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N.D. (AP) – North Dakota’s Heritage Center has seen a record number of visitors this year thanks to a million upgrade of the facility on the state Capitol grounds in Bismarck.

State Historical Society Director Claudia Berg says about 150,000 people have toured the museum since the end of April, when the expanded museum’s first two galleries opened to the public. The facility was built in 1967 and had averaged about 100,000 visitors annually until the expansion.

The grand opening for the revamped center was held Nov. 2 and coincided with the state’s 125th statehood anniversary. The expanded center includes a new theater, cafe and outdoor space.

State lawmakers approved about $40 million for the 97,000-square-foot expansion in 2009. The historical society raised an additional $12 million.