The PVM is excited to announce that it opened a new exhibit in the G.U. Austin Gallery on Nov. 8. The exhibit Women Behind the Plow is a photographic exhibit about women on the farm and in rural communities in southeastern North Dakota in the first half of the 20th century. The exhibit consists of 17 panels with pictures and stories chronicling the experience of individual women. The exhibit was created by the Tri-County Tourism Alliance and supported by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. To find more information about the Alliance and the exhibit please visit www.germanrussiancountry.org.

This exhibit is the first in a series of exhibits focusing on the immigrant experience in North Dakota. Director Stephanie Steinke says, “This exhibit is fascinating and really highlights the wide range of activities that women, of all heritages and ages, would have done on the plains. Even if you’re not German Russian, this exhibit should be of interest to you. We hope that everyone will come by and look and take a moment to think about the amazingly strong women who worked the fields and families in this state’s history.” There is no admission fee to visit the Museum Gallery in the winter. The gift shop and Austin Gallery are open Monday-Friday 10:00-4:00 and weekends by appointment. If you would like to schedule a group tour, please call or email to arrange a time.

In January when this exhibit closes a new exhibit focusing on Norwegian immigration to Minnesota called New Land New Life will open. It will be in Rugby from February 4 May 4, 2019. Following that exhibit the summer season begins in full swing and another new PVM original exhibit will open in the Austin Gallery. That exhibit will be completely researched, designed, and mounted by the PVM staff focusing on the German Russian immigration story in Europe and Russia. Steinke says, “We had such a great time doing the WWI exhibit that are definitely doing another PVM original this year. They are challenging and so rewarding for our guests and staff.”

The Geographical Center Historical Society’s mission is to document, preserve and interpret the history and ongoing story of North Central North Dakota for the people of the region and for visitors from around the world, through educational and entertaining programming and through displays of artifacts and historic buildings at Prairie Village Museum. More information about our programs and exhibits available on our website or check out our social media.

– Prairie Village Museum