South Dakota Archives Month 2025
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 paper
Governor's Proclamation
Governor Rhoden has issued a proclamation declaring October 2025 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 StateArchives@state.sd.us.
State Archives Open House
Thursday, October 9th
3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. CT
Cultural Heritage Center (900 Governors Dr, Pierre, SD)
Open House Flyer (PDF)
The State Archives is back in business, and we're having an open house to celebrate! Special behind-the-scenes tours of our newly renovated spaces will be held at 3:30, 4:30, and 5:30.
Electronic Records Day
Friday, October 10th
October 10th 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 Historical Society's Facebook page on Electronic Records Day for tips on preserving and managing electronic files.
AASLH "Basics of Archives Management" Workshop
Thursday, October 16th
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. CT
Sponsored by the South Dakota State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB)
Free Online Workshop - Register Here (you must create a free AASLH account to register)
The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) Basics of Archives Management Half-Day Workshop provides an overview of the basic concepts and strategies for successful archives management. It is designed for individuals working in museums, archives, libraries, and cultural heritage organizations who have little or no experience with managing archival collections. The emphasis is on policies, procedures, and best practices for maintaining archival records in traditional physical formats such as documents and photographs, but other non-textual materials and digital archives will also be considered. Workshop registration fees paid by the South Dakota SHRAB using grant funds from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.
"South Dakota State Archives: the Move, the Mall, and the Return"
Thursday, October 23rd
1:00 p.m. CT
Rawlins Library (1000 E Church St, Pierre, SD)
Join manuscript archivist Matthew Reitzel for a special presentation chronicling the State Archive's temporary relocation and eventual return to the Cultural Heritage Center. Attendees are invited to tour the State Archives following the presentation!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook! We will be highlighting the important work of archives and sharing some great historic photographs of South Dakota businesses all month long.