For 95 years the Non Partisan League has flavored North Dakota politics with its belief system. Institutions created by the Non Partisan League, such as the State Mill and Elevator, the Bank of North Dakota, and Workforce Safety and Insurance are part of everyday life in the state.
The Kennedy Memorial Foundation will celebrate the NPL this year and each year leading up to the 100th anniversary in 2015.
The 2010 celebration will take place on Monday with the presentation of the award winning film "Northern Lights" by film maker John Hanson. The film will be shown at 6 p.m. in the North Dakota Heritage Center, Bismarck.
Following the film, a panel will discuss the relevance of the NPL to the political events of today. The panel will include Lloyd Omdahl, former lieutenant governor, political columnist and author of the book "The Insurgents" Sarah Vogel, former Agriculture Commissioner, and daughter of Robert Vogel, NPL leader and Bank of North Dakota official, Jerome Tweeten, retired professor of history at the University of North Dakota, and John Hanson.
KMF will issue commemorative pins each year as a way to raise funds to support these events. The 2010 pin features the likeness of the billy goat from a pin issued in support of Gov. Bill Langer. Individuals or organizations interested in making contributions to support this celebration may contact Nancy Guy, NPL celebration chair at 701-258-2718.
