a good vacation will be profitable to us.”
Thorsgard believes heritage is important in democracies. “Free people are proud of their history and heritage.” He also appreciates what this heritage means for his profession of agriculture. “A well known public figure recently stated that life on a farm has changed more in his lifetime than it did the previous 2,000 years. It would indeed be a great loss, if this is a true fact, to lose for posterity a few of the stories and happenings of this period. Certainly generations to come will be inspired and proud of our heritage and our history. The stories of the struggles and hurts and accomplishments of those, our forefathers, have lessened the struggles of my generation.”
The final passage of the Heritage Center appropriation bill happened during Thorsgard’s last year in the Legislature.
The State Historical Society of North Dakota and its Foundation appreciate the tireless work of Enoch Thorsgard and countless others like him who have championed the preservation of our state’s rich history. He currently serves as a History’s Trustee – a partner and donor to the SHSND Foundation.
Senate hears Heritage Center expansion bill
Thank to everyone who prepared testimony for the hearing, and it was unfortunate that everyone did not have time to share their stories. However, all prepared testimony was provided to the clerk of the Senate Appropriations Committee and will be given to the Senators.
These individuals provided testimony:
---Al Berger – Society Board President – Trustee - History of the project and major features and economic impact to heritage tourism
---Merl Paaverud – Society Director – Trustee- Overview of project – questions from committee-need to build the full master plan at one time
---Dave Skalsky – Asst Director Society -Financials for project- costs for phases—comparable buildings in the region and their costs
---Claudia Berg – Expansion Coordinator Society – Trustee- Details on the images for the project – walk through of services to the public and project details
---Jon McMillan – Foundation Board President – Trustee - Eight year support of expansion efforts by Foundation board of directors-good things take time and are well worth the effort- our children need to know their history to make good decisions in their lives
---Owen Piehl – Grandson of Dina and Bill Butcher – Trustees – Dina was member of the SHSND Commission - eight year old – loves dinosaurs and the Heritage Center
---Ed Murphy – ND Geological Survey – Need for appropriate space to do their work—pictures of their current project Dakota dinosaur
---Cordell Dick –Foundation Fundraising Consultant –Trustee – Fundraising history and feasibility for efforts – smaller project will affect fundraising
---Mike Gustafson- Foundation Board- Trustee -History Heroes fundraising efforts – statewide support for the project- visited with 300 people in 17 counties- potential to raise over $5 million from History Heroes
---Enoch Thorsgaard – Trustee - Former Legislator – Brought the first $40,000 to original Heritage Center Project- worked many sessions to see Heritage Center funded- truly a champion for the Heritage Center today and yesterday
---Janet and Chuck Esser – Trustees – Legacy project – build full project—a tribute to the character of our settlers- recognize important of service club, private sector support
---Joe Satrom – Trustee -Former State Senator – Project needs champions, increase state support of this project—climate for fundraising has changed with economy as is
---Bruce Schwartz- Statewide Lions Club support of the expansion- 3200 members and over 100 local clubs- pledging financial support-Heritage Center would give travelers a reason to stop in North Dakota and not just drive through
---Amy Sakariassen – Contractor that uses Historic Preservation files- temporary employee in Paleo Lab working on Dakota dinosaur –need for more space for dinosaur preparation and file space and research space for contractors in historic preservation division – uncomfortable working conditions
---Marlo Sveen – Foundation Development Director –Donor - Fundraising efforts—answered questions from Senate Committee
Testimony Prepared for Hearing but there was not enough time to present:
---Governor Art Link – Trustee – Donor – Now is the time to build – he is as vitally interested in project today as when first built Heritage Center- one of first major donors—copy of letter of support provided to Governor Hoeven to ask for inclusion in his budget
---Calvin Grinnell- Foundation Board- will help garner support from tribal groups in the state – he is member of Three Affiliated Tribes of New Town—his people were the first farmers in this important agricultural state—they understood completing a project in one push as they built earth lodges in one week as a village
