"Reading on the Frontier’ book club

 “Reading on the Frontier,” a history-based book club, meets the first Saturday of each month at the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center near Williston. The program is recommended for adults and older teens, and no prior historical knowledge is required.

Saturday, Sept. 5, 1-2 p.m., “Roughing It” by Mark Twain. Published in 1872, this semi-autographical travel narrative recounts Twain’s adventures in the American West, blending humor, vivid description, and satire as he explores frontier life, mining camps, and the restless spirit of 19th-century exploration.

Saturday, Oct. 3, 1-2 p.m., “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe. Published in 1846, this chilling tale of revenge offers just the right mix of mystery and mischief for October.

Saturday, Nov. 7, 1-2 p.m., “Astoria” by Washington Irving. Published in 1836, “Astoria” offers an adventurous look at John Jacob Astor’s bold attempt to establish a fur trading empire in the Pacific Northwest.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 1-2 p.m., “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott. First published in 1868, this heartwarming story follows the March sisters as they navigate family, friendship, and growing up, offering cozy charm and timeless holiday spirit.

Books were highly prized at Fort Buford. Members of the 6th Infantry famously fought — and ultimately lost — the right to take their post library with them when reassigned, underscoring the importance of reading on the frontier.

These programs are part of the ND250 commemoration celebrating our country’s 250th birthday.

For more information, contact Outreach Coordinator Nicholas Kusnierek, [email protected] or 701.572.9034. Fort Buford State Historic Site and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center are managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. Both sites are open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Sept. 30. Beginning Oct. 1, Fort Buford will close for the season, and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center hours will be Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and closed Sunday-Monday. All times listed are Central time. Find information about upcoming programs of the State Historical Society at history.nd.gov/events.