This online calendar of events emphasizes educational, archaeological, preservation, and history related programs throughout the year across South Dakota. Green entries denote activities at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. Blue entries denote off-site activities sponsored by the SD State Historical Society and/or the Historical Society Foundation. If you would like to submit an event to be included on the calendar, please complete and submit the following form: Events form, PDF or Events form, Word.

May 2013

Event: Furniture: The Fancy & the Functional Exhibit
Description: The exhibit examines furniture found in the home, and what one can learn from a careful study furniture today and in the past.   Interpretive signage, graphics, and advertisements demonstrate an evolution how our homes have changed over time and the impact that change made on the design, function and construction of furniture.  From a famous wooden desk to a metal dinette set, the artifacts on display come from the permanent collection of the Museum.  Hands-on activities and videos help bring the story to life. 
Location:  Cultural Heritage Center, Hogen Gallery, 900 Governors Dr., Pierre
Time: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Sun. & Holidays* 1-4:30 p.m. CT
Admission:  Members free; Adults $4, Seniors $3, 17 & under free (Free to all on the 1st Sunday of every month)
Sponsor: South Dakota State Historical Society
Contact: 605-773-3458, web: history.sd.gov/Museum
* The Cultural Heritage Center is closed on New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Event: Downtown (Mitchell) Photo Contest - an Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month event
Description: May is "National Historic Preservation Month." To celebrate, Mitchell Main Street & Beyond is holding a "Downtown Photo Contest" that encourages local photographers, of any age, to capture images of Mitchell's Downtown Historic Commercial District. Click here for rules and more information.
Location: Downtown Historic Commercial District, Mitchell
Date/Time: Deadline to submit photos is 5 p.m. on May 24.
Admission:  Free
Sponsor: Mitchell Main Street & Beyond
Contact: Mitchell Main Street & Beyond, 400 N. Main, Suite 202, Mitchell; 605-990-4500; e-mail: mitchellmainstreet@gmail.com, web: www.mitchellmainstreet.com

Event: Meeting of the SD Historical Society Foundation Board
Location:  to be determined, Rapid City
Date/Time: May 2, 2013; 9 a.m. CT
Contact: 605-773-3458

Event: Meeting of the SD State Historical Society Board of Trustees
Location:  The Journey Museum, 222 New York St., Rapid City
Date/Time: May 2, 2013; 1 p.m. CT
Contact: 605-773-3458

Event: Rivers Run Through It - SD State Historical Society History Conference
Description: South Dakota's Rivers and Streams and the Flow of History
Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 815 E. Mall Dr., Rapid City
Date/Time: May 3-4, 2013
Registration: Click here for registration information.
Sponsor: South Dakota State Historical Society
Contact: 605-773-3458; Click here for additional conference information.

Event: SD State Archives Open
Description: The State Archives is open every 1st Saturday of the month. Staff will be available to assist with research. The State Archives manages a collection of photographs, films, maps, books, newspapers, state and county records, as well as personal and organizational records.
Location:  Cultural Heritage Center, 900 Governors Dr., Pierre
Date/Time: May 4, 2013; 9 a.m to 4:30 p.m. CT
Admission:  Free
Sponsor: South Dakota State Historical Society
Contact: 605-773-3804, e:mail archref@state.sd.us, web: history.sd.gov/Archives

Event: Free admittance to the Museum of the SD State Historical Society
Description: Admittance to the museum is free the 1st Sunday of the month. The Museum has 15,000 square feet of exhibition space with exhibits divided into five galleries.
Location: Cultural Heritage Center, 900 Governors Dr., Pierre
Date/Time: May 5, 2013; 1-4:30 p.m. CT
Admission:  Free
Sponsor: South Dakota State Historical Society
Contact: 605-773-3458, web: history.sd.gov/Museum

Event: Downtown (Mitchell) Clean-up Day - an Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month event
Description: Want to help make downtown a cleaner, more vibrant palce to visit? Volunteers will help with light clean up and painting. Meet us at the corner of Third Avenue and Main Street. To volunteer, call the number below or stop by the office.
Location: Downtown Mitchell, corner of 3rd & Main
Date/Time: May 5, 2013; Noon-5 p.m. CT
Admission:  Free
Sponsor: Mitchell Main Street & Beyond, KMIT/KOOL98, KQRN/Q107
Contact: Mitchell Main Street & Beyond, 400 N. Main, Suite 202, Mitchell; 605-990-4500

Event: Charlotte's Web by E.B. White - History & Heritage Book Club
Description: Candy Hamilton of Rapid City will provide insights into Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. The beloved book for young readers addresses death, loneliness and loss as it celebrates life, love and companionship. Charlotte’s Web is available in the Heritage Stores at the Cultural Heritage Center and the Capitol. Everyone is welcome to attend. The program is made possible by the South Dakota Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The History & Heritage Book Club is free and open to the public at any time. A monthly commitment is not required.
Location:  Cultural Heritage Center, 900 Governors Dr., Pierre
Date/Time: May 7, 2013; 5:15 p.m. CT
Admission: Free
Sponsor: South Dakota State Historical Society & South Dakota Historical Society Foundation
Contact: Dorinda Daniel 605-773-6006, e-mail: dorinda.daniel@state.sd.us
Additional Comments: The book club meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month at the Cultural Heritage Center. Occasionally the date, time, or location my change for a special program. All books are available for purchase at the Heritage Store located in the Cultural Heritage Center and at the Capitol. The History & Heritage Book Club is open to everyone. People who want to join the discussion by telephone are welcome to do so by making arrangements in advance with Dorinda (see above).

