Valley City  (CSi)  Saturday October 15, 2016 at  11am, at Veteran’s Memorial Park, in Valley City the Herman Stern Historical Marker Dedication, will take place, free and open to all.

Back in February 2016, the Barnes County Historical Society was contacted by Herman Stern’s grandson, Rick Stern, regarding a proposal by Jerry Klinger, President of the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, to present a historical marker to Valley City, honoring Herman Stern and his actions that saved over 125 lives from certain death at the hands of the Nazis in Germany.  This is the first marker of its kind installed in North Dakota under a new program through the State Historical Society of North Dakota.  Working with the Valley City Park and Rec Department and Valley City VFW Post 2764, we are proud to receive this distinction telling this story of selfless action for generations to come as part of the great story of North Dakota’s history.

hermansternmarkerThe Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, President, Jerry Klinger, says, it is with sincere appreciation that the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation thanks the Barnes County Historical Society, the State Historical Society of North Dakota and the community of Valley City for the special privilege of joining with you in recognizing Herman Stern.

Stern was an immigrant to North Dakota.  He came seeking opportunity and betterment.  What was so very special about Stern’s North Dakota experience as a Jew was that he was not pre-judged because of his ethnicity. Instead, North Dakota gave Stern an opportunity to succeed, to prove his metal. Stern was able to show his energy, his integrity, and his willingness to join with all North Dakotans to build positively together their mutual community as respected neighbors.  For that unique, very American open doorway, Stern gave back to his beloved Community, State and Country in every way he could.

In the 1930’s, dark clouds of hatred, bigotry and ignorance filled European skies presaging the Holocaust to come. Stern turned to his friend Senator Gerald Nye and friends in North Dakota for help. The help was given without reservation or question. Over 125 lives were saved from certain death.  It was a credit to Stern but it also was a credit to all North Dakotans.

The Herman Stern marker project is the first historical interpretive roadside marker of the State Historical Society of North Dakota.  It is the first of many more to come that will proudly tell the story of North Dakota.

Jerry Klinger is the president of the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation.

www.JASHP.org

JASHP has completed projects in 27 states and in five countries reflecting on the commonality of the American experience.