HERITAGE CENTER

Old Stone Church & Rectory

Buffalo, North Dakota USA

The definition of ‘Heritage’ is something that is passed down from preceding generations; a tradition. A ‘Center’ is defined as a place where activities are concentrated. The development of the Heritage Center arose as a solution to many problems, and to fulfill a variety of needs. Being a rural community, our history and culture was being overlooked, and much of it was leaving the area as career trends drove residents to other locations. The need to preserve what we could, of the early history, and to interpret and understand more recent events, helped prompt the concept of the Heritage Center.

Realizing the many benefits that attract people to rural communities, we wanted to provide insight into the past, in the hopes of guiding the future. As membership grew, and the realm of projects undertaken by the Historical Society became larger, it was apparent that better facilities were essential. The need for a larger display area for permanent, and traveling exhibits as well as proper facilities for visitors and events necessitated expansion.

The Heritage Center will also be used to provide rural access to cultural programming, and to showcase local and regional arts. Community, as well as school involvement, will help provide area residents with a well rounded promotion of, and exposure to cultural and arts events.

We have a proud history here to preserve, that of many pioneers and immigrants, and the Heritage Center will provide a means of sharing this with visitors. As well as a place to keep the tradition of prairie arts and culture alive and accessible to the rural community.