National Buffalo Museum changes name to North American Bison Discovery Center – Jamestown Sun

JAMESTOWN — The National Buffalo Museum in Jamestown is now operating as the North American Bison Discovery Center.

The name change is part of the evolution of the facility that began in 1991 and is dedicated to telling the story of the American bison, said Ilana Xinos, executive director of the North American Bison Discovery Center.

“This is an expansion of ‘national’ museum status,” she said. “The bison is the national mammal (of the United States) but it is important for the entire continent.”

The name change also reflects the scientific and official name of the species, bison, as opposed to the term buffalo.

“The public is increasingly recognizing the word bison,” Xinos said. “…bison is still commonly used, but conservationists are increasingly using bison. »

Changing the organization’s name to bison may reduce some confusion, said Paul Olson, vice president of the board of directors of the North American Bison Discovery Center.

Marketers also use the term “buffalo” to refer to leather, meat and dairy products derived from water buffalo, which may not be as high quality as bison products, he said. -he declares.

Olson said it was more than just a name change.

“We have a good history in Jamestown,” he said. “We know the future is more of a discovery center model that can reach the world through online methods and traveling exhibitions to other locations. »

The current Jamestown facility includes educational exhibits on the history and evolution of bison, the decline of the species during commercial hunting, a Hall of Fame honoring those who helped save the species and who continue to promote it, as well as a gift shop.

New billboards have already been designed and installed at the North American Bison Discovery Center while staff will continue to promote activities that have been successful in the past.

“This year we will continue to emphasize pasture visits,” Olson said. “We look forward to seeing more interactive exhibits to take on the road.” »

Xenos said the implementation of its new three-year master plan is only just beginning.

“There’s a lot of signage that needs to change,” she said, referring to one of the projects already underway. “We have started a kind of soft rollout. Our brochures reflect both names and signage which will be changed within a year.

Olson said the board is eager to see what the staff can accomplish to meet its goals over the next few years.

The North American Bison Discovery Center Master Plan includes unspecified improvements to the Jamestown facility to provide a better experience for physical and virtual visitors to the Bison Discovery Center as well as updates to exhibits.

Other plans include enhancing programs dedicated to students at various levels and a comprehensive marketing and promotion strategy that includes raising additional funds.

“We are considering a fundraising campaign to enable the Discovery Center to do these activities on a larger scale,” Olson said.

Plan documents provided by the North American Bison Discovery Center indicate the organization may seek a new primary location “if deemed necessary.”

Xinos said the North American Bison Discovery Center will continue to try to connect with local businesses and people.

One way to do this is to simplify membership and sponsorship programs.

“We want to respond locally,” she said. “Building partnerships and educating the people of Jamestown and North Dakota about what we do and why it’s important.” »

Although the changes anticipated in the transition from the National Buffalo Museum to the North American Bison Discovery Center are numerous, some important things remain consistent, Xinos said.

“We have a plan and a vision and we are confident about our path to the future,” she said. “It involves a name change but we are still the same organization. We always support bison restoration through education and awareness.

Olson said the organization’s purpose would not change.

“We can tell the greatest conservation story in history,” he said. “We just want to get this message out to the whole world, if possible. »