Bismarck Historical Society upcoming events

The Human Side: History of Public Health in Bismarck & Burleigh County Pre-statehood to 1990s (April 08, 2026)

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Dr. Stephen McDonough, author of The Golden Ounce: A Century of Public Health in North Dakota, will share the history of public health in Bismarck and Burleigh County. His presentation will cover past epidemics and the progress made in disease prevention.

Dr. McDonough is a retired pediatrician who served with the North Dakota Department of Health from 1985 to 2000. He received the Public Health Worker of the Year Award in 1987 for his work in tobacco control, the first Sanford Physician of the Year Award in 2013, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Pediatrics in 2021, and the Outstanding Service Award from the North Dakota Public Health Association in 2024 for his efforts during the COVID pandemic.

Program is free and open to the general public.

Note that the program will be held in the Missouri River Room located in the Lower Level. Enter the main area of the library and use the stairs or elevator.

3rd Annual Founders Day Trivia Event (May 18, 2026)

Mon, 18 May 2026 23:30:00 GMT

The 3rd Annual Founders Day Trivia Event will be held on May 18 and celebrates Bismarck's founding on May 14, 1872 with a collection of Bismarck trivia, oddities, historical pictures, and teams of local history enthusiasts competing for bragging rights.

Fort Abraham Lincoln and the Great Sioux War (June 10, 2026)

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 23:30:00 GMT

This presentation by Austin Glant examines the critical years leading to the Battle of the Little Bighorn through the lens of Fort Abraham Lincoln and its garrison. Tracing the post’s history from its 1872 construction to the 7th Cavalry’s departure in May 1876, the session explores the geopolitical causes of the Great Sioux War and the fort’s strategic role in the conflict. Attendees will gain insight into the rigorous winter preparations of 1875–76, the Dakota Column’s route into Montana, and figures who shaped and took part in these events including George A. Custer, Sitting Bull, General Alfred Terry, the scout Bloody Knife, President Ulysses S. Grant, Major Marcus Reno, riverboat captain Grant Marsh, and others.

Program is free and open to the general public.

Celebrate America's 250th birthday! (July 04, 2026)

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The Bismarck Historical Society has no program scheduled for this month but does invite you to participate in the events that will be held in Bismarck and throughout the state during our nation's 250th birthday celebration.

Link to some of the events: North Dakota's Celebration of America's 250th

South Capitol Neighborhood (August 12, 2026)

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Program will be presented by Emily Sakariassen-Jackson. More information will be forthcoming.

Bismarck Chautauqua 250 (September 09, 2026)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Chautauqua event will feature Sarah Campbell and York historians. More details will be forthcoming including exact time and location on the BSC campus.

Program by Susan Wefald (October 14, 2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Program will be presented by Susan Wefald. More information will be forthcoming.

Bismarck Historical Society Annual Meeting (November 12, 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 06:00:00 GMT

As time draws closer to the annual meeting date, watch your mail for a member invitation and our Facebook page for more information on this special society event.

Andrew Carnegie and the Bismarck Public Library (December 09, 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Join Kate Waldera as she delves into the life of Andrew Carnegie and the important part he played in the creation of the Bismarck Public Library.

Library history sources: History of the Bismarck Public Library