Stark County Historical Society, North Dakota

03/22/2026

Here’s a hint for our next upcoming speaker series…. 👀

Photo credit: Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections, Chester Fritz Library, University of North Dakota

02/11/2026

Thank you to our board members, volunteers, DSU, and most of all, Shane Balkowitsch for bringing together the community for a wonderful evening of learning and engagement! A very special thank you to Greg Sherwood, for helping to present a wet plate to be displayed alongside a hand quilted gift to DSU, which will be displayed in the library. Photos are courtesy of Kelli Swenson.

01/16/2026

12/27/2025

Join us for our first speaker series in February!

09/12/2025

Do you know who this is?

This Osborn original was recently spotted and bought in a shop in Hammond, Indiana by Andy Gappa. Andy thoughtfully sent it to us in the mail with a note explaining that it should be returned to its proper home, with our Osborn collection of photos at the Museum Center. How it wound up in Hammond is anyone’s guess, but we are thankful to have it back!

We can date this photo between 1896-1905, but we do not know the identity of the woman pictured. We do love a good mystery, so we encourage you to help us if you have a lead!

05/04/2024

Colorized photo from WW2 featuring a Dickinson resident:
Pfc. Sam P. Montana of Rockford, Illinois, and Pfc. Joe G. Maduna of Dickinson, North Dakota, both with the 25th Combat Team, 93rd Infantry Division, manning a .50 cal. MG on Hill 250, Bougainville, Solomon Islands.
8 April, 1944.
Photographer: Gilman.
Photo Source: U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive - SC 364567
Thank you to Travis Bateman for sharing this with us!

Pfc. Sam P. Montana of Rockford, Illinois, and Pfc. Joe G. Maduna of Dickinson, North Dakota, both with the 25th Combat Team, 93rd Infantry Division, manning a .50 cal. MG on Hill 250, Bougainville, Solomon Islands.
8 April, 1944.

Photographer: Gilman.
Photo Source: U.S. National Archives. Digitized by Signal Corps Archive - SC 364567

Colourised by Doug

09/16/2021

With fall colors approaching soon, it’s time to get out and leaf peep! Why not explore while out and about. Dickinson CVB has put together some great maps and ideas for areas to explore right here in Stark County! Try a cruise down the Old Ten Scenic Byway, or maybe find an explore an old ghost town!

History and drives near Dickinson, ND.

06/03/2021

We are very excited to share with you that the University of Wisconsin, headed by Prof. Anna Andrzejewski, will be back in the Dickinson area June 9-19. Please reach out if you are interested in helping to preserve Stark County history.

The U of W team’s interest in early settlement in Stark County is vital to our mission at the historical society, but wouldn’t be possible without help from the public!

Anna Andrzejewski’s email is: [email protected]

05/22/2021

𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗚: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻, 𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁
Listen to the first podcast episode on the incredible history of our community. More episodes coming soon!!

https://anchor.fm/visitdickinson/episodes/The-History-of-Dickinson--North-Dakota-e11bh87

Dickinson Museum Center

04/12/2021

***UPDATE***

One of our super sleuth board members, Kelly, was able to figure out from the art in the background that this photo belongs to the Holy Trinity church in Fingal, ND. The original church in town, pictured here, was built in 1899. In 1909 the structure was damaged after being struck by lightning!! ⚡️ It continued to be used until 1912, and then demolished in 1915. The new church was opened in 1918.

Special thanks to Fr. Chris Markman for his prompt response along with historical context!

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Who likes a mystery and puzzle!?!

It’s funny how historical items put on the travel miles. We were recently contacted by Barnes County Museum in Valley City, regarding a photo that was traced back to being from the Dickinson area. This photo (original and two enhanced versions posted here) was also in the same box. Unfortunately, none of the photos have dates or places on them! 😩 There is a possibility that this photo is also from Stark County, but we can’t place it. Can you??

Special thanks to Wes Anderson for reaching out to us!

03/18/2020

{ Social Distancing Recreation } 🌞

There's no need to isolate indoors! You can practice healthy social distancing while exploring the many outdoor recreational opportunities found on The Western Edge!

Here is a list of suggested outdoor activities for you and your family. Have anything to add? Please share your ideas in the comment section below.

Contact the Dickinson CVB with any questions or for more information.
www.VisitDickinson.com

02/16/2020

Happy Presidents' Day weekend! These are photos from President Dwight D. Eisenhower's visit to North Dakota for the dedication ceremony for the Garrison Dam at Lake Sakakawea. June 11, 1953

These and thousands more photos from the museum's collection can be viewed at our website https://dmc.omeka.net/items/show/26521. We also offer prints of any images on photo paper or stretched canvas.