Laura Forde has stepped into her role as the new executive director of the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County (HCSCC) as of July 1, 2023. Forde previously worked at the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum in Bismarck and has a background in social studies education. Her leadership aims to enhance community engagement through the museum’s diverse offerings, which celebrate the region’s rich cultural history.
Located in Moorhead, Minnesota, the Hjemkomst Center is renowned for housing a replica Viking ship, a legacy of local figure Robert Asp. However, the center also features a wealth of exhibitions that reflect the area’s Scandinavian and Native American heritage. Forde recognizes the museum’s potential to serve as a vibrant community hub for historical education. “You can see all the things Norwegian people brought over, and it’s just so neat,” Forde remarked, pointing to artifacts that resonate with her own ancestry.
Forde’s approach to her new position emphasizes the importance of community involvement in learning about history. “People need to be engaged and involved in their own learning,” she stated. Her first weeks have been dedicated to understanding the organization and implementing incremental improvements, particularly in utilizing technology to streamline operations.
Enhancing Community Engagement
Programs like “History on Tap” are designed to bring history to life through community outreach. Forde emphasizes that such initiatives help make historical education accessible and relatable. “These programs get us out into communities throughout Clay County so we can educate and tell our history in interesting ways,” she noted.
Forde is impressed by the dedication of HCSCC’s small staff, who create international-quality exhibitions despite their limited resources. “This little staff of five or six people are designing international museum-quality exhibitions,” she said. The museum’s commitment to preserving local history through engaging displays positions it as a valuable resource for the community.
One of the current exhibitions, “Land to Table: Food Stories from Clay County,” highlights the cultural significance of food in local life. It explores culinary traditions, from Potato Days in Barnesville to the revival of Native American cuisine in the Red River Valley. The exhibition features artifacts like lefse-making equipment and church cookbooks, showcasing how food shapes community identity.
As Forde navigates her first year, she plans to explore alternative fundraising methods beyond traditional grants. “I’ve been thinking of other ways to fundraise so we can raise money to expand the museum’s amazing services to the community,” she explained. This strategy is part of her broader vision to enhance the museum’s offerings while ensuring the preservation of its extensive collections.
Future Initiatives and Events
Looking ahead, Forde is preparing for upcoming events, including the popular culinary festival, PANGEA: Cultivate Our Cultures 2025, scheduled for November 15, 2025. This event is a community favorite, featuring local chefs, musicians, and artisans, and is expected to attract thousands to the museum. Admission to the festival is free, making it accessible to all.
Regular admission rates for the Hjemkomst Center are set at $12 for adults, $11 for seniors aged 65 and older, $8 for youth aged 5-17, and free for children under 5.
Forde’s vision for the HCSCC reflects her commitment to both history and culture. “It’s history, but it’s also culture,” she stated. By embracing the region’s diverse heritage and facilitating community engagement, she is poised to ensure that HCSCC remains a vital institution for education and cultural preservation in Clay County.
As she settles into her role, Forde remains focused on the museum’s mission: to tell the stories of the past while fostering a sense of community through shared history and cultural appreciation.
