FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, June 3, 2005

CONTACT:  Patti Edman, (605) 773-2904

Biography of Peter Norbeck available from State Historical Society

PIERRE, S.D. -- The South Dakota State Historical Society Press has released Peter Norbeck: Prairie Statesman, the definitive biography of the former South Dakota governor and United States senator.

Norbeck began his political career in the state Senate and served as governor from 1916 to 1920, when he was elected to the U.S. Senate. His state programs included the South Dakota cement plant and development of Custer State Park. As a U.S. senator, he focused on farm relief legislation and conservation issues. Norbeck helped obtain funding for the carving of Mount Rushmore and directed construction of the scenic Iron Mountain Road leading to the monument. Through his efforts, legislation establishing Grant Teton National Park and extending the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park, as well as the Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929, became law. Norbeck died in 1936.

Peter Norbeck: Prairie Statesman, written by South Dakota native Gilbert C. Fite, was first published in 1948. It has been updated with a new introduction by the author and an afterword by University of South Dakota professor of history emeritus R. Alton Lee. The new edition includes previously unpublished photographs from the collection of Karl Wegner, Norbeck’s grandson. The Mark Meierhenry family of Sioux Falls provided financial support.

Peter Norbeck is available for $21.95 postpaid from the South Dakota State Historical Society Press. To order, call (605) 773-6009.

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The South Dakota State Historical Society, an office of the Department of Tourism and State Development, is headquartered at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. The center houses the society’s world-class museum, the State Archives, and the historic preservation, publishing and administrative/development offices. Call (605) 773-3458 or visit www.sdhistory.org for more information. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call (605) 394-1936 for more information.