North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame celebrates western heritage with annual opening

033121.N.DP.COWBOYHALL1.JPG — The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, pictured above, is a portal of western history in Medora, that attracts thousands from across the nation each year, gear up for annual opening event.

By Harrison L. Parrish

April 26, 2024 at 5:00 PM

MEDORA, ND—The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame (NDCHOF) will kick off its annual opening on Saturday, May 4, with an evening dedicated to the Old West, featuring rare artifacts, new exhibits, a special guest speaker, and the induction of a new Hall of Fame members.

The event gets going with a social hour at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore new exhibits throughout the museum.

Sculpture of the famed "North Dakota Six Pack," six N.D. cowboys who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. Ken Howie / Submitted photo — Dave Kulczyk, an artist from White Earth who is world-renowned for his work in bronze sculptures, was commissioned to create this sculpture of the famed "North Dakota Six Pack," six N.D. cowboys who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame in Medora starts its 2017 season with a Premiere event, Saturday in Medora. Ken Howie / Submitted photo

For the first time, the NDCHOF will award the Mona Kramer Scholarship in memory of Ramona "Mona" Sue Kramer, the late wife of longtime NDCHOF board member Ron Kramer. The scholarship is open to any student in higher education with family ties to the Hall of Fame. The NDCHOF Board will review applicants and announce the recipients at this annual event.

“This will be the first time we award this scholarship,” said Tess Howie, the museum's curator. “We plan on making this an annual scholarship.” While the scholarship is a new addition to the NDCHOF, it represents a continuation of the Hall's tradition of honoring past contributions.

033121.N.DP.COWBOYHALL7.JPG — A gallery of inducted members of the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame is shown.

J.R. Vezain, a professional bronc rider who made an unprecedented comeback after suffering a severe back injury, will be the guest speaker at the event, embodying the resilient spirit of cowboys and cowgirls nationwide.

Howie and the NDCHOF aim to recognize the members of their community at the event who have gone above and beyond in service to the Hall of Fame and the cowboy way of life by inducting them into the Hall of Fame.

The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, established in 2005, serves as a vital center for interpreting the rich history of North Dakota's western lifestyle and the northern plains. Located within the Center of Western Heritage & Cultures, the facility features a theater, galleries, and extensive interpretive areas that house an array of artifacts and memorabilia.

Visitors can delve into the history of the region’s Native Americans, homesteaders, ranchers, and celebrated rodeo cowboys.

For more information about the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, visit their website at northdakotacowboy.org or call (701) 623-2000.

By Harrison L. Parrish

From the dirt roads of nowhere in Arizona, where I grew up on a family farm not a stone's throw from the river, to the open plains of North Dakota, I hope to foster the small-town feel of Dickinson that I've already come to love. Whether it's connecting with a rancher on their acreage outside of town or attending the latest community gathering, I am ecstatic to share updates on the happenings in our community. By doing so, I aim to become a valued member of the historic communities that adorn the beautiful land we call home.

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