Event: Celebrate L. Frank Baum's Birthday!
Description: In honor of L. Frank Baum's birthday, historian Nancy Tystad Koupal of Pierre, one of the world's experts on L. Frant Baum, will present a program. A documentary film, produced for the Smithsonian, will be shown. The film features Koupal and other Baum historians.
Location:  Cultural Heritage Center, 900 Governors Dr., Pierre
Date/Time: May 15, 2013; 7 p.m. CT
Admission: Free
Sponsor: South Dakota State Historical Society & South Dakota Historical Society Foundation
Contact: Dorinda Daniel 605-773-6006, e-mail: dorinda.daniel@state.sd.us

Event: Quasquicentennial: South Dakota’s 125th Anniversary - Preservation Thursday
Description: As South Dakotans commemorate the state’s 125th anniversary in 2014, interest in the past has never been greater. Jay D. Vogt will provide an overview of the history of Dakota Territory, the State of South Dakota, and reflect on the past in today’s South Dakota. Jay D. Vogt is Director of the South Dakota State Historical Society and the State Historic Preservation Officer. The public is encouraged to attend.
Location:  Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center, 150 Sherman St. Deadwood
Date/Time: May 16, 2013; Noon MT
Admission: By donation
Sponsor: Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission; Adam-Mastrovich Family Foundation, Mary Adams Balmat; Rapid City Journal; Black Hills Pioneer; Celebrity Hotel; Chubby Chipmunk Hand-Dipped Chocolates; The Historic Bullock Hotel; Saloon No. 10; TDG Communications
Contact: Adams Museum, 605-722-4800, e-mail: Rose@deadwoodhistory.com, web: www.deadwoodhistory.org

Event: The Art of Place: Pierre/Fort Pierre 2013 - an Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month event
Description: Artists of all skill levels are invited to create artwork inspired by historic places in Pierre & Fort Pierre. On our May 18th Kickoff, spend time in the community drawing, painting, or taking photographs. Then stop in at the Pierre Area Senior Center for workshops, refreshment, or just a creative break. Then, at the public exhibit during Oahe Days on June 22-23, the artwork will build public awareness of the special places in our community. Click here for additional information.
Location: Pierre Area Senior Center, 401 W. Pleasant Dr., Pierre
Date/Time: May 18, 2013; 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT
Fee: Free
Registration: Click here for registration; Full schedules will be sent to registered participants.
Sponsor: South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office & Preserve South Dakota
Contact: Liz Almlie at liz.almlie@state.sd.us or 605-773-6056; web: history.sd.gov/preservation

Event: The Art of Place: A Verendrye Morning - an Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month event
Description: The public is invited to join us for an open format sketching session using the great view for practicing composition & perspective. Copy paper & pencils provided. Feel free to bring oither drawing materials, paints, & cameras. If you wish, bring a chair or blanket. In case of rain, meet at Pierre Area Senior Center, 401 W. Pleasant Dr., Pierre
Location: Verendrye National Historic Landmark, Verendrye Dr., Fort Pierre
Date/Time: May 18, 2013; 9-10 a.m. CT
Fee: Free
Registration: Artists, click here for registration.
Sponsor: South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office & Preserve South Dakota
Contact: Liz Almlie at liz.almlie@state.sd.us or 605-773-6056; web: history.sd.gov/preservation

Event: The Art of Place: History in the Palm of Your Hand - an Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month event
Description: The Pierre/Fort Pierre Historic Preservation Commission's QR Code program lets anyone with a smart phone access historical photographs and stories while on location. Learn about the program's possibilities direct from commission members and test it out!
Location: Pierre Area Senior Center, 401 W. Pleasant Dr., Pierre
Date/Time: May 18, 2013; 10-11 a.m. CT
Fee: Free
Sponsor: Pierre/Fort Pierre Historic Preservation Commission
Contact: Liz Almlie at liz.almlie@state.sd.us or 605-773-6056; web: www.historicpierre.com

Event: The Art of Place: A Photo Walk - an Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month event
Description: Anyone is welcome to join us as we stroll along upper and lower historic Pierre Street looking for photo opportunities. We will meet at the Senior Center.
Location: Pierre Area Senior Center, 401 W. Pleasant Dr., Pierre
Date/Time: May 18, 2013; 11 a.m. - Noon CT
Fee: Free
Registration: Artists, click here for registration.
Sponsor: Central South Dakota Photography Club
Contact: Liz Almlie at liz.almlie@state.sd.us or 605-773-6056; web: history.sd.gov/preservation or www.facebook.com/CentralSouthDakotaPhotographyClub

