Buffalo Historical Society, Inc.

The Buffalo Historical Society, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to preserve the history of Buffalo and Western Cass County and to promote our heritage through education and community events.

The Historical Society owns three buildings: the Calvary Episcopal Church Rectory which opened as the Margaret Fraase Public Library in 1998, the Old Stone Church, and the Historic 1916 Buffalo High School. The Church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996 and received a National Trust for Historic Preservation Honor Award in 1999. The Historic 1916 Buffalo High School was added to the National Register in 2001.

When our heritage is preserved, it not only allows for stories to be passed down from generation to generation, but historical sites can also mean that a town can be revitalized economically. That was the perspective of the first business donor to the 1916 Buffalo High School Capital Campaign established by the Historical Society to generate financial support for ongoing renovations at the school. “The school is a source of community pride, and we hope that it serves as historical tourism,” was quoted by the President of the First State Bank of North Dakota in Buffalo when making the bank’s contribution on January 20, 2010.

Since closing its doors in 1978, the Buffalo High School has had major projects completed, including electrical and lighting, heating and cooling, repairs and paint for the floors, walls, windows and tin ceilings, as well as the installation of restrooms and a food prep area. A handicap ramp was constructed. Major brick tuck pointing and masonry repairs were done on the exterior. In 2016 a new roof was installed and in 2018 all new sidewalks and a handicap parking pad were added. During the last several years the focus has been on completing interior renovations on the upper level and repairing floors and walls in the large basement, including necessary drain tile projects. All of these improvements have made it possible to open the doors of the Historic 1916 Buffalo High School as a center for learning and educational opportunities, a gathering place for meetings, reunions, fundraisers, community events, holiday parties, and any special celebrations, including weddings and receptions.

To learn more about the Buffalo Historical Society, please call Liane Stout at 701-412-4485 for more information.

Historic Sites:
Buffalo has two properties, the Old Stone Church and the 1916 High School, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Old Stone Church received national attention when it was awarded a National Trust for Historic Preservation Honor Award in 1999.

Click Historic Preservation to learn more.