---Don Walz – Trustee – service club support from Sertoma Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, Optimists and others- service clubs have provided much to their local communities and have history to share—want a place in the story of North Dakota
---Stevan Dewald – Trustee – Lightowler Johnson and Associates, Fargo – architect firm for expansion project – economic stimulus- good time to bid – great for local contractors
---Barbara Handy Marcello – Heritage Center a focus for educating our children
---Sara Otte Coleman – Society Board- Tourism Director – Trustee - tourism markets Heritage Center as a destination – impresses clients and visitors- hub for history
---Kay Link - Trustee – owns local Bed and Breakfast – father supported building the original building as former legislator- Heritage Center drives tourism development
---Virginia Nelsen – Foundation Director – Trustee – Thank you for funding $21 million in heritage tourism enhancements- current list of corporate and private major donors- letters of support provided to Governor John Hoeven in 2008
---Jack Olin – Trustee- former Legislator – now is the time to do this project – respect for our history prepares us for our future
---Terry Harzinski – Bismarck Mandan CVB – support for tourism in region—Heritage Center as a destination educates our visitors—keeps them here longer—provides a meaningful stay in North Dakota
---Dick Weber – Trustee- Heritage Center used by local medical and energy community to recruit employees and their families- out of state people appreciate Heritage Center
---Gerald Skogley – Trustee – Consulted with Foundation to identify 12 major grant sources for funding for expansion- urged authorization so Foundation can then apply for foundation grant support
Heritage Center is about the future
Change has come to the wheat fields, two-lane highways and rolling pastures of North Dakota.
We've embarked on becoming an energy exporter - wind, oil and coal fueled, the state now exports peas and lentils to global destinations, and call centers and small manufacturing firms are growing up in rural communities across the state. Conversations are laced with terms like carbon sequestration and nanotechnology.
Instead of new residents to the state coming from Germany, Russian and Scandinavian countries, they have fled Sudan, Bosnia or some other home of modern strife.
Diversity no longer solely represents a political or social policy.
The birth rates in the state are highest on Indian reservations.
North Dakota is becoming something other than what it has been. To forge ahead into this new North Dakota, it seems wise to know where we've been, how we've gotten here and who we are. It's key knowledge in determining who and what we will become.
That's what the State Historical Society of North Dakota and the Heritage Center are all about. They offer people, not just scholars and policy-makers, views of the past. They have begun to create a North Dakota narrative, one that helps explain the why of who we are.
Because that narrative is ever-changing, there's a proposal to expand the Heritage Center, allowing a bolder, more comprehensive interpretation of the state's developing story.
The SHSND developed a proposal for a $50 million expansion. The plans and proposal make it a big idea. And Gov. John Hoeven concurred and included a $30 million project in his budget (with $12 million coming from private donation). The North Dakota House of Representatives, shortly before crossover, endorsed the governor's package with a strong 57-35 vote.
Now the Heritage Center expansion project faces scrutiny by the state Senate. Proponents will try to push the $30 million figure closer to the initial request for $50 million. Opponents will like ask for a larger portion of the cost be paid by private donations.
The senate should give the Heritage Center a green light. It's the people's history that we are talking about.
And the dollar value attached to that green light should reflect the state's financial condition, which is rather good.
The existing Heritage Center, with its programs and exhibits, has proven time and time again to be valuable to understanding who we are, how things got to be this way and the nature of this place that we know and love. Its performance and role in North Dakota's ongoing development stands as the best argument for expansion.
The North Dakota Heritage Center isn't about the past, it's about the future.
(Ken Rogers' column appears on the opinion page on Saturdays. Contact him at ken.rogers@;bismarcktribune.com.)
Largest Private Donor to Heritage Center Expansion
Meets Legislators and State Officials in Bismarck
Kirk Lanterman, pictured at the top right end of the table in the first photo, met legislative and state leders at a luncheon January 29 in the Governor's Conference Room at the State Capitol. In the second photo, Lanterman, second from left, visits with Lt. Governor Jack Dalrymple, Tourism Director Sara Otte Coleman and SHSND Director Merl Paaverud following the luncheon.
