South Dakota State Historical Society facts for kids

The South Dakota State Historical Society is the official group in charge of keeping track of South Dakota's history. It works all over the state, but its main office is in Pierre, South Dakota. This society is part of the South Dakota Department of Education.

Exploring South Dakota's Past

The South Dakota State Historical Society helps everyone learn about the state's amazing past. They collect and save old documents, photos, and objects. These items help us understand what life was like long ago in South Dakota.

How the Society Started

The society began on May 7, 1862. Back then, it was called the Old Settlers Association of Dakota Territory. This was even before South Dakota became a state! In 1863, its name changed to the Historical Society of Dakota.

Becoming an Official State Group

When South Dakota became a state in 1889, the society changed its name again in 1890. It became the State Historical Society of South Dakota. In 1901, the South Dakota Legislature made it the official state historical society. This meant the state government supported its important work. Each time the name changed, all the old historical items were safely passed to the new group.

Homes for History

Over the years, the society's collections moved to different places. They were in the old post office in Yankton and even the first state capitol building. Later, they moved to Pierre University. In 1932, the society opened the new Soldier's and Sailor's Memorial Building. This building helped them show off more of their collections.

In 1989, a special new building opened. It was called the Culture Heritage Center. This building became the main home for all the historical records, the museum, and the society's offices.

Saving Important Records

In 1975, the State Archives became part of the society. The archives are like a giant library of official papers and records. The society still takes care of these important documents today. They also work like a public library, letting people look at historical information.

Sharing Stories: Pioneer Girl

In 2014, the South Dakota State Historical Society published a special book. It was an updated version of Pioneer Girl. This book is the autobiography of Laura Ingalls Wilder, who wrote the famous Little House on the Prairie books. The society helped share her real-life story with more readers.

What the Society Does

The South Dakota State Historical Society runs several cool programs:

• Archaeological Resource Center: This center helps find and study old things buried underground. These items teach us about people who lived here long, long ago.
• Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society: This is where you can see many historical objects. They have exhibits that show what life was like in South Dakota through different times.
• South Dakota State Historical Society Press: This part of the society publishes books and magazines. They share new research and stories about South Dakota's history.
• State Archives: This is where official state records, old letters, and important papers are kept safe. Researchers and the public can look at these records.
• State Historic Preservation Office: This office works to protect old buildings and important historical places across South Dakota. They help make sure these places are saved for the future.

Images for kids

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