South Dakota Archives Month 2021
Archives Month is held each year in October to highlight the importance of our public historic records and to encourage access to our history through our state's archives, historical societies, libraries, county governments and other historical repositories. The month-long celebration coincides with the American Archives Month established by the Society of American Archivists.
Poster
Help us promote Archives Month by printing and displaying this poster.
Download the Poster (PDF) - we recommend printing on 11 x 17 paperGovernor's Proclamation
Governor Noem has issued a proclamation declaring October 2021 to be Archives Month in South Dakota. Click the link below to see entire proclamation.
Calendar of Events
To add an event to the calendar, contact us at (605) 773-3804 or archref@state.sd.us.
Archives Month Kickoff - "Researching at the Archives"
Friday, October 1st
4:00 p.m. (CT)
On Facebook and Instagram
Recording of the Facebook Live Session
Join State Archives staff live on Facebook and Instagram as we share everything you need to know to make the most of your research visit.
YouTube Premiere of "Recently Accessioned Manuscript Collections"
Thursday, October 7th
4:00 p.m. (CT)
On YouTube
Manuscript Archivist Matthew T. Reitzel will offer a pre-recorded presentation highlighting manuscript collections processed within the last year at the State Archives. Archives staff will be available to answer questions during the premiere on YouTube.
Electronic Records Day
Friday, October 8th
October 8 is designated as "Electronic Records Day" by the Council of State Archivists. Electronic files are much more fragile than paper records, and their long-term survival requires attention and planning. Watch the State Archives' social media on Electronic Records Day for tips on preserving and managing electronic files.
#AskAnArchivist Day
Wednesday, October 13th
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (CT)
On Twitter
#AskAnArchivist Day is a national event sponsored by the Society of American Archivists. Follow the Twitter conversation using #AskAnArchivist and send questions to us @SDArchives
Walking through History
Saturday, October 16th
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (CT)
Map of Route
Join us for a walking tour on the Trail of Governors to celebrate Archives Month on Saturday, October 16 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Participants can start in front of the Hughes County Courthouse at the statue of Arthur C. Mellette or at the north entrance to the Capitol parking lot at the statue of Ralph E. Herseth. The tour stops at five governors' statues - Mellette, Coe I. Crawford, Robert S. Vessey, George T. Mickelson, and Herseth - where you will interact with local actors from the Pierre Players Community Theatre to learn more about each governor. When you've visited all five, head on up to the State Archives at the Cultural Heritage Center to see a selection of materials from the Governors' papers from our collections and get the final star on your maps! The first 25 groups or individuals to complete the route and visit the archives will go home with a goody bag provided by the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation's Heritage Store. Bring your children, your friends, yourself, and walk through history with us! In the event of inclement weather, the activity will take place indoors at the Cultural Heritage Center.
Virtual History Trivia Night
Tuesday, October 26th
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (CT)
Online via Zoom - click here to register your team!
We're hosting our first virtual edition of History Trivia Night! Gather your smartest friends and join us for some fun South Dakota and U.S. history trivia.