historic preservation
Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month 2025
Jorneys into History!
Celebrated each year in May, South Dakota Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month was created to acquaint the public with the disciplines of archaeology and historic preservation and to strengthen the enduring bond between the past and the present! Historic Preservation Month has been celebrated in South Dakota since it was established nationally in 1973. The state added archaeology in 2005 to recognize it as a partner in historic preservation.
MORE TO COME!
A look back on Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month 2024!
Governor Kristi Noem has made this official by proclaiming May as Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month in South Dakota. In her proclamation, which can be read in full here, she says "it is important to celebrate the role of history in our lives and the contributions made by dedicated individuals who preserve the tangible aspects of the heritage that shape us as South Dakotans". This year's theme is "Preservation Adventures"! The Historic Preservation Office encourages South Dakotans to celebrate this theme by learning about and exploring historical locations in their local communities and throughout the state. We will be posting to this page below, the South Dakota Historical Society's Facebook page, and the SDSHS online calendar with ideas, activities, educational programs, and events throughout this month!
Have your own preservation adventure and explore the state with these travel itinerary ideas!
- SD Highway 14, Brookings to Pierre
- SD Highway 50, Platte to Vermillion
-SD Highway 12, Milbank to Mobridge
Other ways to celebrate this month include:
- Taking a walk around a local historic residential and/or commercial district or tour a historic cemetary.
- Researching local historic buildings and places, learning about their history, and supporting the preservation of them.
- Reaching out to a local preservationist or historian to learn more about what they do in their job and ask them how you can assist in preservation efforts.
Archaeology Camp 2025
Archaeology Camp 2025 will be held on June 10th, 11th, and 12th! For more information including how to register, please visit our Archaeology Camp page .
4th Grade Student Essay Contest 2025: "This Place Matters"
The 2025 4th Grade Student Essay Contest has come to an end! This annual contest, hosted by the State Historic Preservation Office, is a component of Archaeology and Historic Presrvation Month which is celebrated each May. The competition proposes to enable students to achieve a better appreciation of our state's history and historic resources, the stories they tell, and why they should be preserved for future generations. The theme is "This Place Matters", students were asked to write an essay about any South Dakota location that is at least 50 years old, why it is a favorite place for them, and why it should be preserved. The contest was open to any 4th grade student in South Dakota, whether in public school, private school, or homeschool. We received 207 entries from 23 different school from around the state!
Congratulations to this year's winners!:
First Place Winner- Triangle Ranch by Ava Ireland
Second Place Winner- Zion Lutheran: A Home for Worship, Learning, and Inspiration by Tiana Suurmeier
Third Place Winner- Brown Hall at SDSU by Jackson Lee
To read out 2025 winning essays, click here!