BISMARCK – Construction of the Military Gallery addition to the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck will temporarily pause effective Friday, July 3, due to funding constraints. The pause is expected to remain in place through at least July 31, or until funding is resolved.

According to State Historical Society information, the $78 million Military Gallery project, which broke ground in July 2025, is supported through a 50/50 combination of public and private funding. The 69th North Dakota Legislative Assembly authorized a $20 million line of credit from the Bank of North Dakota (BND), $15 million from the state’s Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund, and $4.2 million to repay a BND line of credit accessed during the 2023-25 biennium–all to be matched by private-sector contributions. Fargo-based PACE Fundraising, hired by the North Dakota National Guard Foundation, has secured $4.1 million in pledges to date. The fundraising campaign’s goal is $40 million.

This 70,000-square-foot–developed in partnership between the North Dakota National Guard and the State Historical Society of North Dakota and their foundations will share stories of military members and preserve their legacy for future generations. The building will include a 20,000-square-foot gallery, the North Dakota National Guard Regimental Room for up to 400 guests, a restaurant, courtyard, and amphitheater designed to serve the public and strengthen community engagement.

“This facility will stand as a lasting tribute to our veterans and honor the 4,000 North Dakotans who gave their lives for their country,” said State Historical Society Director Bill Peterson. “We will work hard to find a solution to continue construction.”