FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Jan. 28, 2010

CONTACT:  Jeff Mammenga, Media Coordinator, (605) 773-6000, Jeff.Mammenga@state.sd.us

New Cultural Heritage Center exhibit memorializes “Captain 11”

PIERRE, S.D. – Dave Dedrick of Sioux Falls, better known to thousands of South Dakotans as “Captain 11,” passed away on Jan. 22.

In Dedrick’s memory, the South Dakota State Historical Society has created a temporary exhibit in the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. The exhibit is located at the museum gallery entrance. 

Included in the exhibit are:

n      A "Captain 11 in Person!" poster from the late 1970s;

n      A giant Tootsie Roll and treasure chest that were props from his set;

n      A child's Captain 11 t-shirt from around 1995;

n      An autographed Captain 11 card from his last show that says "I attended the Captain 11 Blast-Off; Return to the Outer Galaxies, December 27, 1996"

n      A brochure advertising Captain 11 as a pitchman for area businesses, from around 1955; and

n      A framed collage of Captain 11 postcards and buttons from 1955-1995.

“Captain 11” hosted a children’s cartoon program on KELO-TV from 1955-96, making it the longest-running children’s show in the history of television.

“Three generations of viewers saw Captain 11 on TV and in personal appearances all over the state,” said Jay D. Vogt, director of the State Historical Society. “We are pleased to offer this exhibit to note the accomplishments of this well-known South Dakota personality.”

After “Captain 11” said good-bye to his crew in 1996, the time-converter and other memorabilia from the show were donated to the State Historical Society. Dedrick was present when an exhibit featuring the show opened in 1998.

The Captain’s uniform is still on display in the museum’s “Changing Times” exhibit, noting the changes in life, like television, for South Dakotans in the 20^th century.

The museum in the Cultural Heritage Center is open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-4:30 p.m. on Sundays. There is a small admission fee. For more information call (605) 773-3458 or visit www.history.sd.gov

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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 Dakota Cultural Heritage Center 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.history.sd.gov for more information. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call (605) 394-1936 for more information.