FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 26, 2012

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

Make-and-Take Holiday Ornaments At Cultural Heritage Center On Nov. 3

PIERRE, S.D. -- Get into the holiday spirit and have some fun creating handmade holiday ornaments at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. CDT on Saturday, Nov. 3. There will be free admission for anyone making an ornament for the museum on that day.

It’s “make-and-take” because visitors will make ornaments to decorate a tree for the Cultural Heritage Center, as well as ornaments to take home for their own trees. All supplies and refreshments will be provided and all ages are welcome. Young children should be accompanied by an adult.  

“No need to be a crafty sort to enjoy making these ornaments,” said Jay Smith, museum director. “From shiny pipe cleaner candy canes to folded paper wreaths, ribbon stars, and garland made from drinking straws and beads, everyone will have a good time making these simple and fun decorations. There won’t be any cutting, measuring or gluing required.”

Visitors can enjoy the award-winning exhibit Our South Dakota: Big Land, Big Ideas, Big Heart in the museum.

“One theme running through Our South Dakota is community, and this event is a great way to build on community by having our own community of visitors help us decorate a tree,” Smith said.

The decorated tree will be used in the Cultural Heritage Center lobby during the holiday season. Visitors can enjoy the tree and all of the center’s decorations during the annual Holiday Open House of the South Dakota State Historical Society on Friday, Nov. 23. The open house will run from noon to 4:30 p.m. and will feature free admission, musical entertainment and treats; living-history demonstrations, store discounts and visits with Santa Claus.

Museum open hours will be extended until 6:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday from Nov. 26-Dec. 22. Sunday hours are 1-4:30 p.m.

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The South Dakota State Historical Society is a division of the Department of Tourism. The Department of Tourism is comprised of Tourism, the South Dakota Arts Council, and the State Historical Society. The Department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen. The State Historical 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.