Community Calendar

Traill County Arts Coalition set to exhibit the artwork of late Hillsboro artist John Carroll Pederson (1928-2025) April 16th – May 16th at “The Arts House” in Hillsboro, ND.

Hillsboro, ND – April 9th, 2026

The Traill County Arts Coalition will exhibit the work of the late Hillsboro artist John Carroll Pederson (1928-2025) April 16th- May 16th at “The Arts House” in Hillsboro, ND. The exhibit will feature a selection of Pederson’s work that will be for sale through silent auction during the exhibit. Proceeds from the auction will go towards an arts scholarship in John’s name.
John Carroll Pederson (1928-2025), a self-taught artist from Hillsboro, North Dakota, was a man whose life revolved around his passions for drawing and painting. From a young age, he was deeply inspired by the "homespun American life" depicted on Norman Rockwell's Saturday Evening Post covers. This admiration led to a defining moment in his life: a pilgrimage to Rockwell's home in Massachusetts, where he was welcomed as a guest and learned from the famous artist. John considered this week a high point of his life.
John's career was a tapestry of artistic pursuits. After serving in the Army, where he did some illustration work, he spent 15 years at Dakota Photo Engraving Co. in Fargo. He also applied his artistic skills to commercial work, painting billboard signs along I-29 and creating logos and nameplates for local newspapers. Around 1971, he began making a living as a full-time painter and taught adult education classes in Hillsboro. His fine art subjects were diverse, ranging from Abraham Lincoln and old comedians to airplanes and local Red River Valley landscapes.
“An Art-Filled Future” Artworks by John C. Pederson
April 16th – May 16th, 2026
Showings by Appointment Only
Open Houses: April 16th 10:00am-5:00pm
May 16th Reception 2:00pm – 4:00pm with Bidding Closing at 5:00pm

For More information contact:
Eric A. Johnson
Phone: 701-799-6518
Email: tcac701@gmail.com
Website: www.TraillCountyArts.com

Traill County Arts Coalition set to exhibit the artwork of late Hillsboro artist John Carroll Pederson (1928-2025) April 16th – May 16th at “The Arts House” in Hillsboro, ND.

Hillsboro, ND – April 9th, 2026

The Traill County Arts Coalition will exhibit the work of the late Hillsboro artist John Carroll Pederson (1928-2025) April 16th- May 16th at “The Arts House” in Hillsboro, ND. The exhibit will feature a selection of Pederson’s work that will be for sale through silent auction during the exhibit. Proceeds from the auction will go towards an arts scholarship in John’s name.
John Carroll Pederson (1928-2025), a self-taught artist from Hillsboro, North Dakota, was a man whose life revolved around his passions for drawing and painting. From a young age, he was deeply inspired by the "homespun American life" depicted on Norman Rockwell's Saturday Evening Post covers. This admiration led to a defining moment in his life: a pilgrimage to Rockwell's home in Massachusetts, where he was welcomed as a guest and learned from the famous artist. John considered this week a high point of his life.
John's career was a tapestry of artistic pursuits. After serving in the Army, where he did some illustration work, he spent 15 years at Dakota Photo Engraving Co. in Fargo. He also applied his artistic skills to commercial work, painting billboard signs along I-29 and creating logos and nameplates for local newspapers. Around 1971, he began making a living as a full-time painter and taught adult education classes in Hillsboro. His fine art subjects were diverse, ranging from Abraham Lincoln and old comedians to airplanes and local Red River Valley landscapes.
“An Art-Filled Future” Artworks by John C. Pederson
April 16th – May 16th, 2026
Showings by Appointment Only
Open Houses: April 16th 10:00am-5:00pm
May 16th Reception 2:00pm – 4:00pm with Bidding Closing at 5:00pm

For More information contact:
Eric A. Johnson
Phone: 701-799-6518
Email: tcac701@gmail.com
Website: www.TraillCountyArts.com

Traill County Arts Coalition set to exhibit the artwork of late Hillsboro artist John Carroll Pederson (1928-2025) April 16th – May 16th at “The Arts House” in Hillsboro, ND.

Hillsboro, ND – April 9th, 2026

The Traill County Arts Coalition will exhibit the work of the late Hillsboro artist John Carroll Pederson (1928-2025) April 16th- May 16th at “The Arts House” in Hillsboro, ND. The exhibit will feature a selection of Pederson’s work that will be for sale through silent auction during the exhibit. Proceeds from the auction will go towards an arts scholarship in John’s name.
John Carroll Pederson (1928-2025), a self-taught artist from Hillsboro, North Dakota, was a man whose life revolved around his passions for drawing and painting. From a young age, he was deeply inspired by the "homespun American life" depicted on Norman Rockwell's Saturday Evening Post covers. This admiration led to a defining moment in his life: a pilgrimage to Rockwell's home in Massachusetts, where he was welcomed as a guest and learned from the famous artist. John considered this week a high point of his life.
John's career was a tapestry of artistic pursuits. After serving in the Army, where he did some illustration work, he spent 15 years at Dakota Photo Engraving Co. in Fargo. He also applied his artistic skills to commercial work, painting billboard signs along I-29 and creating logos and nameplates for local newspapers. Around 1971, he began making a living as a full-time painter and taught adult education classes in Hillsboro. His fine art subjects were diverse, ranging from Abraham Lincoln and old comedians to airplanes and local Red River Valley landscapes.
“An Art-Filled Future” Artworks by John C. Pederson
April 16th – May 16th, 2026
Showings by Appointment Only
Open Houses: April 16th 10:00am-5:00pm
May 16th Reception 2:00pm – 4:00pm with Bidding Closing at 5:00pm

