South Dakota State Historical Society facts for kids

The South Dakota State Historical Society is like a special keeper of history for the state of South Dakota. It collects, saves, and shares stories, old items, and important papers from the past. Its main office is in Pierre, South Dakota. This society is part of the South Dakota Department of Education, which means it helps teach people about history.

How the Society Started

The South Dakota State Historical Society began a long time ago, on May 7, 1862. It was first called the Old Settlers Association of Dakota Territory. In 1863, its name changed to the Historical Society of Dakota. Then, in 1890, it became the South Dakota Historical Society. This was just a few months after South Dakota became a state.

In 1901, the South Dakota Legislature made the Society an official part of the state government. It was then called the State Historical Society of South Dakota. Around 1925, it got its current name, the South Dakota State Historical Society. Each time the name changed, all the old historical items were passed on to the new organization.

Where the Society Has Been

Over the years, the Society has been in many different places. It started in a post office in Yankton. Then it moved to the old territorial capitol building. It was also in Pierre University and the temporary state capitol. Today, it is in the current State Capitol building.

In 1932, the Society opened the new Soldier's and Sailor's Memorial Building. Later, in 1989, the Cultural Heritage Center opened. This building became the main home for all the Society's old records, its museum, and its offices. In 2023, the Society started work to make the Cultural Heritage Center even better.

Leaders of the Society

The first leaders of the Society were called 'Secretary.' When the Society was officially reorganized in 1901, the leaders were called 'Superintendent.' Since 1968, the main leader has been called 'Director.' For many years, these leaders were volunteers. Today, many Directors also hold the title of 'State Historian.'

What the Society Collects

The Society started collecting library items in the spring of 1863. Around the early 1900s, state workers managed the Society's library and the State Library collections together. In 1975, the State Archives became part of the Society. The Society still runs these archives. It also has a public research library where people can look at books and papers, but they cannot borrow them.

The first item officially recorded by the Society arrived in 1882. Since 1904, all collections have been carefully listed and organized. The collections include items about American Indian history, military history, and politics. The Society opened a formal museum in 1902 to show these items. It has won awards for its exhibits.

Protecting History and Old Places

In 1946, the Society started a program to study old archaeological sites. This happened because of a law called the Flood Control Act of 1944. This law meant that some areas along rivers would be flooded. So, the Society surveyed these sites to find and record historical information before they were covered by water.

Later, a State Board for Archaeology was created. This led to the modern Archaeological Research Center (ARC) of the South Dakota State Historical Society. The ARC is located in Rapid City.

In 1972, the South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office joined the Society. This office was created because of a national law from 1966. Its job is to help protect important historic places in the state. It moved to Pierre in 1998.

Publishing History

In 1997, the Society started the South Dakota Historical Society Press. This group works with the Society's Publications and Research Department. Members of the Society first started publishing in 1870. The Society published special magazines for its members from 1936 to 1938 and from 1947 to 1970. The modern South Dakota History journal began in December 1970.

In 2014, the South Dakota State Historical Society published a special version of Laura Ingalls Wilder's autobiography. It was called Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography.

Programs

• Archaeological Resource Center
• Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society
• South Dakota State Historical Society Press
• State Archives
• State Historic Preservation Office

Directors

• Benjamin F. Jones, Ph.D. (2020-present)
• Jay D. Vogt (2003-2020)
• Mary Beaty Edelen (1995-2003)
• Junius R. "J.R." Fishburne, Ph.D. (1987-1994)
• Fred W. Lillibridge, Ph.D. (1985-1987)
• Dayton Wayne Canaday, Sr. (1968-1984)
• Will Grow Robinson, LL.B. (1948-1968)
• Lawrence Keith Fox (1926-1946)
• Doane Robinson (1901-1925)
• William Maxwell Blackburn, LL.D. (1892-1898)
• George H. Hand (1890-1891)
• George Washington Kingsbury (1870-1890)
• Moses Kimball Armstrong (1865-1870)

See also

In Spanish: South Dakota State Historical Society para niños