South Dakota State Historical Society

South Dakota State Historical Society
Name	South Dakota State Historical Society
Founded	1901
Location	Pierre, South Dakota
Focus	Preservation of South Dakota history

South Dakota State Historical Society. The South Dakota State Historical Society is the official state historical society of South Dakota, dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and promoting the history of the state and its people. Established by the South Dakota Legislature in the early 20th century, it operates as a division of the South Dakota Department of Education. The society manages extensive archival collections, publishes scholarly works, and administers several key historical sites and museums across the state.

History

The society was formally created by an act of the South Dakota Legislature in 1901, following earlier historical preservation efforts by organizations like the Old Settlers' Association of Dakota Territory. Its early work focused on documenting the history of Dakota Territory and the new state, with significant contributions from figures such as Doane Robinson, who served as its first superintendent. Key early projects included the placement of historical markers and the collection of pioneer narratives. The society's role expanded significantly with the establishment of the South Dakota State Archives in 1975, centralizing the state's historical records. Throughout the 20th century, it became increasingly involved in archaeological research, historic preservation, and the management of properties like the Horse Barn Arts Center at the State Capitol complex.

Organization and governance

The society is a state agency under the South Dakota Department of Education, with its executive director appointed by the South Dakota Secretary of Education. Policy is guided by a board of trustees, whose members are appointed by the Governor of South Dakota. This board includes representatives from institutions like the University of South Dakota and the South Dakota Department of Tourism. The society is structured into several major divisions, including the South Dakota State Archives, the Archaeology Research Center, the Historic Preservation Office, and the Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society. It works in partnership with local entities such as the Minnesota Historical Society and the State Historical Society of North Dakota on regional initiatives.

Collections and archives

The South Dakota State Archives, a core division, houses millions of documents, photographs, maps, and manuscripts. Notable holdings include the papers of political figures like George S. Mickelson and William J. Janklow, records from the Wounded Knee Massacre, and extensive collections related to Lakota and Dakota culture. The Archaeology Research Center curates artifacts from significant sites such as Fort Pierre Chouteau and the Larson Village. The society also maintains a vast photographic archive featuring work by John A. Anderson and images of landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. These collections support research on topics ranging from the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Homestead Act.

Publications and research

The society is a leading publisher of scholarly material on South Dakota history. Its flagship journal, South Dakota History, has been published quarterly since 1970, featuring peer-reviewed articles on subjects from the Dust Bowl to the American Indian Movement. The press also publishes books, including the acclaimed History of South Dakota series. Researchers utilize the collections for work on fur trade networks, Oahe Dam construction, and biographies of figures like Sitting Bull and Laura Ingalls Wilder. The society frequently collaborates with academics from South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota.

Programs and outreach

Public programs include annual events like the South Dakota History Conference, which attracts scholars from across the Great Plains. The society's National Register of Historic Places program, administered through its Historic Preservation Office, has listed thousands of properties, including the Corn Palace and Deadwood's historic district. Educational outreach includes traveling trunk programs for schools, workshops on genealogy, and support for local historical societies in cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City. The society also partners with the Smithsonian Institution on special exhibitions.

Facilities

The society's headquarters are located in the State Capitol complex in Pierre, within the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center. This facility houses the Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society, the South Dakota State Archives, and administrative offices. The society also operates the Historic Site at Fort Sisseton and manages the Robinson State Office Building. Its Archaeology Research Center is headquartered in Rapid City. These facilities serve as central hubs for researchers, tourists, and students exploring the state's heritage from the Missouri River to the Black Hills.

Category:Historical societies in South Dakota Category:State agencies of South Dakota Category:Organizations established in 1901