Submitted Photo A church, township hall and rural school, from left, are among buildings at the Ward County Historical Society’s Pioneer Village. The historical society, which is marking 75 years, will host an anniversary celebration for four organizations in July. Photo from the Ward County Historical Society.

This year marks a celebration for four cornerstone organizations in the Minot region.

The Ward County Historical Society and Northern Bottling Company are celebrating 75 years of service, while Thomas Family Funeral Home and the Minot Lions Club commemorate 100 years of community impact. A joint celebration of their contributions to the community will be held July 11-12 at an anniversary event at the Ward County Historical Society’s Pioneer Village Museum.

Since its founding in 1951, the Ward County Historical Society has preserved and shared the rich heritage of the region. WCHS maintains the Pioneer Village Museum in Burlington, a living testament to early life in Ward County. The site features 16 historic buildings, including a schoolhouse and blacksmith shop, along with the Samuelson House Museum, which serves as both an exhibit space and gathering place.

In 2019, these historic structures were relocated from the North Dakota State Fairgrounds to their current home. Through events, educational opportunities and site rentals, WCHS continues to connect the community with its past.

Also established in 1951, Northern Bottling Company celebrates 75 years as a cornerstone of regional industry and service. Under the stewardship of the Gokey family, the company has grown from a single-location operation into a major distributor serving central and western North Dakota.

Over the decades, Northern Bottling expanded its reach and offerings, including key franchise additions such as Dr Pepper, Seven-Up and Pepsi-Cola. Rooted in values that include community responsibility, the company remains dedicated to maintaining strong community partnerships.

Celebrating a century of service to the Minot area, Thomas Family Funeral Home operates from its landmark building on Main Street. Founded in 1926 by Ben Thomas, the funeral home has grown through three generations of family leadership, with John Thomas as well as Brad and Bryan Thomas continuing the family business.

Mark Roth, a 27-year employee of the funeral home and co-owner and operations manager for the past nine years, also holds to the Thomas family legacy of personal and professional care, centered in civic involvement.

Also marking 100 years since chartered in 1926, the Minot Lions Club has contributed to local and international efforts aligned with Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service organization. With a long-standing mission that includes supporting the visually impaired, empowering youth, and strengthening communities, the Minot Lions Club exemplifies a century of volunteerism and impact.

In celebration of these milestones and in conjunction with America’s 250th anniversary, the public is invited to attend the special Anniversary Celebration on July 11 and July 12 at the Pioneer Village Museum, located at 8181 Highway 2 & 52 in Burlington. Buildings and exhibits will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The event will feature a wide range of family-friendly activities, including a pancake breakfast from 8-10 a.m., petting zoo, food truck, spinning wheel demonstrations, quilt exhibit, flag etiquette presentations, historical displays and much more.