 NDCA showcases UND Constitution Day Project Photo Collection on the 18th floor of the ND State Capitol
(Revised to recognize the partnerships with UND CONNECT and the City of Grand Forks.)
BISMARCK, ND - North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) is showcasing a special collection of photos from a UND initiative called "Constitution Day Project" on the 18th (observatory) floor of the ND State Capitol through August 2026. The exhibit includes over 30 photos of new Americans who have made North Dakota their home, including First Lady Kjersti Armstrong (pictured above, 2nd row, farthest left). *This project was also funded by UND CONNECT and carried out in partnership with the City of Grand Forks.Ā
Led by UND Department of Communication Chair Joonghwa Lee, the storytelling project, titled From Many Places, One Community, "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." (commons.und.edu/exhibit/from-many-places-one-community/)
The project began in 2025 as a storytelling initiative pairing UND Department of Communication students with new Americans. Utilizing the Departmentās video production and photo studio facilities, the students 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 UNDās annual Constitution Day naturalization ceremony, the exhibit was first displayed at UNDās 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 projectās impact, saying, āWe envision this project becoming an annual celebration that brings people together and strengthens connections between new Americans and communities across North Dakota.ā
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 participantās 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 projectās website.
The exhibit is open for viewing during ND State Capitol Complex regular business hours: Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm; with additional summer hours on Saturdays, approximately 12pm to 3pm.
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NDCA is also planning a public reception to celebrate the exhibit and recognize the broader America 250 commemoration, with anticipated participation from First Lady Kjersti Armstrong and members of UND leadership. While a date has not yet been set, a Media Advisory with full details will be shared once arrangements are finalized.
To learn more, including a list of current and past featured artists, visit NDCA's Featured Artists at the Capitol webpage.
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North Dakota Council on the Arts is the state agency responsible for the support, development, and preservation of the arts throughout North Dakota and is funded by the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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For More Information Contact:
Rhea Beto | 701.328.7594 | rbeto@nd.gov
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