BISMARCK – The free lecture series, “A Vision of the Village: The Double Ditch Cyclorama,” featuring presentations about the large Double Ditch painting (cyclorama) on exhibit at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, continues on Saturday, March 12, at 2 p.m. Attendees will learn how this spectacular, 50-foot long original painting by Boston-area artist Robert Evans was conceived, what research went into making it historically accurate, and how it incorporates aspects of Mandan language and culture. 
 
The third lecture in this six-part series is “From Trowel to Paintbrush: Archaeology and the Double Ditch Cyclorama.” Presenter Doug Wurtz, president of the North Dakota Archaeological Association, will provide details about the history of archaeological excavation at Double Ditch Indian Village and how those studies played a role in developing the cyclorama design. Find out how this data was central to decisions ranging from the painting's orientation to the placement of mounds and earthlodges, to the season and year depicted.
 
Upcoming presentations in the series are “It Takes a Village: Urban Living at Double Ditch” on April 9, “More Than Meets the Eye: A Closer Look at Mandan Society” on May 21, and “In the Heartland: Natural Resources in Mandan Life” on June 11. Part of the Second Saturdays in the Galleries sponsored by the State Historical Society of North Dakota, this series is a partnership with the North Dakota Archaeological Association. 
 
For more information about this lecture series, contact Erik Holland at 701.328.2792. Find out more about additional upcoming educational programs sponsored by the State Historical Society of North Dakota at history.nd.gov or call 701.328.2666.