Headquartered in Bismarck, the State Historical Society consists of one governing board of appointees and four divisions, each with a different function.
It is the official state archives, and acquires and preserves all types of research materials relating to North Dakota and the Northern Great Plains, including manuscript collections, books, periodicals, maps, newspapers, audio and video materials, and photographs.
The Division staff provide technical assistance on exhibit design and collection care to the public and other museums in the state.
The Support Services Division provides general supervision of all programs and responsibilities of the agency through the office of the director.
Support and coordination are provided through budgeting, accounting, purchasing, personnel services, communications, inventory control, and overall security functions.