Uncovering Hidden Histories: A North Dakota Man’s Quest to Preserve the Past
For Curtis Eriksmoen, the tapestry of North Dakota’s history is woven with fascinating stories just waiting to be unearthed. This dedication to preserving the state’s rich heritage recently earned him the prestigious Heritage Profile Honor Award from the State Historical Society.
Eriksmoen’s journey began with showcasing the lives of extraordinary North Dakotans through countless columns published in newspapers across the state. His work blossomed into nine volumes of “Did You Know That…?” a captivating series encompassing 422 chapters, each teeming with the compelling tales of individuals who left their mark on the region.
From Rube Schauer, the state’s first major league baseball player, to Florence Klingensmith, who soared as North Dakota’s first licensed female pilot, Eriksmoen meticulously delved into the lives of these remarkable individuals. Each biography demanded a rigorous 40-hour commitment, reflecting his unwavering commitment to accuracy and honoring the legacy of every subject.
“You know, a tremendous number of people who have come from this state who have gone on to do fantastic things — whether it’s statewide, nationwide, worldwide,” Eriksmoen reflects.
“That’s the effort that this mind and these fingers have put into preserving and honoring North Dakota’s history.”
The impact of his work resonated deeply with readers. After a year of sharing these hidden historical gems, Eriksmoen’s inbox flooded with pleas.
“People saying, ‘Hey, would you please put this into book form. I’m scrapbooking every article that you publish and this is getting out of hand,'” he remembers with a smile.
Eriksmoen couldn’t have brought these stories to life without the steadfast support of his wife, Jan. Her keen editorial eye and dedication to the project ensured that every word resonated with clarity and accuracy.
“English professors tell me I was talented with writing, so that kind of helped a lot with this,” Jan Eriksmoen recalls.
Eriksmoen’s dedication extends beyond bringing individual stories to light. He also lent his expertise to the 1989 edition of the North Dakota Blue Book, a comprehensive resource covering the state’s history, government, and cultural fabric.
For those eager to delve into Eriksmoen’s captivating collection, a chance awaits. He’s hosting a special book sale and signing event at the Kirkwood Mall from December 22nd to 24th, offering a unique opportunity to meet the man behind these compelling accounts of North Dakota’s past.
* What is one example of a hidden history that Curtis Eriksmoen has uncovered and shared?
## Uncovering Hidden Histories: A North Dakota Man’s Quest to Preserve the Past
**Host:** Welcome back to the show! Today we have a very special guest, Curtis Eriksmoen, a North Dakota native who’s dedicated his life to unearthing and sharing the fascinating stories of his home state. Curtis, congratulations on recently receiving the Heritage Profile Honor Award from the State Historical Society!
**Curtis Eriksmoen:** Thank you so much. It’s truly an honor to be recognized for something I’m so passionate about.
**Host:** Tell us about your journey. How did you become so interested in preserving North Dakota’s history?
**Curtis Eriksmoen:** Well, I’ve always been fascinated by stories, especially those that connect us to the past. Growing up in North Dakota, I realized there were so many incredible individuals and events that often went untold. I felt a responsibility to shed light on these hidden histories and share them with others.
**Host:** And that passion led to the creation of “Did You Know That… ?”, right?
**Curtis Eriksmoen:** Exactly! It started as a column in local newspapers, sharing intriguing tidbits about notable North Dakotans and events. The response was overwhelming, and it blossomed into nine volumes encompassing 422 chapters – each one a window into the vibrant tapestry of our state’s past.
**Host:** That’s remarkable! Can you give us a taste of some of the stories you’ve uncovered?
**Curtis Eriksmoen:** Oh, there are so many! From Rube Schauer, the state’s first major league baseball player, to Florence Klingensmith, a pioneering aviatrix who broke gender barriers in the early days of aviation – the stories are endless and inspiring. [[1](https://eriksmoenenterprises.com/)]
**Host:** It sounds like your work truly brings history to life for people.
**Curtis Eriksmoen:** That’s my hope. I believe understanding our past helps us appreciate the present and build a better future.
**Host:** Well said, Curtis. Thank you for sharing your incredible work and passion with us today.
**Curtis Eriksmoen:** My pleasure. Thank you for having me.
