FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 1, 2025

CONTACT:  Kevin Larsen, 605-773-6000, kevin.larsen@state.sd.us

May Proclaimed Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden has proclaimed May as Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month in South Dakota.

Gov. Rhoden said in his proclamation, “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.”

Historic Preservation Month has been celebrated in South Dakota since it was established at the national level in 1973. The state added archaeology in 2005 to recognize it as a partner in historic preservation. 

“It is both an honor and a responsibility to help safeguard the stories embedded in South Dakota’s landscapes, historic places, and archaeological sites,” said Garry Guan, State Historic Preservation Officer. “I call for public appreciation and engagement—these are the keys to 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 South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office encourages South Dakotans to celebrate this theme by taking their own journeys and exploring historical locations in their local communities and throughout the state.

The Governor’s Proclamation can be read in full at https://history.sd.gov/preservation/archhpmonth.aspx .

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About the South Dakota State Historical Society

The South Dakota State Historical Society is a division of the Department of Education. The State Historical Society, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is headquartered in Pierre. The center houses the society’s museum, archives, and the historic preservation, publishing and administrative/development departments. For questions or memberships, call (605) 773-3458 or visit history.sd.gov for more information. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call (605) 394-1936 for more information.