For More information contact:
Eric A. Johnson
Phone: 701-799-6518
Email: tcac701@gmail.com
Website: www.TraillCountyArts.com

Blast off into learning at Mission to the Moon Preschool Discovery Hour! Little learners will explore planets, the moon, and stars through hands-on science, sensory play, and creative discovery.

Activities Include:
Be an astronaut!
Moon rocks and rockets
Creating constellations
and more!

May 13 & 16 | 9:00 to 9:45 AM at North Dakota’s Gateway to Science
Free Program | Best for ages 3–5

Please note: Special groups require prior booking.

Traill County Arts Coalition set to exhibit the artwork of late Hillsboro artist John Carroll Pederson (1928-2025) April 16th – May 16th at “The Arts House” in Hillsboro, ND.

Hillsboro, ND – April 9th, 2026

The Traill County Arts Coalition will exhibit the work of the late Hillsboro artist John Carroll Pederson (1928-2025) April 16th- May 16th at “The Arts House” in Hillsboro, ND. The exhibit will feature a selection of Pederson’s work that will be for sale through silent auction during the exhibit. Proceeds from the auction will go towards an arts scholarship in John’s name.
John Carroll Pederson (1928-2025), a self-taught artist from Hillsboro, North Dakota, was a man whose life revolved around his passions for drawing and painting. From a young age, he was deeply inspired by the "homespun American life" depicted on Norman Rockwell's Saturday Evening Post covers. This admiration led to a defining moment in his life: a pilgrimage to Rockwell's home in Massachusetts, where he was welcomed as a guest and learned from the famous artist. John considered this week a high point of his life.
John's career was a tapestry of artistic pursuits. After serving in the Army, where he did some illustration work, he spent 15 years at Dakota Photo Engraving Co. in Fargo. He also applied his artistic skills to commercial work, painting billboard signs along I-29 and creating logos and nameplates for local newspapers. Around 1971, he began making a living as a full-time painter and taught adult education classes in Hillsboro. His fine art subjects were diverse, ranging from Abraham Lincoln and old comedians to airplanes and local Red River Valley landscapes.
“An Art-Filled Future” Artworks by John C. Pederson
April 16th – May 16th, 2026
Showings by Appointment Only
Open Houses: April 16th 10:00am-5:00pm
May 16th Reception 2:00pm – 4:00pm with Bidding Closing at 5:00pm

For More information contact:
Eric A. Johnson
Phone: 701-799-6518
Email: tcac701@gmail.com
Website: www.TraillCountyArts.com

The public is invited to the official dedication of an HH-1H “Huey” helicopter on Saturday, May 16, at the Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site near Cooperstown. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
Get an up-close look at the iconic aircraft beginning at 11 a.m., when site interpreters will offer special programming at the helicopter. Added to the site in June 2025, the Huey strengthens the site’s interpretation of Cold War history. Widely recognized for its role in U.S. military operations, the helicopter supported missile field activities across the northern Plains.
The dedication ceremony begins at 1 p.m. and will feature remarks from Air Force personnel, veterans, and State Historical Society of North Dakota leadership. The event marks the official unveiling of the Huey as part of the site’s regular visitor experience. Lawn games will also be available throughout the day.
As part of the weekend’s events, State Archives staff will be onsite 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15, to record oral histories from veterans who served with Huey helicopters, preserving their stories for future generations.
This event is part of the ND250 commemoration celebrating our country’s 250th birthday.
For more information, contact Site Supervisor Rob Branting, 701.797.3691 or shsoscar0@nd.gov. The Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site is managed by the State Historical Society. The site is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and will be open daily May 23-Sept. 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Find additional programs sponsored by the State Historical Society at history.nd.gov/events.

Pembina State Museum is hosting free, family-friendly programs on Saturdays in May to share the games and skills that shaped the history of the region. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

May 16, Games of Pembina’s Past: Dice Games, 1-4 p.m. Dice games were once vital for social interactions and trade. Learn more about the history of dice and try some of the games played in Pembina.
May 23, The Little Grove and Summer Hours Grand Opening, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Join us all day to inaugurate the Little Grove, our new play space for children ages 2 to 5.
May 30, Arrows and Atlatls, 1-4 p.m. Learn about the tools prehistoric hunters used to survive and thrive on the prairies. Test your skills with targets, bows, arrows, and spear-throwers on the back lawn.

