Hettinger County Historical Society Museum

Hettinger County Historical Society Museum A regional facility highlighting plains culture and artifacts depicting life in Hettinger County, ND. Hill of the former main street drugstore.

The Hettinger County Historical Society was founded in 1962 with help from active community members Doyle Gorden and Bette Gardner of Regent, North Dakota, and Dr. Hankins of Mott, North Dakota. Some six years later in 1968, the HCHS founded the Hettinger County Historical Society Museum as a result of the generous donation by local physician Dr. S.W. Accompanying the donation of the drugstore, Dr. Hill’s large medical equipment was purchased by three local farmers and donated to the HCHSM. Within the same year, Andrew Anton became the first curator of the museum and carried out that role until his retirement in 1980. Anton’s contributions to the museum were numerous and as a result the Native American room in the main office building was dedicated to him. In 1972, the former Ekeland Store and Jesch Cafe was purchased and became what today is the central office and general starting location for all museum tours. The HCHSM was also awarded several grants throughout the 1970s which funded the purchase of several lots on main street and made it possible for the society to build Austin Frontierland in 1977 with the aid of twelve men from the Mott National Guard. Throughout much of the 1970s, the museum grew with help from active HCHS members such as Oscar Austin and Delores Tollefson. Oscar Austin contributed much time to construction projects at the museum and was elected chairman of the HCHS board in 1972. Delores Tollefson was elected as Secretary Treasurer of the board in the same year and did extensive fundraising throughout her time with the museum. Delores’s extensive contributions resulted in the dedication of the Pioneer Rooms in 1983 to her memory. The Hettinger County Historical Society Museum has made extensive strides since its founding in 1968. Today, the museum consists of six buildings which are as follows: the main office, Austin Frontierland, Teepee Butte School, Zion Lutheran Church, Dr. S.W. Hill’s Drugstore, and Christy’s Store.

10/09/2025

The Hettinger County Historical Society Museum is closed for the season. May be open by chance. Thanks for a great season!

We were very proud to extend our support so these school kids could experience some living history!
09/03/2025

We were very proud to extend our support so these school kids could experience some living history!

07/30/2025
07/30/2025
Come see what we've been up to!Sunday, August 3rd. 2 p.m. Austin building. Hettinger County Historical Society Museum Ma...
07/30/2025

Come see what we've been up to!
Sunday, August 3rd. 2 p.m. Austin building. Hettinger County Historical Society Museum Main St. Regent

Look at what's OPEN today! Come on in!
07/04/2025

Look at what's OPEN today! Come on in!

We received Thank You cards from school kids who toured our museum this May. How sweet, and Thank You!Come on in and see...
07/03/2025

We received Thank You cards from school kids who toured our museum this May. How sweet, and Thank You!
Come on in and see what they what they learned about!

06/24/2025

Our open season is in full swing, and you're invited to stop in for a journey through Hettinger County North Dakota's rich history and culture. There are incredible exhibits to explore, showcasing everything from prehistoric life to the fascinating stories of the state and area. Come experience the Hettinger County Historical Society Museum this summer! Visit 21 Main St. in Regent Monday - Saturday 10 a.m - 2 p.m. or by appointment call 701-563-7466 for Dorothy, 701-563-7702 is Linda, Paula 701-563-7213 or Bob 701-690-9059. Admission is FREE, but we will gladly accept your donations! You will be amazed!

Send a message to learn more

We get all kinds of visitors!
04/15/2025

We get all kinds of visitors!

Address

21 Main Street
Regent, ND
58650

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 2pm
Tuesday 10am - 2pm
Wednesday 10am - 2pm
Thursday 10am - 2pm
Friday 10am - 2pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+17015634636

Website

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Our Story

The Hettinger County Historical Society was founded in 1962 with help from active community members Doyle Gorden and Bette Gardner of Regent, North Dakota, and Dr. Hankins of Mott, North Dakota. Some six years later in 1968, the HCHS founded the Hettinger County Historical Society Museum as a result of the generous donation by local physician Dr. S.W. Hill of the former main street drugstore. Accompanying the donation of the drugstore, Dr. Hill’s large medical equipment was purchased by three local farmers and donated to the HCHSM. Within the same year, Andrew Anton became the first curator of the museum and carried out that role until his retirement in 1980. Anton’s contributions to the museum were numerous and as a result the Native American room in the main office building was dedicated to him. In 1972, the former Ekeland Store and Jesch Cafe was purchased and became what today is the central office and general starting location for all museum tours. The HCHSM was also awarded several grants throughout the 1970s which funded the purchase of several lots on main street and made it possible for the society to build Austin Frontierland in 1977 with the aid of twelve men from the Mott National Guard. Throughout much of the 1970s, the museum grew with help from active HCHS members such as Oscar Austin and Delores Tollefson. Oscar Austin contributed much time to construction projects at the museum and was elected chairman of the HCHS board in 1972. Delores Tollefson was elected as Secretary Treasurer of the board in the same year and did extensive fundraising throughout her time with the museum. Delores’s extensive contributions resulted in the dedication of the Pioneer Rooms in 1983 to her memory. The Hettinger County Historical Society Museum has made extensive strides since its founding in 1968. Today, the museum consists of six buildings which are as follows: the main office, Austin Frontierland, Teepee Butte School, Zion Lutheran Church, Dr. S.W. Hill’s Drugstore, and Christy’s Store.