Photo: 1883 Historic Stutsman County Courthouse

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Historic 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse have officially opened their doors for the summer.

According to the State Historical Society of North Dakota, the courthouse is the oldest surviving courthouse and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“It is the only remaining North Dakota building directly related to the activities of the 1880s statehood movement,” they state. “Delegates to the State’s constitutional convention were elected here and meetings were held in 1885 to discuss the division of Dakota Territory. The Stutsman County Courthouse truly is the birthplace of statehood.”

Site Supervisor Steve Reidburn says leading up to their opening day, they’ve hosted more than 200 students through the site. While the courthouse has a vast history, Reidburn says they also house something not many know about.

One exhibit that had it’s rollout affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is the hands-on civics exhibit. Reidburn says this allows visitors to immerse themselves in the history of the courthouse and complete different “tasks” that many would have come to the courthouse for.

A $24,000 grant from Jamestown Tourism resulted in the 2020 release of the exhibit. Reidburn added this is a great way to get kids involved in history.

While visitors are exploring the history, kids can also participate in the Junior Sheriff program.

The Historic 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM until Labor Day. Find more information on their Facebook page or visit history.nd.gov