historic preservation
Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month 2024
Preservation Adventures!
Celebrated each year in May, South Dakota Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month was created to acquaint the public with the diciplines 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.
Governor Kristi Noem has made this official by proclaming May as Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month in South Dakota. In her proclmation, which can be read in full below, 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. Other ways that this month can be celebrated 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.
- 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, educational programs, and more. Those interested in submitting an event to be posted on the calendar can submit a form on the calendar page.
Archaeology Camp 2024
Archaeology Camp 2024 will be on June 4-6! Registration will begin on Wednesday May 1st at 8:00am.
Please click here to go to our Archaeology Camp page for more information and how to register!
Student Essay Contest 2024: "This Place Matters"
Congratulations to the following three students who won our 2024 4th Grade Student Essay Contest!
1st Place: Paisley Carter from Jolley Elementary School in Vermillion, If Barn Walls Could Talk
2nd Place: Sydnee Stevens from Gettysburg Elementary School, The Bait Shop
3rd Place: Chiles Heien from Gettysburg Elementary School, 212 Forest City Bridge
This year we saw another record breaking number of entries at 232 essays from 28 different schools across South Dakota! We coulnd't be more grateful for this amazing amount of participation, and reading about all the historical places around the state that are special and importatnt to all the students who entered was truly inspiring. Thank you to all the students, parents, and teachers who put time and effort into the contest this year. We hope to continue growing this contest each year and help to spread the importance of South Dakota's history to our young learners!