Apr 23 Wednesday
“The Art of Making Do: Folk Culture and Heritage of Germans From Russia” is now on exhibit at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck.
This exhibition, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of German Russian immigrants through their folk culture and heritage, is a partnership of the Tri-County Tourism Alliance and the State Historical Society of North Dakota. “The German Russian immigrants left an indelible mark on North Dakota and our current world,” said Bill Peterson, director of the State Historical Society of North Dakota. “We all recognize the importance of that community and the lessons they have left us if we just take the time to look.”
Before sustainability practices like repurposing, reusing, and recycling became widespread, resourceful German Russian immigrants relied on these techniques to build new lives on the prairie. “The Art of Making Do” highlights how these homesteaders transformed their surroundings through traditional skills brought from the old country, crafting textiles, embroidery, woodcarvings, and ironwork that shaped their homes and communities.
While many early folk art pieces have been lost, the traditions, trades, and skills embodied by German Russian immigrants continue to thrive. Enjoy historical and contemporary folk art and metalwork from Logan, McIntosh, and Emmons counties, and the State Historical Society collections. The exhibit will remain on view through September 2025.
The ND Heritage Center & State Museum is open Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Find upcoming events at history.nd.gov/events.
Apr 24 Thursday
Apr 25 Friday
A Rachel's Vineyard Retreat is a beautiful opportunity for healing for any woman or man struggling with the emotional and/or spiritual pain of an abortion. The Retreat focuses on God's love and mercy in a caring, non-judgmental environment. Using Scripture and sound psychological principles, the retrat helps particpants work through repressed grief and anger...and helps transform fears, abandonment memories, confusion, and unforgiveness of self and others, bringing peace and reconciliation. Contact Carol now at 605-374-5639 or ckling@sdplains.com for caring and confidential help and registration.
Apr 26 Saturday
Wild Connections: Earth Day at the Missouri-Yellowstone ConfluenceJoin us on April 26th for a full day of hands-on activities celebrating the natural wonders of the Confluence region!Owl Pellet Workshops at 10 AM and 2:30 PM CT – Dissect owl pellets to learn about local wildlife and the food chain by identifying bones, fur, and other remains inside the pellets.Cyanotype Leaf Print Workshops at 11 AM and 3 PM – Create stunning blue-and-white leaf prints using the cyanotype process. Place leaves on photosensitive paper, expose to sunlight, and watch as UV light creates intricate prints.Roosevelt Park Zoo-to-You Program from 1 PM to 2 PM CT – Meet live animals native to the Confluence region and learn about their behaviors, habitats, and conservation needs from expert zoo staff.A fun, educational day for all ages to connect with nature and explore the local ecosystem! Don’t miss out—join us for this exciting Earth Day celebration!
The Confluence Learning Lab is a FREE monthly, one-hour program designed for children ages 8+ to explore the rich history and natural wonders of the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center and Fort Buford. Each session focuses on a unique topic, such as Ice Age animals, glaciers, STEAM topics, regional history, life in the barracks, Lewis and Clark, indigenous history, and more. Participants will enjoy an engaging lecture about the topic, followed by a related craft, interactive game, or hands-on science experiment. This program integrates North Dakota school standards, ensuring an educational experience that blends history, nature, science, and creativity in every session.
Come to the Moorhead Masonic Family Center, 1815 11th St N Moorhead for a Ham Dinner, with scalloped potatoes, corn, roll, and apple pie from 4:30-7. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 for adults, $5 for 10 and under. Contact leretta.smith@ndsu.edu for advance tickets.
Apr 28 Monday
Apr 29 Tuesday
Apr 30 Wednesday