History of the Hatton-Eielson Museum
and Historical Association

In 1973, a group of Hatton residents came together with a dream: to establish an area museum for their community. They decided that they would name this museum to honor Hatton's most famous son, Carl Ben Eielson. This museum was originally located in the Anders Ness house and a grand opening dedication was held on July 4, 1976, as Hatton's Bicentennial project.

About five years later, on June 16, 1981, the association purchased the Osking-Eielson house (Carl Ben Eielson's childhood home). Within a few months the Osking-Eielson house became the permanent home of the Hatton-Eielson Museum and the Anders Ness home was sold and is a single family residence once again. Both houses are listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.

Memberships

The Hatton-Eielson Museum is a non-profit organization. We hold North Dakota Tax Permit #23-7364649. The museum is run by an all-volunteer board that schedules and guides tours, cleans, and does all minor maintenance and repairs.

Contributions

The Hatton-Eielson Museum accepts contributions for the ongoing support of its museums. Memberships are available in the following categories:

Individual: $5 and above
Family: $10 and above
Business: $25 and above
Booster: $100 and above
Top of the World: $1,000 and above

Top of the World and Booster memberships entitle the contributor to free admission to the museum for the current year.

Contributions support the maintenance and operating expense of the Hatton-Eielson Museum.

If you’d like to contribute to the future of the Hatton-Eielson Museum, please send checks to:

Hatton-Eielson Museum
405 Eielson Street
PO Box 278
Hatton, ND  58240