FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2011

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

Author Merlyn Magner Touring SD, Talking About New Book on Rapid City Flood

PIERRE, S.D.—Author Merlyn Magner will visit Rapid City, Pierre, Sioux Falls and Deadwood during a one-week tour for her new book from the South Dakota State Historical Society, Come into the Water: A Survivor’s Story.

Thirty-nine years ago on June 9, Magner survived the Rapid City Flood, but lost her parents and brother in the tragedy. Now, she has written about her experiences that night and her subsequent search for comprehension, a sense of her place in the world, and meaning in what she had experienced.

Early reviewers have delighted in Magner’s writing and in the story she tells. Sen. George McGovern called the book a “self-searching jewel,” while Jay Trobec, Chief Meteorologist with KELO-TV, described Magner’s work as “intense,” and “colorful.” Online reviews at Amazon.com and Librarything.com have been profuse in their praise, as well.

Magner will meet with television, radio and newspapers in each city on her tour, and will be appearing at a talk and book signing event in the following locations:

n      June 9, Rapid City, The Journey Museum, 7-9 p.m. MDT

n      June 10, Pierre, Cultural Heritage Center, 5:30-6:30 p.m. CDT

n      June 11, Sioux Falls, Zandbroz Bookstore, 3-4 p.m. CDT

n      June 13, Deadwood, Adams Museum, 12-2 p.m. MDT

These events are free and open to anyone who wishes to attend.

For more details on the events, contact the location in question, or Martyn Beeny, (605) 773-8161, martyn.beeny@state.sd.us, or visit the SDSHS Press online at www.sdshspress.com, Facebook—search SDSHS Press, Twitter @sdshspress

-30-

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.