VALLEY  CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – On July 14, 1874, Barnes County received its official name by the Dakota Territory Legislature.

Barnes County Historical Society spokesman Wes Anderson said in honor of the upcoming 150th anniversary of that event, work has begun on a commemorative book of our past, present and future. It will be a companion book to the Barnes County Historical Society’s previous collection done for Valley City’s 125th Anniversary.

He said the last time a history was compiled for Barnes County was in 1976 in celebration of the 100th Anniversary. Many are familiar with the red hardcover and its gold-embossed oxcart that focused on the biographies of the many families that settled and still have roots in the county. The focus of our 150th-anniversary version will be on the history of the individual townships and communities, past and present, and what makes them unique in both their geography and their contribution to the county and state. There will also be some individual focus on schools, churches, recreational areas, and other stories that tell the history of our county, what it is today and what may be our future. Plans are for many photos and illustrations from past to present

Anderson asks, “Are you proud of where you live? If so, if you have information on your township or community you’d like to share or photos that could be used (with recognition of contribution) or if there is something about your township that should be highlighted, please let us know! Contact a board member or reach out to Sandy Hansen (book editor) at schansen1@yahoo.com or 3951 115th Ave SE, Valley City. Information can also be dropped off with Wes Anderson at the Barnes County Museum. We need your help so please be thinking of us and your county!