Event: The Art of Place: Photographs with Sunlight: Sun Prints - an Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month event
Description: Youth (3rd grade & up) are invited to use the power of the sun to "photograph" objects on special paper to create unique works of art. If supplies permit, parents & other adults are welcome to try it out, too!
Location: Pierre Area Senior Center, 401 W. Pleasant Dr., Pierre
Date/Time: May 18, 2013; 1-2 p.m. CT
Fee: Free
Registration: Artists, click here for registration.
Sponsor: Canvasbacks Art Club
Contact: Liz Almlie at liz.almlie@state.sd.us or 605-773-6056; web: history.sd.gov/preservation or www.facebook.com/CanvasbacksArtClub

Event: The Art of Place: Cemetery Tour - an Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month event
Description: Participants will go on a guided tour of Riverside Cemetery to hear stories of Pierre's early residents and their efforts to build the town of Pierre. The tour is open to the public.
Location: Riverside Cemetery, 400 S. Roosevelt Ave., Pierre
Date/Time: May 18, 2013; 2:30-3:30 p.m. CT
Fee: Free
Registration: Artists, click here for registration.
Sponsor: South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office & Preserve South Dakota
Contact: Kate Nelson, Kate.Nelson@preservesd.org; web: preservesd.org

Event: Preservation Celebration - an Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month event
Description: The public is invited to attend the entire day or any of the individual events.
Tentative Schedule:
     1:00 - 2:00 Environmental factors, trees and prairie
     2:00 - 3:00 Masonry construction
     3:00 - 4:00 Wood
     4:00 - 5:00 Joints and Models
     5:00 - 7:00 BBQ and opportunity to tour Museum
     7:00 - 7:30 Danish Barn & Book
     7:30 - 8:30 Barns
Location: Austin-Whittemore House, 15 Austin St., Vermillion
Date/Time: May 23, 2013; 1:00-8:30 p.m. CT
Admission: Free, pre-registration would be appreciated but is not required
Sponsor: Clay County Historic Preservation Commission
Contact: Jim Wilson (e-mail or web), 605-624-4579

Event: Days of ’76 Official Grand Opening Celebration
Description: Please join us as we celebrate the official grand opening of the new Days of ’76 Museum. Events kick off at 9:00 a.m. with officials and dignitaries recognizing the many people and organizations involved building Deadwood’s newest history museum. Following the ribbon cutting, guests may tour the museum for free; listen to the music of Cowboy Culture; watch a show by rodeo clown Duane Reichert; and enjoy arts, crafts and children’s games. A chuck wagon lunch will be available for purchase. From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., old and new timers alike will gather in the Mary Adams Program Room to share their memories of past Days of ’76 Celebrations and Rodeos. This special “I Remember When” public forum will be recorded for posterity.
Location:  Days of '76 Museum, 18 Seventy Six Drive Deadwood
Date/Time: May 25, 2013; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. MT
Admission: Museum free, charge for chuck wagon lunch
Sponsor: Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission; Adam-Mastrovich Family Foundation, Mary Adams Balmat; Rapid City Journal; Black Hills Pioneer; Celebrity Hotel; Chubby Chipmunk Hand-Dipped Chocolates; The Historic Bullock Hotel; Saloon No. 10; TDG Communications
Contact: Adams Museum, 605-722-4800, e-mail: Rose@deadwoodhistory.com, web: www.deadwoodhistory.org

Event: Oahe Chapel Ecumenical Sunday Service, host: 1st Congregational United Church of Christ
Description: Hosted by various local churches, ecumenical services are held at the historic Oahe Chapel every Sunday from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The Oahe Chapel was established by Rev. Thomas L. Riggs, a Congregationalist minister, and his first wife, Cornelia Margaret “Nina” Foster, to serve as a mission to the Sioux Indians of central South Dakota. The chapel was originally located on the east bank of the Missouri River at Peoria Flats, roughly five miles upriver from its current location. It was moved to its current location in 1964 after construction of the Oahe Dam flooded the original site. The chapel is owned by the South Dakota State Historical Society and managed by the Oahe Chapel Preservation Society, which oversees its maintenance and preservation.
Location: The chapel is located adjacent to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center, approximately five miles north of Pierre on SD Highway 1804.
Date/Time: May 26, 2013; 8 a.m. CT
Admission: Free; Open to the public
Sponsor: Oahe Chapel Preservation Society, Pierre-Ft. Ministerial Association
Contact: Cindy Snow, 605-773-2907, e-mail: cindy.snow@state.sd.us

Event: OPEN on Memorial Day - The Museum of the SD State Historical Society
Description: The Museum will be open on Memorial Day, May 27. There is 15,000 square feet of exhibition space with exhibits divided into five galleries.
Location: Cultural Heritage Center, 900 Governors Dr., Pierre
Date/Time: May 27, 2013; 1-4:30 p.m. CT
Admission:  Adults - $4; Seniors (60+) - $3; 17 & under - Free
Sponsor: South Dakota State Historical Society
Contact: 605-773-3458, web: history.sd.gov/Museum

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