State Capitol exhibit features UND CONNECT project photos
Storytelling project brings portraits, personal histories of new Americans to Capitol’s Observatory Floor through August
Through August at the North Dakota Capitol building in Bismarck, the North Dakota Council on the Arts is showcasing a special collection of photos from UND’s Constitution Day Project. The exhibit on the Capitol’s 18th or Observatory floor includes more than 30 photos of new Americans who have made North Dakota their home, including First Lady Kjersti Armstrong, pictured above in the second row at far left.
The exhibition was also funded by UND CONNECT and carried out in partnership with the City of Grand Forks.
Led by UND Department of Communication Chair Joonghwa Lee, the storytelling project, titled “From Many Places, One Community.”
As stated on the project’s Scholarly Commons webpage, the project “aims to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse paths individuals take to become citizens and establish their lives in North Dakota. By documenting these personal histories, the showcase serves as a living archive of resilience, culture, and heritage, bridging the gap between established communities and those newly joining the fabric of our nation.”
The project began in 2025 as a UND CONNECT initiative pairing UND Department of Communication students with new Americans. Utilizing the Department’s video production and photo studio facilities, students Lauren Huso, Kiera Musil and Dylan Niemi recorded the personal stories of the participants, capturing intimate reflections on the journey to becoming U.S. citizens. Supported by hands-on mentorship and advanced equipment, students gained valuable professional experience while making meaningful connections with the participants.
This inaugural phase culminated in 15 portraits highlighting individuals from 14 countries. Alongside UND’s annual Constitution Day naturalization ceremony, the exhibit was first displayed at UND’s Memorial Union Gallery in September 2025. Supported by UND staff, students, community partners and the growing community of new Americans across North Dakota, the project was renewed in 2026 and produced 17 additional portraits representing 15 different countries. Plans are underway to establish the project as an annual tradition.
Lee added insight into the project’s impact, saying, “We envision this project becoming an annual celebration that brings people together and strengthens connections between new Americans and communities across North Dakota.”
While the Capitol exhibit features only the still photographs from the annual Constitution Day Project, each portrait is paired with a corresponding video that shares the participant’s personal story in their own words. Visitors can access these videos on their personal devices through QR codes displayed alongside each photo, allowing them to experience the full narrative while viewing the exhibit. The videos are also in the process of being added to the project’s website.
The exhibit is open for viewing during the North Dakota State Capitol Complex’s regular business hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; with additional summer hours on Saturdays, approximately noon to 3 p.m.
