Jun 30 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.
Jul 01 Tuesday
Jul 02 Wednesday
Jul 03 Thursday
Jul 04 Friday
The public is invited to attend “Lemonade and Lawn Games,” a July 4 celebration from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pembina State Museum. Enjoy free lemonade while you try your hand at ladder ball, cornhole, and other lawn games. Come and beat the heat at the Pembina State Museum.
For more information, contact Outreach Coordinator Brian Hardy, shspembina@nd.gov or 701.825.6840. The Pembina State Museum, located at 805 Highway 59, Pembina, is managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. Admission to the museum and observation tower is $10. The museum is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sept. 1. For more information, call 701.825.6840. Find upcoming events sponsored by the State Historical Society at history.nd.gov/events or call 701.328.2666. https://www.facebook.com/PembinaStateMuseum/
Jul 05 Saturday
The public is invited to celebrate “Gingras Days” July 5 and 6 at state historic sites near Walhalla. The event is free, and all ages are welcome.
The Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site, located just 1.5 miles northeast of Walhalla, features the historic Gingras home and trading post. These are two of the oldest standing structures in the state. Built by prominent fur trader Antoine Blanc Gingras, these buildings offer a rare glimpse into Métis architecture and life along the northern frontier. Indigenous and settler games will be available to play each day. The Gingras open house also features free guided tours and hands-on history experiences: • Friday, July 5–Step into the role of early hunters and try your hand at an atlatl, a prehistoric spear-throwing tool, aimed at a simulated bison target. • Saturday, July 6–Watch sparks fly as Outreach Coordinator Brian Hardy fires up an antique forge to demonstrate traditional blacksmithing techniques once essential to fur trade life. While in the area be sure to stop by the Walhalla State Historic Site. It is home to the recently reconstructed Kittson cabin. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., explore the history of Norman Kittson and the mid-19th century trading post he established around 1852. The site is located at 201 Martyr Drive in Walhalla. Gingras Trading Post State Historic Site is located at 12899 105th St NE Walhalla, ND 58282 and the Walhalla State Historic Site located at 201 Martyr Drive, Walhalla, ND, 58282 are managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. The grounds of both are open year-round. For more information, contact Brian Hardy, shspembina@nd.gov or 701.825.6840. Find additional programs at history.nd.gov/events.
Jul 07 Monday
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Jul 09 Wednesday