The Bismarck Historical Society announced it will present its September 2026 program, "Venturing with the Vanguard: The Voices of Sarah Campbell and York," on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM at the Bismarck State College National Energy Center of Excellence, located in the Bavendick Stateroom at 1500 Edwards Avenue on the campus of Bismarck State College. This program aims to immerse attendees in the history of the American West and Northern Plains through an evening of live Chautauqua performance and conversation.
Nationally recognized living history scholars Joyce Jefferson and Marvin Jefferson will bring two significant historical figures to life through first-person storytelling. Joyce Jefferson is set to portray Sarah Campbell, known as "Aunt Sally," while Marvin Jefferson will embody York of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Their performances are designed to offer a unique perspective on the experiences of these individuals, connecting audiences directly with their historical narratives. The Bismarck Historical Society has stated that this format allows for a deeper understanding of the past, particularly focusing on the voices that have historically been underrepresented.
The evening's program will be moderated by historian Dr. Larry Skogen. It is structured to include two distinct performances by the living history scholars, followed by an audience question-and-answer session, providing an opportunity for direct engagement. The culminating segment will be a thoughtful conversation led by Dr. Skogen, delving into critical themes such as exploration, community, and freedom. A key focus of this discussion will be to examine the lives too often left out of familiar historical narratives, aiming to broaden the understanding of historical events and their impact on a diverse range of individuals. The overall presentation is intended to be both "engaging and informative," according to the Bismarck Historical Society.
This particular program is made possible through the Bismarck Historical Society's ND250 grant. Further partner support for the event has been provided by The Study and Bringing Humanities to Life at BSC. While pre-registration for the program is not a mandatory requirement for attendance, the Bismarck Historical Society strongly encourages those planning to attend to register in advance. Additional information about the Bismarck Historical Society and future presentations can be found through their online presence or Facebook page. Individuals with suggestions for upcoming presentations are invited to contact the organization via email.
