Preserving History: Fort Union Trading Post Needs Our Help

If you enjoy history and want to see a big part of our region continue to thrive, then you'll want to pay close attention to this information. For over thirty years, the Fort Union Association has worked to support one of North Dakota’s most loved national parks—the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site.

Since the association is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the organization is dedicated to bringing history to life through living history interpretations, educational outreach opportunities, and financial support for needs not covered by the federal government. Now, an unexpected challenge threatens the fort’s ability to remain open for the upcoming tourist season, and some help is needed.

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The Challenge: A Hiring Freeze

On January 20, a federal hiring freeze was put into place, including an Executive Order that rescinded the hiring of seasonal workers. These seasonal employees are needed for Fort Union’s operations, especially April through October when visitor numbers surge from a handful per week to thousands. Here's where things get interesting. Without these seasonal workers, the fort’s ability to remain open and provide essential outreach to schools might not happen.

Even if the hiring freeze could be lifted today, the federal hiring process takes six to eight months, making it impossible to bring on staff in time for the summer season. Without some action now, the Fort Union could face closure during its busiest months, impacting local tourism and the $1 million economic boost that comes to our region.

A Path Forward: Community Support Needed

As the only organization legally authorized to assist Fort Union in this capacity, the Fort Union Association wants to bridge this funding gap. To keep the fort open and staffed for the 2025 season, they need to raise $150,000 by April 15, 2025. These funds will go directly toward hiring seasonal staff to maintain operations, provide living history demonstrations, and continue these educational programs for our area schools.

How You Can Help

The association is calling on history lovers, community members, and local businesses to contribute to the cause. Your donation will directly support:

• Hiring seasonal workers to keep Fort Union open.
• Providing educational resources for local schools.
• Preserving the legacy of the Northern Great Plains from 1828-1867.

We all know that Fort Union Trading Post is more than just a historic site—it’s a living window into our past, a place where history comes alive for thousands of visitors each year. And it's right in our backyard! With your support, the association can ensure that this landmark remains open and active for generations to come.

To donate or learn more about how you can get involved, you can click here or contact the Fort Union Association today. Every dollar counts in keeping history alive!