Gov. Rounds proclaims October as ‘Archives Month’
PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Mike Rounds has officially proclaimed October as “Archives Month” in South Dakota. This year’s theme is “Celebrate South Dakota History.”
“October is the time for us to focus on the history of our nation and state and the documented history of our culture,” Gov. Round said. “Protecting records and documents will make sure that the hard work and plans of those who came before us will be remembered.”
Every day, governments, individuals, and organizations create and retain records about their activities. Archivists are the professionals who assess, collect, organize, preserve, and make accessible those records with lasting value.
“We do this to keep a dependable memory of the past and to assist people in finding and understanding the records that they seek,” said Chelle Somsen, state archivist for the South Dakota State Historical Society at the CulturalHeritageCenter in Pierre. “Any organization that holds historical records is invited to use the month of October to increase public awareness about those records and the purpose of the archives.”
In honor of Archives Month, the State Archives has planned several free activities and presentations:
n Oct. 3, Saturday -- The Archives is open the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Central Time.
n Oct. 4, Sunday at 2 p.m. -- "Got Beer? - Beers & Breweries in SD" -- Ken Stewart, with the State Historical Society, makes a presentation at the Cultural Heritage Center on the history of 30 breweries in South Dakota from 1861 to 1990.
n Oct. 17, Saturday at 10 a.m. -- “Pierre – Ft. Pierre Flood Film of 1952” -- Film footage from the 1952 Pierre/Ft. Pierre flood will be shown at the State 1-2-3 Theatre in Pierre.
n Oct. 18, Sunday at 2p.m. -- “National Family Film Day” -- See family film footage donated to the State Historical Society-Archives (or bring your own footage for viewing) at the Cultural Heritage Center.
n Oct. 25, Sunday at 2 p.m. – “Brands – Proof of Ownership” -- Lyndell Petersen of Hermosa will offer a presentation on brands, and the history of brands at the CulturalHeritageCenter.
n Nov. 1, Sunday at 2 p.m. – “Songs of World War I” -- Listen to the music of World War I, sung by members of the Pierre community. The event will be held at the Pierre Congregational Church.
For more information on Archives Month and to see a calendar of statewide events, visit the State Historical Society Web site at www.sdhistory.org. For more information on the State Archives, call (605) 773-3804 or e-mail archref@state.sd.us
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The South Dakota State Historical Society is a division of the Department of Tourism and State Development and strives to help the state meet the goals of the 2010 Initiative by enhancing history as a tool for economic development and cultural tourism. The society is headquartered at the South DakotaCulturalHeritageCenter in Pierre. The center houses the society’s world-class museum, the archives, and the historic preservation, publishing and administrative/development offices. Call (605) 773-3458 or visit www.sdhistory.org for more information. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call (605) 394-1936 for more information.