May 19 Monday
“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.
May 20 Tuesday
May 21 Wednesday
May 22 Thursday
May 23 Friday
May 24 Saturday
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.
May 26 Monday
May 27 Tuesday
May 28 Wednesday
May 29 Thursday