North Dakota Seeks Funding to Resume Military Gallery Construction

The State Historical Society of North Dakota is seeking legislative assistance to resume construction of the Military Gallery, a $78 million addition to the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum. Construction paused in July because the project must reach $12.8 million in private fundraising to unlock $15 million in state funding.

Director Bill Peterson is hoping a special legislative session in September will establish a mechanism to procure construction financing while fundraising continues. Although Governor Kelly Armstrong called the session primarily to address a potential ban on kratom, the Legislative Management Committee is considering bills to restart the gallery project.

Meanwhile, the North Dakota National Guard Foundation is managing the private fundraising campaign. President Jackie Huber noted the need for bridge funding as pledges are received. The foundation reports 65 open discussions totaling a $75 million ask to support the project.