The Atomic Age Arrives: North Dakota and the Cold War
HERITAGE CENTER
GALLERY MAP
Communities and schools across the nation responded to the threat of communists and nuclear attack by actions ranging from the construction of fallout shelters in backyards to participating in “Duck and Cover” drills in schools. The idea of preparedness was an important part of the Cold War when a Soviet missile could reach American soil in less than half an hour.
Having spent incredible amounts of time and money building nuclear weapons, in the 1970s world leaders began trying to reduce the risk of nuclear war. Treaties signed in the 1970s and 1990s limited the number of missiles sites each country could have, retargeted some missiles, and required the destruction of missile launch facilities. In 2001 the last missile silo associated with the 321st Missile Wing from Grand Forks Air Force Base was destroyed.
Included in the exhibit are photographs, maps, and numerous objects such as Air Force uniforms and a missile launch key. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a partial reconstruction of a fallout shelter. (Also on display are movie posters of the Cold War era.)
At the end of the exhibit visitors are invited to write down their memories of the Cold War. Selected comments will be periodically posted on this page.
Hours:
Exhibit galleries are open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m-5:00 p.m., year round. The Heritage Center, including exhibit galleries, is closed on New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Contact Us:
Phone: (701) 328-2666
Email: histsoc@nd.gov
612 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505-0830
Subscribe to SHSND podcasts
Sperry Gallery - North Dakota Heritage Center
Exhibit galleries are open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m-5:00 p.m., year round.
The Heritage Center, including exhibit galleries, is closed on New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
November 2, 2007 - November 11, 2009
No Admission Fee