Bonanzaville: Paving the future through sharing the past

It’s no secret that history paints the past while also laying a canvas for the future. And as time advances forward like a locomotive, the preservation and interpretation of local history have never been more important.

Thanks to Bonanzaville, the history of life on the prairie has never been more accessible and alive. What started as a Cass County Historical Society project in 1967 has turned into a 12-acre space featuring 41 historic buildings and over 400,000 artifacts.

And while decades and centuries of history come alive through buildings and exhibits that transcended time, the millions of memories created by taking a step into the past are priceless.

Something for everyone
Bonanzaville is far more than the region’s fan-favorite elementary school field trip destination; yearly events such as First Responders Day, Pioneer Days, and ‘Trunk or Treat’ bring visitors of all backgrounds, ages, and interests to the museum.

“We have representation from 18 different towns and townships and four different counties in this part of the state,” Bonanzaville Executive Director, Beth Jansen said. “There’s truly something for everyone.”

Garnering its namesake from the large bonanza farms that once covered the area, Bonanzaville captivates guests through lived experiences. Stepping into a time machine, visitors are treated to life during the homestead era while stepping into a 1930s passenger car, sitting at a desk in a one-room schoolhouse, and witnessing planes, tractors, and architecture that eclipse time.

Proud partners
Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) is proud to provide reliable electricity to Bonanzaville. Yet the relationship goes far beyond utility bills.

“We have a wonderful partnership (with CCEC) in a million ways,” Jansen said. “Yes, there is a financial component, but it’s so much more than that. Giving back to the community and building relationships is in CCEC’s makeup.”

CCEC has supported Bonanzaville events such as Christmas on the Prairie, while also providing assistance for Bonanzaville’s 2024 school tours, which will allow 4,700 local students to experience Bonanzaville’s magic. CCEC team members have also donated time to help further the museum and its events.

Keeping the lights on and doors open in an efficient manner for a facility of the magnitude of Bonanzaville is paramount; in 2022, CCEC Manager of Energy Services Bob Miller began working with Jansen to apply for and successfully obtain a grant from the North Dakota State Energy Program.

“Bonanzaville holds such an important space in our community for this generation and those to follow,” Miller said. “We’re grateful to have such an excellent relationship with Beth (Jansen) and her team and look forward to serving them for years to come.”

It’s an exciting time at Bonanzaville; with a newly remodeled event space and new foundations on a number of buildings, the future looks bright. For Jansen, the sky is the limit.

“Our goal is to keep making Bonanzaville a better representation of our community and our local history,” she said. “The opportunities are endless with this space. It can be used in so many ways and give so much back to the community.”