BISMARCK – Claudia Berg, director of the State Historical Society of North Dakota and a native of Minot, has announced she will retire on June 30, 2020.

The State Historical Society identifies, preserves interprets and promotes the heritage of North Dakota and its people.

Berg is the seventh director in the agency’s history and the first woman to hold the position.

The State Historical Board recently launched a search for a SHSND agency director.

A graduate of University of North Dakota, Berg began her career with the State Historical Society in 1981, four months after the North Dakota Heritage Center opened to the public.

“I have been very fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time,” Berg said.

Beginning as the exhibits curator, moving to Museum & Education Division director, then spending six years as expansion coordinator before becoming the agency director in 2014 has been a “very rewarding experience,” said Berg. “The opportunities and experiences with this agency have made for a wonderful career.”

The vision of the State Historical Society is to inspire discovery and open minds to help shape the future for vibrant communities. Berg said, “The next director will have an incredible staff, exceptional statewide facilities and collections, and award-winning programs to continue the path to the next level of excellence for the people of North Dakota.”

The State Historical Board has appointed a five-member search committee to oversee the hiring process. The search committee, all members of the Board, is chaired by Bismarck State College President Larry Skogen, and includes Board President H. Patrick Weir, Secretary of State Al Jaeger, North Dakota Parks & Recreation Director Melissa Baker, and SkySkopes CEO Matt Dunlevy.

The deadline for applications is Dec. 15. The search committee will meet Feb. 4, 2020, for selection of the top six candidates; the final three candidates will be interviewed, and a new director determined at a special State Historical Board meeting on March 4, 2020.

Pat Weir, Board president, said, “Our search is national in scope to ensure we receive the best pool of candidates. We’re looking forward to continuing excellence in leadership at this agency.”

Individuals interested in applying for the position can find information at nd.gov/omb/public/careers.