'Important Voices: Women in North Dakota Politics' presentation set at the ND Heritage Center & State Museum

Explore the journeys of the state’s trailblazing women in elected office during "Important Voices: Women in North Dakota Politics," a special presentation at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 23, in the Russell Reid Auditorium at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, Bismarck. Susan Wefald will share anecdotes from her book, “Important Voices: North Dakota’s Women Elected State Officials Share Their Stories 1893-2013,” highlighting how these leaders navigated challenges and shaped the state's political landscape. From the first woman elected in 1893 to more recent officials, the presentation will showcase their impact, struggles, and triumphs. A Q&A session will follow. North Dakota’s first female public service commissioner, Wefald was appointed in 1992 and later elected to three terms, serving 16 years. Now retired, she remains active in the community through nonprofit work. The event is free and open to the public; no registration is required. For more information, contact Education and Engagement Manager Laura Forde, shsprograms@nd.gov or 701.328.2792. The ND Heritage Center & State Museum is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Find upcoming State Historical Society of North Dakota events at history.nd.gov/events.