The Barnes County Historical Society Museum is the oldest county museum in North Dakota. We want to share with you the wonderful history of Barnes County through our large collections of artifacts, photographs, newspapers, and oral history interviews. Our displays tell the history of the families and communities which make up our county.

 

In addition to our displays, we are here to help you find information on your family’s history. As a part of the Valley City/Barnes County Public Library, our archival holdings are now searchable on their catalog database. Check out our YouTube channel for videos related to the area. 

 

When you come to visit you can meet Gundy the Triceratops, put in a quarter to see the HO (1/87) scale model of the High Line Bridge come to life!  Our 1901 Oldsmobile is the oldest registered car in North Dakota. Come learn more about the art of Ole “the Hermit” Olson, the early start of famous Jazz Singer, Peggy Lee on the road to fame, and lots more local history in this “The City of Bridges.” We also offer an exciting lecture series now in its 23rd season and group tours. Don’t forget to visit our Timepiece Gift Shop with all kinds of local souvenirs and unique gifts for those hard to shop for.

 

We are free and open to the public. We hope you will help support us through your generous donations or with a membership to the Barnes County Historical Society.