The state of North Dakota is only one of 4 states that does not, to this date, have a military museum. But according to Jackie Huber, ND National Guard Foundation President “we have a great story that needs to be told, and it needs to be told through a statewide effort like the Military Gallery that is planned to be built on the south side of the ND Heritage Center and State Museum on the State Capitol Grounds in Bismarck.”
This is the message that Huber and a group of members of the ND Military Gallery Executive Committee brought to Minot on Monday night. “The state of North Dakota has a rich and diverse military history. Our military history and stories need to be presented and shared” according to Huber “and in talking to people around the state and here in Minot we hear, it’s about time.”
With a base funding of $39 million dollars approved by the North Dakota State Legislature and signed by Governor Kelly Armstrong during the last legislative session, the task at hand is to raise a total of $78 million dollars. According to a brochure that was distributed to the group gathered for the Minot presentation Huber ads “As Americans we need to remember that the freedoms we enjoy today are due to the sacrifices of those who have served in our Armed Forces. The North Dakota Military Museum will ensure our military history is shared with the hope that a whole new generation is inspired to serve our great nation.”
If the committee is successful in their fund raising efforts, the doors to this new Military Gallery and Museum will open in 2027. “I just noticed that construction signage has gone up at the site” says Huber.
There was a short video presentation to open a short information program. After that various members of the Executive Committee took turns talking about the Military Gallery and how it would feature the great military heritage of North Dakota histories of the Native American nations in North Dakota.
From the Minot Air Force Base Col’s Mike Taylor, Deputy Commander of the 5th Bomb Wing and Col Mike Suden of the 91st MW operations Group spoke on behalf of Minot Air Force Base. “We have in Minot, and North Dakota” according to Col Taylor, a very unique relationship between not only Minot Air Force Base and the community of Minot, but also a unique relationship between all of our military and the state of North Dakota.”
There was a bit of humor as Executive Committee member Bill Peterson spoke of wanting to bring a Minuteman III missile home with him to feature in the museum “which is something we can’t do” said Col Taylor with a smile, “but we may in the future be able to provide a different missile.”
As far as education, Huber talked about how those who toured the gallery would experience all of the military history in North Dakota and will serve as a place show our kids the sacrifice and heroism of North Dakotans who have proudly served their state and nation.
The new Military Gallery will feature an outdoor amphitheater, several indoor galleries that will include an All-Services exhibit, a Native American military history exhibit, a Regimental/Conference room, a catering kitchen along with administrative offices. Included will be an event center that will be used of military functions such as large presentations and events like military balls. There will be theater areas that will also be used to tell the North Dakota military stories.
On the ND Historical Society website, the description of the new Military Gallery explains and promotes this very worthwhile endeavor. This 67,000-square foot (20,000 encompassing the Military Gallery) addition to the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum on the state Capitol grounds will be bursting with fascinating narratives to help us understand the military’s and North Dakota’s influence around the world. You will encounter the first Native American military societies, acts of bravery, secret missions, humanitarian aid, and pivotal moments in history. It includes a 20,000-square-foot Military Gallery plus ample space for large events, a North Dakota National Guard Regimental Room, expanded food service, and an outdoor courtyard and amphitheater.
Yes, North Dakota, it is about time that we do honor the military heritage of our great state.
