NDSU's Dr. Kristen Fellows discusses Capturing Casselton

In this episode of Afternoons Live, host Tyler Axness broadcasts live from Martin's Lutheran Church in Castleton, North Dakota, to discuss the innovative 'Collecting Castleton' project led by Dr. Kristen Fellows, an NDSU archaeologist. The initiative, part of the larger Glacier Prairie Farm deep mapping effort, aims to preserve and share the regional history of the Red River Valley by combining archaeological data with personal stories, family heirlooms, photographs, and oral histories. The project emphasizes community-driven storytelling, inviting residents—especially those with roots in Castleton or nearby Everest Township—to contribute documents, artifacts, and memories. A key event, 'Collecting Castleton,' is scheduled for Saturday, March 28th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with collection sites at Martin's Lutheran Church and 4E Winery. All materials are digitized on-site and returned to their owners, ensuring families retain their cherished possessions while contributing to a shared digital archive. Dr. Fellows emphasizes that no story is too small and that everyday life—school days, farm work, local businesses—holds profound historical value. The project is designed as a prototype to eventually expand across the Red River Valley, built on trust, collaboration, and public engagement. The episode highlights the deep pride Castleton residents have in their history, including notable figures like five North Dakota governors. It underscores the importance of preserving intangible heritage—family chairs, handwritten letters, cookbooks—through digital means without removing them from homes. The host and guest stress that the project is not about collecting artifacts but about capturing lived experience. As the episode unfolds, additional local voices are introduced, including Bob Miller (airport history), Jerry Parker, and Erica Rapp from Fargo Underground and the Castleton Heritage Center, setting the stage for further community storytelling. The initiative represents a powerful fusion of archaeology, digital humanities, and grassroots memory preservation.