Kirk and Janet Lanterman have given $500,000 to support the expansion of the North Dakota Heritage Center, and its “Settlement Era Exhibit” in the Inspiration, Opportunities and Innovation Gallery. Through this gift the Lantermans are honoring his grandfather, Will Lanterman, and his grandfather’s three brothers and sisters, who migrated to Grand Forks, Hillsboro and finally settled in Mandan. This is the largest personal or family gift to date given to the Heritage Center Expansion Campaign.
Kirk Lanterman was born in 1931 and was raised in Bismarck-Mandan area. His grandfather owned Morton State Bank in Mandan, and his father, Harold, was chairman of Cloverdale Foods. His mother, Helen, owned retail women’s clothing stores, The Rose Shop in Bismarck, Fargo and Grand Forks, and Helen’s in Mandan and in Dickinson. He graduated from Bismarck High School in 1950. Lanterman began his college education at the University of North Dakota, but left school to serve in the Korean War as a medic.
Following the war, he completed his accounting degree from the University of Washington and became a certified public accountant. He spent most of his working career with the cruise industry and particularly with the Holland America Line-Westours. Lanterman joined the company in 1970 as Vice President of Finance and, in the next 30 years, he advanced through the company's administrative ranks. He became President of Westours in 1979 and when Holland America Line consolidated its operations in 1983, Lanterman became President of the combined company, serving in that role until March 1997. He assumed chief executive responsibilities when the company was purchased by Carnival Cruise Lines (which is now Carnival Corporation) and was named chairman and CEO of the corporation in 1997. He became Chairman of Holland America Line in 1988, and served on its board of directors until 2007.
“Kirk Lanterman has a deep interest in North Dakota’s heritage and tourism and believes that an expanded North Dakota Heritage Center will draw more visitors to the state and send them off to other attractions,” says Virginia Nelsen, SHSND Foundation executive director. “He hopes his gift will encourage state lawmakers to authorize the expansion of the North Dakota Heritage Center and to inspire other individuals to honor their heritage through a personal gift.”
State Lions Clubs supporting Heritage Center expansion
Efforts to enhance the interpretation of North Dakota’s history are receiving a roaring boost from North Dakota’s Lions Clubs. On October 30, the delegates to the 2008 State Lions Convention passed a resolution to support the expansion of the North Dakota Heritage Center.
The resolution asked each local Lions Club to consider a pledge for five years to the State Historical Society of North Dakota Foundation in support of the expansion plans.
In addition, each local Lions Club has been asked to promote the expansion of the North Dakota Heritage Center to its members at club meetings. Each club has received a case statement and expansion DVD, detailed information about the expansion. There are 3,200 Lions Club members in 110 clubs across the state.
Lions are also showing their support at legislative hearings in Bismarck. Chuck Esser of Mandan, who is a member of the Bismarck Lions Club, testified at the January 12 hearing before the House Appropriations Committee. “The time is at hand like never before to make sure the story of our state and the story of our people is presented in the finest way possible,” Esser said at the hearing. “We have been gifted with a dedicated and extremely talented team of visionaries who can see this project through. It’s time to finish the job of our Heritage Center. Let’s give our people something to show off with pride.”
Longtime Lions member and SHSND Foundation development officer Bill Schott of Bismarck has been coordinating this statewide effort. “Having this strong support by the state Lions clubs gives this expansion campaign a big boost,” says Schott. He has been working with Don Walz of Bismarck, SHSND Foundation Trustee, to involve all statewide service clubs to support this campaign. Contacts have been made to Sertoma Clubs, Optimists, Kiwanis groups and more.
“We are excited about making an investment in the further expansion of the resources of the State Historical Society,” says Bruce Schwartz, Past International Director of the North Dakota Lions Clubs. “An expanded North Dakota Heritage Center is central to the marketing of the extensive network of heritage tourism attractions all across the state. We are thrilled to be part of this effort.”
