Torgerson tells tales of Buford, confluence

Dianne Torgerson had been tracking down family for years, stomping through old cemeteries, pursuing her own family history.

Now, her love of history has grown to telling others about this area's past.

Torgerson works at the Fort Buford State Historic Site and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center.

"I love meeting people from all over and telling them about the history here," she said. "We have such a history rich area."

Torgerson guides tourists through Fort Buford, explaining how life at the fort once was and showing them some of the historical highlights that have been rebuilt and refurbished. She also answers questions tourists have about the area.

She said working at both facilities gives her a chance to tell them about Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's Corps of Discovery and North Dakota heritage.

"You can tell when (the information) registers ... their eyes light up," she commented.

Although she has been studying history for a long time, the job is a learn-as-you-go position. She routinely looks up facts to confirm information and questions she hears from other people.

"I read a lot to get the main data," she said. "The more you know, the better the tour."

Torgerson said she likes to tell history like a story on her tours ... have a conversation with the group.

"I have seen people from all over the world," Torgerson said. She recently had a bus load of 70 Norwegians pass through the fort. Two interpreters translated her information to the tourists.

"This is such a fun job," she said.

She is a native of Fairview, Mont., but now lives in Williston with her husband of 25 years, Harlan. They have four grown children.

Torgerson has worked as a bookkeeper, a quality control agent for Rosenbluth and "a little bit of everything."

Now she enjoys her time at the confluence. "The days are fun and stress-free in a beautiful environment," Torgerson added.