State Historical Society of North Dakota seeks military items for the state collection

August 19, 2025

BISMARCK, N.D. - The State Historical Society of North Dakota encourages individuals and organizations to donate items to enhance our military collection. Our greatest need is items from 1945 to the present.

"Donations help preserve the personal side of history by connecting us to the human impact behind historic events," said Deputy State Archivist Lindsay Meidinger. "These resources are invaluable for researchers and future generations who want to understand the sacrifices and experiences of those who served.

The State Historical Society seeks a wide range of items, including:

• Archival materials and records: letters, emails, texts, videos, oral histories, diaries, photographs, protest signs, and recruitment materials. Documents, digital files, and images offer personal accounts and glimpses into military life by North Dakotans here and abroad.
• Weaponry: U.S. military rifles and handguns from 1918 to the present. While these items do not need a direct military service story, they should have some documented historical background and proper legal paperwork.
• Equipment and tools: mine detectors, sunscreen, cots, parachutes, binoculars, drones, communication devices, night vision goggles, first aid and medical equipment, and meal rations. Daily routines and challenges faced by service members are reflected in these objects.
• Comfort and hobby items: good luck charms, sporting equipment, care packages, welcome home posters, video games, CD players, and faith-based items. Personal items tell the story of how service members stayed connected, passed the time, and found moments of joy and comfort during deployment or while stationed on base.
• Uniforms and personal gear: uniforms, helmets, boots, packs, personalized items, flak vests, canteens, survival gear, battle rattle, chemical protective equipment, and other issued gear. These should have a strong personal story or historical background, illustrating the experiences of service members.
• Space Force items: any material, gear or documents related to North Dakotans serving in the Space Force.
• Anything else with a compelling connection to military history: unique or unusual items with a strong story behind them. Please no items from opposing militaries.

"We are actively collecting items that help tell the stories of individuals who served and the impact of military service on North Dakota citizens," said Head of Curatorial Services Melissa Thompson.

All offers are subject to review by the Museum Collections Committee. Donations accepted into the collection will be properly cared for, preserved, and documented for future generations.

Those willing to offer objects to the collection are encouraged to fill out the Potential Acquisition form on our website. Details about the object, including its history, provenance (ownership history), and significance, will be requested. For more information about donating items to the State Historical Society, contact Assistant Registrar Katie Holt, [email protected] or 701.328.2101.

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CONTACT
Kara Haff, Public Information Officer
701.328.3547

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