July 1, 2026: The South Dakota State Historical Society will celebrate the reopening of the museum’s first three newly completed exhibits this afternoon (July 1, 2026). State Historical Society Assistant Director David Grabitske said the first room welcomes visitors and gives them a quick glimpse into South Dakota history. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2025/10/070126-grabitzke1-first-room-opening.mp3 Grabitzke says the second room encourages people to think about the difference between “history” and “the past.” https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2025/10/070126-grabitzke2-second-room-opening.mp3 The third room currently holds a temporary exhibit called “Grit and Glory.” It’s in honor of the United State’s 250th birthday this year and holds various patriotic pieces from the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Museum’s collections. Along with a ribbon cutting at 4pm and doors officially opening to the public at 4:30pm, the Historical Society will also begin a fundraising campaign during Wednesday’s activities. Courtesy image. Three museum areas in the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre that are opening July 1, 2026.Courtesy image. October 28, 2025: October is Archives Month in South Dakota. After being closed for two years because of renovations taking place at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre, the State Archives reopened to the public in July 2025 (July 7, 2025). State Archivist Chelle Somsen says the archives are the official storage place for government records. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2025/10/102825-somsen1.mp3 Somsen talks about what things they consider when determining whether or not something will be added into the State Archives. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2025/10/102825-somsen2.mp3 For people who would like to use the State Archives to do research, Somsen recommends making an appointment. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2025/10/102825-somsen3.mp3 The entire South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center building– including the museum– is expected to reopen to the public in late June 2026, in time for America’s 250th birthday on July 4. Please call or email the Reference Desk to make an appointment. Reference Desk Phone: 605-773-3804 Reference Desk Email: [email protected] More information is available on the State Archives website, https://history.sd.gov/archives. South Dakota State Archivist Chelle Somsen.Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.Oct. 9, 2025. South Dakota State Archives microfilm reader.Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.Oct. 9, 2025. South Dakota State Archives reference materials.Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.Oct. 9, 2025. South Dakota State Archives reference materials.Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.Oct. 9, 2025. South Dakota State Archives reference materials.Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.Oct. 9, 2025. South Dakota State Archives reference materials.Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.Oct. 9, 2025. South Dakota State Archives reference materials.Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.Oct. 9, 2025. South Dakota State Archives reference materials.Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.Oct. 9, 2025. South Dakota State Archives reference materials.Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.Oct. 9, 2025. South Dakota State Archives reference materials on collapsible shelves to save storage space.Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.Oct. 9, 2025. South Dakota State Archives reference materials on collapsible shelves to save storage space. Staff turn these handles one way or another to move shelves so they can get between the rows to find materials.Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.Oct. 9, 2025. South Dakota State Archives reference materials on collapsible shelves to save storage space.Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.Oct. 9, 2025. South Dakota State Archives reference materials.Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.Oct. 9, 2025. ...read more read less