The Nelson County Historical Society has been awarded a $5,000.00 capital improvement grant from the State Historical Society of North Dakota Cultural Heritage Grants Program. The grant funds will be used for construction of exhibits and electrical wiring in the "Main Street USA" building located at Stump Lake Village. A dollar-for-dollar match of the grant funds was demonstrated in the application in the form of cash and volunteer hours. The project must be completed by May 1, 2007.

The importance of the "Main Street USA" building to Nelson County and North Dakota is to draw attention to, preserve, restore and interpret a variety of collections for future generations. The lessons of history provide our youth with direction into the future and a better appreciation of our society and cultural heritage. The building will also provide an arena for traveling exhibits, humanity performances, the arts, reunions and other activities of interest to Nelson County and the surrounding area.

The Nelson County Historical Society wishes to thank the North Dakota Legislature and State Historical Society for the grant funds. Thank you to all the dedicated individuals, businesses and organizations who give memorials, donations, volunteer their time and talents and support in so many ways. Special thanks to Brenda Bjorlie, Director, Nelson County Arts Council; Stan Schrupp, District Conservationist; Bruce Ellertson, Nodak Mutual Insurance and the Nelson County Park Board for their letters of support submitted with the grant application.

Work will begin as soon as weather permits. If you are interested in volunteering your time and talents, please contact Betty Ann Bina, Volunteer Coordinator at 322-4439 or any board member.