EARLY 1900'S

The Group was called The Old Settlers Association.


In the 1930's or 40's this Organization disbanded


1960'S

1970'S

They set up some donated artifacts at the Sargent County Fair Grounds in the old Catholic Church Building. Then into the metal exhibit building at the Fair Grounds.


1987 

They moved all the artifacts into the old Wild Rice Soil Conservation Building on the North edge of Forman.  This was a great building to be in because of the individual offices could be made into display areas. 

1998

The first new building was constructed in front of the old building. This building would house all of the clothing and wooden items, because it was climate controled to keep the mold and mildew away from these types of items.

Lyla Klefstad  had the vision for the new building and it was built by her Son, Steve Klefstad and supplies were purchased from her Brother Stan Lewis's Lumber Yard, Sel Lumber in Forman. She got to see the building when it was finished, however, Cancer claimed her before all the artifacts were moved in.

Without Lyla's vision and Harlan and Lyla's dedication to support local projects the Sargent County Musem as it is today would not exist. So many thanks to the Klefstad Family.

2000

The Second building would replace the old Wild Rice Soil Conservation Building.
This would house the booth displays that would depict the old time Town. 
The General Store, The Post Office, The Newspaper Print Shop, Doctor, Dentist, etc

The other half of the building houses the antique buggies, and cars. Also, it displays the original Keller Loaders, which is the forerunners to the Bobcat Skid Steer Loaders of today.

2001

The 1800's Territorial Log Cabin was acquired and moved in from the yard of Bob Cookson of Forman. This Cabin was originally located at Kindred, ND.

The One Room School House was moved in during the Winter from Willey Township. It was used as a School for a few years, but became too small, so the Zion Lutheran Church in the area acquired it and moved it next to the Church in the Country to be used for Sunday School Classes. There are still area residents that remember going to that Sunday School.

2002

The Third building houses the farm machinery and the Rathert Tractor Collection, which consists of  Steel Wheeled Steam Tractors and Gas or Kerosene Tractors.
Some of these Tractors are one of a kind or for some there is only 2 or 3 left besides the ones we have.  Other tools that were used on farms are also on display.

   Building #4:  Before it was built, photo above of land it was built on.  

 Who we are: