historic preservation
Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month 2025
Journeys 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.
To recognize the importance of the month for South Dakota, Governor Larry Rhoden signed a proclamation announcing the month! The Governor's Proclamation can be read by clicking here. In his proclamation, Governor Rhoden says "a better appreciation and understanding of historic resources and the stories they tell is the foundation of preserving South Dakota's past for future generations."
The 2025 theme for the month is "Journeys in History!" This theme aims to celebrate a variety of journeys, from historic train depots to western expansion and the Gold Rush in the Black Hills, and so much more. The SHPO office wants to encourage South Dakotans to celebrate this theme by taking their own journeys and exploring historical locations in their local communities and throughout the state.
This month can also be observed by:
- Taking a walk around a local historic residential and/or commercial district.
- Researching local historic buildings and places, learning about their history, and supporting the preservation of them.
- Reaching out to a local preservationist, archaeologist, or historian to learn more about what they do in their job and ask them how you can assist in preservation efforts.
- Following the South Dakota State Historical Society's Facebook page to learn about local historic places and archaeological sites throughout the state during the month of May.
- Checking the online calendar at history.sd.gov for activities, education programs, and more. Those interested in submitting an event to be posted on the calendar can submit on the website's calendar page.
Archaeology Camp 2025
Archaeology Camp 2025 registration has closed. 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 Preservation 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 schools 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!