BISMARCK — The State Historical Society of North Dakota recently received first place in the “Difficult Topics” category of the 2024 Interpretive Media Awards from the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). This prestigious recognition highlights the agency’s reinterpretation of the Whitestone Hill State Historic Site near Kulm.

Whitestone Hill, long interpreted as a battlefield, is now presented as a place of solemn remembrance for victims of an 1863 massacre by Gen. Alfred Sully and his troops. The State Historical Society’s recent reinterpretation replaced the site’s single interpretive sign with 15 panels reflecting a current understanding of that chapter in North Dakota history based on primary sources, past historiography, oral accounts and secondary sources.

“We had multiple rounds of discussion with 11 tribal knowledge keepers over five years, as well as the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission,” said Rob Hanna, state historic sites manager of the State Historical Society, who led this project. “We molded the final product from those shared histories. The most repeated feedback was to make clear that Whitestone Hill is a sacred place, both before and after the massacre.”

The agency collaborated with historians, tribal representatives, and community members to ensure that the Whitestone Hill story conveys the gravity of the events, recognizing the profound impact on Indigenous peoples.

“This award underscores the ongoing importance of evaluating how we explain history,” said Bill Peterson, director of the State Historical Society. “The reinterpretation of Whitestone Hill represents a significant step toward presenting a more inclusive and accurate understanding of events that unfolded there. We are grateful for this recognition from the National Association for Interpretation and hope it inspires continued conversations about our shared past.”

The Interpretive Media Awards promote excellence in the delivery of natural, cultural and historical nonpersonal interpretive services. New and unique to the 2024 NAI Media Awards, the “Difficult Topics” category evaluates projects that tackled delicate, difficult, and/or sensitive topics with interpretive media. This category focuses on issues that require extra care due their potential to evoke a strong emotional response.

The agency installed these interpretive panels at Whitestone Hill State Historic Site in 2023 to provide visitors with a space for reflection and education. The site also features monuments, a primitive campground and picnic facilities. Admission is free. The site is open year-round, but there is no snow removal service.