President Theodore Roosevelt will be making a “whistle stop” visit to Bismarck on the evening of Saturday, July 27, to greet friends, reminisce about old times and to support a benefit event for Barbara Jo Miller, well known and highly regarded Bismarck-Mandan area historic re-enactor. The benefit event will be held on the lawn of the Former North Dakota Governors’ Mansion, 320 East Avenue B, Bismarck from 6:30 to 9:00. The public is invited.

Mr. Joe Wiegand is an extremely popular, knowledgeable, and talented portrayer of Roosevelt, the one-time North Dakota rancher who became the 26th President of the United States. Wiegand, a lifelong student of American history, government and foreign policy, will appear at the event as the President, as he has done, with acclaim, all over the United States including Roosevelt’s birth place and the White House. Wiegand is currently the TR interpreter for the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation in Medora.

Barbara Jo, her husband, Gary, and children, Suzannah and Johannah, all in period costume, have entertained and educated audiences all over the Dakotas as the “Family Folk.” Their presentations have been greatly enjoyed as they get audiences involved in the ways and customs and culture of Americans during the 1800s through games, music, and insights on other historical tasks and subjects.

Barbara is currently suffering from two particularly aggressive forms of cancer and is undergoing treatments which require considerable travel. The Bismarck Historical Society, along with other groups as well as friends and supporters of the Millers, are sponsoring the benefit to help cover these expenses. In addition to the appearance of President Roosevelt, the event will include an old time dance party, a silent auction, ice cream, cold drinks, a chance to buy raffle tickets for two beautiful quilts and fun activities for the kids. So, pack up a couple of lawn chairs or blankets and come on down for a wonderful Saturday evening party for a great cause.