Dear Friends of the State Historical Society of North Dakota:

 Download Case Statement (~2.7MB PDF)

Governor John Hoeven (middle) and SHSND Director Merl Paaverud congratulate Scott Andes, recipient of both the Dedication Award and Curatorial Award, during the August 14, 2003 SHSND awards banquet. Andes has been a Heritage Volunteer with the State Historical Society since 2001.

The State Historical Society of North Dakota and its Foundation are engaged in a great vision quest for the state of North Dakota. We see the State Historical Society of North Dakota as a key resource for tourism expansion. In order to fulfi ll this vision, a 10-year expansion strategy has been developed by our key leaders and supporters.

Tourism is North Dakota’s second largest industry; heritage tourism is the fastest growing segment of tourism nationally. As the state’s history agency we are seeking investments in our existing inventory of historic sites, collections and museums. This 10-year development plan has already secured legislative investments in our regional historic sites, the latest being Fort Abercrombie near Wahpeton and Fargo and the Chateau de Mores Interpretive Center in Medora. We have also established a strong re-grant program funded by $325,000 from the legislature and a funding mechanism for a Preservation Emergency Fund to help with regional historic preservation projects. We also secured funding to build the expansion of the State Archives, all of these projects in Phase I of our plans.

Phase II of our efforts is the expansion of the North Dakota Heritage Center as the “Hub of History” for the state of North Dakota. This DRAFT Case Statement puts before you, our trusted friends and associates, the opportunity to review this plan and give us direction as we move forward.

Thank you in advance for your creative and valuable input. We look forward to hearing your comments on our vision and our direction.

Most Sincerely,
Merlan E. Paaverud, Jr., Director
State Historical Society of North Dakota (SHSND)