These events are part of the ND250 commemoration celebrating our country’s 250th birthday.
The Pembina State Museum, located at 805 Highway 59, Pembina, is managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and will be open daily May 23-Sept. 7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, contact Outreach Coordinator Brian Hardy, shspembina@nd.gov or 701.825.6840. Find upcoming events sponsored by the State Historical Society at history.nd.gov/events or call 701.328.2666.

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Celebrate Syttende Mai, Norway’s Constitution Day, from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, Bismarck. The free family-friendly event, held in partnership with the Sons of Norway, Sverdrup Lodge, will offer an afternoon of Scandinavian culture, music, and heritage. Attendees are encouraged to wear bunads or other Norwegian attire.

From 1 to 3 p.m., enjoy a variety of hands-on activities and demonstrations, including wood carving by regional artisans and rosemaling (Norwegian decorative painting) with an opportunity to try the technique, sample Scandinavian cookies and treats, and view artifacts highlighting Norwegian and broader Scandinavian heritage.

At 3 p.m., the celebration continues with a free Scandinavian music concert in the Russell Reid Auditorium featuring Project: Constellation. The Grand Forks-based husband-and-wife duo includes guitarist Santiago Silva, who grew up in Stockholm, Sweden, and violinist Christina Silva. Their performance will feature traditional Swedish and Norwegian songs in native languages, along with children’s songs, Eurovision Song Contest covers, and selections from both classical and modern Scandinavian music.
Syttende Mai commemorates the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814 and remains a significant cultural holiday for Norwegian communities around the world.

This event is part of the ND250 commemoration celebrating our country’s 250th birthday.

For more information, contact Education Outreach Supervisor Madison Milbrath, shsprograms@nd.gov or 701.328.2794. The ND Heritage Center & State Museum is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Find upcoming State Historical Society of North Dakota events at history.nd.gov/events.

The public is invited to the 6th Infantry Living History Encampment and annual flag raising Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fort Buford State Historic Site near Williston. The free event is open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.
The weekend centers on the site’s annual flag raising, a tradition marking the start of the tourism season and honoring soldiers who served on the northern Plains.

In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the 6th Infantry Regimental Association is moving its traditional July encampment to May to better reflect Fort Buford’s role as a key supply and staging base for the U.S. Army during the 1876 campaign season.
“This program allows us to place Fort Buford in its proper historical context during the Little Bighorn Campaign, one of the most significant military campaigns in Western history,” said 6th Infantry Board Member Brandon Delvo.

Living historians will demonstrate how soldiers prepared for the frontier campaign, including packing supplies, organizing equipment, and issuing rations and gear. Interpretive talks will highlight the logistics that supported military operations across the northern Plains.
“This event brings Fort Buford’s history to life in a real, tangible way,” said Site Supervisor Cheyenne Teal. “Helping visitors see the fort’s role in the larger military story fosters a meaningful connection to the people who lived and served here.”

Event Schedule (subject to change):
Saturday, May 23
• 9 a.m. – Roll Call and Morning Parade
• 11 a.m. – Marching and Rifle Drill
• Noon – Flag Raising
• 1:30 p.m. – Barracks Inspection
• 2 p.m. – Campaign Supply & Equipment Demonstration
• 2:30 p.m. – Army Laundress Demonstration
• 4 p.m. – Mail Call
Sunday, May 24
• 9 a.m. – Morning Colors and Morning Parade
• Noon – Flag Raising

This event is part of the ND250 commemoration celebrating our country’s 250th birthday.

Fort Buford State Historic Site was one of several military posts established to protect overland and river routes used by immigrants settling the West. It operated from 1866 to 1895 and is probably best known as the place where Hunkpapa Lakota leader Sitting Bull relinquished his rifle to the U.S. government in 1881.
Fort Buford State Historic Site and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center are managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. The Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and closed Sunday-Monday. Fort Buford is closed for the season. Summer hours begin May 1, with both locations open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. 30. For more information, contact Outreach Coordinator Nicholas Kusnierek, shsbuford@nd.gov or 701.572.9034. All times listed are Central time. Find information about upcoming programs of the State Historical Society at history.nd.gov/events.

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Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site near Fargo will open Saturday, May 23, with free, family-friendly activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Experience historical military activities and learn about the fort from 1858 to 1877.

Join the 5th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Company D reenactment unit as they portray the soldiers serving at the fort during the battles and siege of Fort Abercrombie in 1862. Participate in military drills throughout the day, and attend special programs at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Meet author Candace Simar and pick up a signed copy of one of her books from the “Abercrombie Trail” series from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the interpretive center. Watch a presentation by Michael and Allen Quade on the craft of blacksmithing in early America from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit the gallery and Museum Store. Take an educational guided tour of the site until 4 p.m.

Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site, managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota, is located at 935 Broadway North, Abercrombie. Summer hours are daily May 23 through Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with guided tours available until 4 p.m. For more information or to arrange a group tour, contact Site Supervisor Lenny Krueger, shsaber@nd.gov or 701.553.8513. Find additional upcoming educational programs sponsored by the State Historical Society at history.nd.gov/events or call 701.328.2666.