How the State Historical Society chooses items for its collections

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - The White House is demanding a review of the Smithsonian museums and exhibitions ahead of the country’s 250th birthday.

The move is raising eyebrows around the country and is the latest by the Trump administration to align the country’s cultural institutions with its vision.

The North Dakota Historical Society has thousands of items in its collections.

Some recently accepted artifacts, such as a blue footlocker belonging to female soldier Ruth Bue or a late 1800s printing plate from an old Devil’s Lake newspaper company, wait their turn to be placed in their respective archives.

But, with the events taking place at the Smithsonian, research historian Lori Nohner says to keep an open mind. History can get reinterpreted more than people think.

“Reinterpretation seems to have a negative connotation, but I just don’t believe that’s the case. When people come across new information that gives you more insight into a historical event, I think that it’s important that the public know about it,” said Nohner.

When pieces like an old saddle from Leeds go through the process of adoption into the museum, who makes that final call?

Do state politicians have more sway than the public?

“We do get recommendations for donations from politicians in this state, and we take those seriously. But they have to meet the same criteria that the general public donations meet as well,” said Nohner.

Pieces must have a tie to North Dakota, a story, and be in good to decent condition to be considered. Museum staff must also look at whether the same donation is already in the collection. If not, they will do minor restoration.

As to who makes the final call on what donations are accepted and rejected, it’s a panel of seven members, all with deep ties to the State Historical Society.

The museum is currently seeking rodeo history items, items from female military service, and artifacts related to North Dakota immigration from 1950 to today.