A surprise for the soon-to-be-retired superintendent of the state Historical Society.
During a tour of the new Heritage Center on the State Capitol grounds, US Senator Heidi Heitkamp read from her submission to the Congressional Record – honoring Merl Paaverud for his service.
"In this position he has led a significant expansion and renovation of the North Dakota Heritage Center and state museum," Heitkamp said. "Under his leadership, the center has become the Smithsonian of the prairie."
Neither Heitkamp nor the Historical Society staff told Paaverud she was going to do that. Paaverud was surprised.
"How do I get even with you for this?" Paaverud joked.
"You don't," replied Heitkamp.
Historical Society staffers gathered in the new Atrium to honor Paaverud – who told the crowd it was a group effort.
"It's the only way you can do it," said Paaverud. "North Dakota's pretty good at that, I think."
And he says the staff has worked hard -- and sacrificed -- to make the expansion happen.
"But it was worth it, I hope, in your eyes, too," said Paaverud.
Paaverud will formally retire in November – after the Heritage Center’s grand opening, set for November 2nd – the state’s 125th birthday.