Virginia Nelsen, executive director of the SHSND Foundation, says the expanded North Dakota Heritage Center will make a wonderful gift to the people of North Dakota for the 125th Anniversary of Statehood. “How exciting to open the doors of this new facility for this celebration in 2014,” says Nelsen. “The support by the statewide Lions Clubs is helping to bring this closer to reality.”
Nelsen says grassroots efforts by Lions members are essential to development of main street support for the project. In his executive budget Governor Hoeven has authorized the expansion of the Heritage Center for $30 million and put $18 million in the budget, with the expectation that another $12 million in private support will be raised. “Now our focus is to ask the Legislature to authorize the master plan for the North Dakota Heritage Center, which is $51.7 million, and sustain the Governor’s initial funding for the project,” says Nelsen. “We want to see the building built as a one-time project for North Dakota.”
Backers Pitch Heritage Center Expansion
Fargo Forum
BISMARCK — The North Dakota Heritage Center would become a “beacon on the prairie” and the “Smithsonian of the Plains” if it’s expanded, supporters told a House committee Monday.
The $30 million first phase of a 97,000 squarer-foot addition would be fronted by the Northern Lights Atrium, a large glass cube facing east toward the State Street entrance to the Capitol Grounds. If backers get the hoped-for appropriation from the Legislature, it would open in 2014, the state’s 125th birthday.
Supporters making the case to the House Appropriations’ Education and Environment Subcommittee ranged from 7-year-old Owen Walter Piehl, Menoken, N.D., who stood on a stool at the podium to read his testimony, to 91-year-old former Rep. Enoch Thorsgard, R-Northwood, whose plea was in a letter read to the committee.
Owen, who turns 8 next week, said, “If the Heritage Center were bigger, then I could see more of the stuff that lived here more than a million years ago. So, I hope that you decide to make the Heritage Center bigger, so I can see more and so can my brothers and friends.”
Thorsgard supported the original Heritage Center, finished in 1981, while in the Legislature from 1969-80.
Another ex-lawmaker, former Sen. Jack Olin, R-Dickinson, also said the state has the opportunity and obligation to build on the dream first realized 28 years ago.
The current Heritage Center doesn’t have exhibits presenting the state’s last 70 years because there’s no space in the gallery, said Claudia Berg, Historical Society expansion coordinator.
Representatives of businesses said the Heritage Center helps recruit professionals and executives to the state and is a highlight for prospective newcomers who want to know what cultural life they’ll have if they move here, said Dick Weber, Bismarck, a retired Basin Electric Power Cooperative executive now on the Medcenter One hospital board.
The Historical Society seeks $18 million in state general funds plus lawmakers’ approval to raise and spend an additional $12 million in donations and other funds, such as grants. Supporters said major business donors won’t make large pledges until they know the state has committed funds.
Bismarck resident Chuck Esser, a transplant from Seattle, and Bismarck native Kay Solberg Link, who move back to run a bed and breakfast, praised the Heritage Center as something that impresses visitors who didn’t know what to expect in North Dakota.
With an expansion, Esser said, “We’ll have a big surprise for them.”
Legislators didn’t take action Monday. The Historical Society budget will be considered in an overall context with other agencies’ appropriations requests.
Solberg Link is a daughter of longtime state Sen. I.E. “Esky” Solberg, Bismarck, and daughter-in-law of former Gov. Arthur Link, both of whom supported the original Heritage Center.
Committee member Rep. Kathy Hawken, R-Fargo, said afterward that because the state has a surplus, many people think it should be used for one-time investments such as the Heritage Center expansion.
Rep. Bob Skarphol, R-Tioga, chairman of the subcommittee, said after the hearing that the Heritage Center request is among many large-ticket items in Gov. John Hoeven’s budget.
“The governor’s got an ambitious budget. By the same token, I’ve got guys at home saying, ‘Don’t spend it all,’ ” Skarphol said.
Funding urged for Heritage Center
Lawmakers on the Education and Environment Division of the House Appropriations Committee heard testimony on a bill modeled on the governor's budget that includes $18 million in state funds and $12 million in private donations to pay for the expansion.
