June 14, 2013

Department of the Military

Soldiers & Sailors Bldg

425 E Capitol Avenue

Pierre, SD 57501

Phone 605.773.3269

Fax 605.773.5380

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

South Dakota National Guard Museum to Expand Summer Hours

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota National Guard Museum in Pierre will expand its summer hours to allow travelers more options to visit the museum at 301 East Dakota in Pierre.   

Normal Museum hours are from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.  Beginning July 1, the Museum will be open from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday and the third Thursday of the months of July, August, and September.  Specifically, the Museum will be open until 7 p.m. on July 2 and 18, August 6 and 15, and Sept. 3 and 19.   

“Our museum showcases weapons, uniforms and other artifacts carried or worn by South Dakota Guardsmen from the Civil War to the Gulf War,” said Sonja Johnson, museum director.  “These additional hours will allow travelers, or those who work 8 to 5, the opportunity to visit the museum and see first-hand the legacy of the South Dakota National Guard.”

Bus tours wishing to schedule a tour can contact staff at 605-224-9991.  There is no charge to tour the South Dakota National Guard Museum.

The National Guard Museum’s mission is to preserve and honor the history of the South Dakota National Guard from the days of the Dakota Territory (1860’s) to present with emphasis on the various wars and conflicts.  The goal is to create a greater understanding of the significant role played by the South Dakota National Guard throughout history by caring for and preserving collections of historical documents and artifacts.

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For more information, contact: Audry Ricketts at 605-773-8242 or audry.ricketts@state.sd.us (South Dakota Department of the Military)