North American Bison Discovery Center Honors Local Legend & Blazes New Trail
Jamestown, North Dakota – May 7th, 2024 – The North American Bison Discovery Center (formerly known as the National Buffalo Museum) proudly announces an upcoming event to honor the enduring legacy of one of its founders, Chris Mikkelson. Mikkelson dedicated 32 years of service to the museum's Board of Directors. This special occasion will coincide with the Center’s Annual Meeting, offering the community an opportunity to celebrate the past, present, and future of this significant North Dakota institution.
The open house will take place on May 28th, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the North American Bison Discovery Center located at 500 17th St SE in Jamestown, ND. Visitors will have the chance to explore the museum's exhibits, which continue to inspire and educate audiences of all ages and from all over the world. No registration is required for this event; it is open to all, and admission is free.
In 1991, leaders in Jamestown founded the North Dakota Buffalo Foundation (NDBF), with a mission to share the story of the bison. Their efforts led to the establishment of the National Buffalo Museum, located next to the iconic World's Largest Buffalo monument. By June 1993, the museum opened its doors, thanks to the dedication of its founding board members, including bison ranchers, securing its location and acquiring its first bison from Theodore Roosevelt National Park. One such figure was Chris Mikkelson, recipient of the museum’s second Founder’s Achievement Award in 2023.
"We are privileged to commemorate Chris and his impact on the North American Bison Discovery Center," expressed IIana Xinos, the Center’s Executive Director. "His
foresight and unwavering commitment to our mission have played a pivotal role in shaping our museum into the beacon of cultural significance it is today. As we honor his legacy, we eagerly anticipate embarking on new ventures and sharing our vision for the future with the community."
The open house will be followed by the museum's Annual Meeting, which will also be open to the public and held on May 29th from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Those who wish to attend in person may do so at the University of Jamestown’s Harold Newman Arena. A livestream will also be available.
To register for the Annual Meeting, attendees should visit https://nabdc. eventbrite.com. This event marks a milestone as we celebrate our renaming, honor the museum’s enduring legacy, and share our future plans with community members.
All are invited to join NABDC in honoring Chris Mikkelson’s legacy and embracing the promising horizons that await. Refreshments will be served at both events, and admission to both the open house and Annual Meeting is free.
The North American Bison Discovery Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, whose mission is to inspire new learning about bison with each and every visit, to advocate for the restoration of bison through education and outreach.
For further information about the Center, please visit www.bisoncenter.org.