How To Engage With North Dakota's Military Heritage Caravan

The State Historical Society of North Dakota Foundation is bringing its Military Gallery Caravan across the state this April, offering communities a chance to connect with an important new project honoring North Dakota’s military history.

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Williston Included as Military Gallery Caravan Brings Statewide Tour to Share Updates and Gather Stories

The caravan will visit 48 communities statewide, including Williston, sharing updates on the Military Gallery currently under construction at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck. The new gallery will recognize the service and sacrifice of North Dakotans who have served, or are currently serving, in the United States Armed Forces.

At each stop, Foundation Director Dale Lennon will give a brief presentation outlining the vision and progress of the project. These events are designed to be interactive, giving attendees the opportunity to share their own family military stories, photographs, and artifacts. Information will also be available for those interested in supporting the project through financial contributions.

Statewide Military Gallery Tour Focuses on Inclusion and Accessibility Across North Dakota

The outreach effort is meant to include voices from across the state, especially in rural communities, ensuring that North Dakota’s military history reflects people from every region. The tour was organized by legislative districts to make it as accessible as possible, following funding support approved by the 69th Legislative Assembly.

Several stops are scheduled throughout western North Dakota, and residents are encouraged to attend the event closest to them:

Minot — April 20 at 8:00 a.m. (Dakota Territory Air Museum)
Velva — April 20 at 12:00 p.m. (Velva American Legion)
Bottineau — April 20 at 5:00 p.m. (Veterans Memorial Hall)
Crosby — April 21 at 8:30 a.m. (Divide County Courthouse)
Stanley — April 21 at 12:00 p.m. (Memorial Building)
Williston — April 21 at 5:00 p.m. (Old Armory, Lower Level)
Watford City — April 22 at 9:00 a.m. (Veterans Memorial Building)
New Town — April 22 at 12:00 p.m. (Veterans Affairs Building)
Killdeer — April 27 at 12:00 p.m. (American Legion Hall)
Dickinson — April 27 at 5:00 p.m. (Stark County Veterans Pavilion)

Here's the best part. The event is free, and a great opportunity to honor all service branches of the U.S. military. Each stop will include a short presentation followed by a community discussion, allowing residents to play an active role in preserving and sharing North Dakota’s military legacy for generations to come.