More than a dozen supporters came to the committee, pushing lawmakers to support the expansion, calling it the "Smithsonian on the Prairie."
The committee took no action Monday.
"We've got a big budget that we're going to have to deal with," said Rep. Bob Skarphol, R-Tioga, chairman of the subcommittee. "It's been discussed for several sessions, and I suspect it will continue to get some discussion with leadership and whatever, and we'll just have to see how everything comes out."
Officials from the State Historical Society are pushing lawmakers to increase the state's funding share from $18 million to $40 million to complete the Heritage Center's master-planned expansion for a total cost of about $52 million.
Virginia Nelsen, the executive director of the historical society, said there are $2.5 million in signed pledges for donations so far, including a $500,000 gift from Basin Electric Power Cooperative, $250,000 from Forum Communications and $500,000 from a Seattle couple with North Dakota roots.
She said more donors would likely sign on if the Legislature passes the bill.
Merl Paaverud, the director of the North Dakota State Historical Society, said it would be cheaper to fund the entire $52 million project now.
"We're hoping to get authority to complete the master plan," Paaverud said. "This is a great start, but we'd like to do it all, rather than do it in segments."
Gary Reetz, a Minneapolis-based architect working on the Heritage Center expansion, said if the Legislature approved all the funds for the master plan this session, the project could be complete in summer 2012, two years before North Dakota's 125th anniversary of statehood.
The current bill includes the $30 million for a new entrance to the Heritage Center, new galleries and a renovated auditorium that would be wheelchair accessible.
Former Gov. Art Link submitted written testimony, but was not at the hearing. Link said he and his wife, Grace, are giving $100,000 to the expansion project, calling it a "legacy project" for Gov. John Hoeven.
Owen Piehl, 7, also asked that lawmakers fund the center's expansion, especially after visiting the center's dinosaur exhibit last month.
"I really like dinosaurs, and I try to learn about them whenever I can," Owen said.
"If the Heritage Center were bigger, then I could see more of the stuff that lived here more than a million years ago."
Rep. Frank Wald, R-Dickinson, heard all he needed to hear.
"I was apprehensive, but you just sold me," Wald said, laughing.
The bill is HB1018.
(Reach reporter Brian Duggan at 223-8482 or brian.duggan@;bismarcktribune.)
Governor Hoeven authorizes
North Dakota Heritage Center Expansion
On December 3, Governor John Hoeven authorized $30 million for the expansion of the North Dakota Heritage Center. In his 2009-11 Budget Recommendation the Governor provided for $18 million for the project from the general fund and $12 million from special funds to be raised by the agency, for construction of an addition to the Heritage Center.
"This is a good start as we proceed to the legislative session," says Merl Paaverud, director of the State Historical Society of North Dakota "The important thing to remember is that the project was included in the budget. Our work must continue to secure funding to complete the Master Plan for expansion of the North Dakota Heritage Center."
To receive electronic legislative reports via email from the SHSND Foundation, email Virginia Nelsen at nelsenva@btinet.net.
Fall Luncheons a Great Success!
More than 300 people from across North Dakota joined the State Historical Society of North Dakota and its Foundation at eight luncheons across the North Dakota during October to see the unveiling of the proposed designs for the expansion of the North Dakota Heritage Center.
The luncheon locations and their sponsors were:
Fargo Monday, October 13, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
Grand Forks Tuesday, October 14, University of North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center, Minnkota Power Cooperative and Nodak Electric
Devils Lake Wednesday, October 15, Western State Bank
Jamestown Monday, October 20, North Dakota Farmers Union
Bismarck Tuesday, October 21, Flash Printing
Dickinson Tuesday, October 28, Baker Boy
Williston Wednesday, October 29, El Rancho Motor Hotel and Sun Well Service
Minot Thursday, October 30, Souris River Telephone and Verendrye Electric
Latest News
State Historical Society of North Dakota Foundation
P.O. Box 1976
Bismarck, ND 58502-1976
(701) 222-1966
