In 2024, the National Buffalo Museum embraced a new chapter in its journey, unveiling a fresh brand and a new name: “The North American Bison Discovery Center.” This change reflects the museum’s commitment to showcasing the significance and majesty of the bison, while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of this iconic species in North America.
In 1991 a visionary group of leaders in the small community of Jamestown, North Dakota founded the North Dakota Buffalo Foundation (NDBF), also known as the National Buffalo Museum. Their goal was simple yet profound – to share the incredible story of the bison, unfolding beneath the watchful gaze of the World’s Largest Buffalo monument, a 26-foot-tall, 60-ton concrete statue that has been standing watch over Jamestown since 1959, and has heralded its identity as “The Buffalo City.” This initiative not only gave rise to a museum but introduced a live herd to the landscape, marking the beginning of our advocacy for the majestic North American bison. Around the same time, the National Buffalo Foundation headquartered in Pierre, SD, sought a suitable venue to display its growing collection of bison-related artifacts, artwork, and historical items from the bison trade.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of the NDBF’s founding board members, many of whom were bison ranchers themselves, by June of 1993, the museum had opened its doors to the public and had acquired its first five bison from Theodore Roosevelt National Park, thus establishing its location.
Visitors often wondered why the museum initially bore the name “National Buffalo Museum” instead of “National Bison Museum.” The explanation lay in historical preference: “buffalo” was traditionally the more commonly used term for the American bison in American culture. For example, the iconic American coin featuring a bison was commonly known as the “buffalo nickel,” and Buffalo Bill Cody’s fame owed much to his association with the bison. It was only in recent years that advocates for bison conservation had emphasized the scientific name “bison” to distinguish it from water buffalo meat, which had distinct taste and nutritional profiles. Advocates for the American bison aimed to ensure consumers were aware of the specific product they were consuming or providing to their pets.
Over the course of nearly three decades, the museum has continually evolved, striving to present a comprehensive narrative of the North American bison, regardless of the moniker it’s known by. This dedication to education and preservation has made it a beloved destination for bison enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
