FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 22, 2019

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

Entertainment for Cultural Heritage Center Holiday Open House announced

PIERRE, S.D. – A full afternoon of entertainment is planned for the annual Holiday Open House of the South Dakota State Historical Society on Friday, Nov. 29, at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Following is the schedule:

• 12-1 p.m. – Ron Smith, piano, and Lori Hall, handbells
• 1-1:30 p.m. – Gloria Merriam, piano, and Jeff Speaect, vocals
• 1:30-2 p.m. -- Jeanne Schweigert, piano
• 2-3 p.m. -- Bev and Jay Mickelson and friends, piano, vocal, instrumental
• 3-3:30 p.m. -- Katie (Duenwald) Williamson, vocals, accompanied by Margaret Ellefson
• 3:30-4:30 p.m. -- Ron Smith, piano

“The entertainment is always an important part of our holiday open house,” said Jay D. Vogt, director of the State Historical Society. “We encourage people to bring guests, come up to the Cultural Heritage Center, and support their favorite performers – or all of them.”

In addition to the entertainment, the event includes free admission to the museum, featuring the exhibit ‘“The Right is Ours’: Women Win the Vote” in the Observation Gallery and living-history demonstrator Bob Travis panning for gold. There are holiday treats, and people can shop for unique gifts in the Heritage Store. Photos with Santa Claus will be available in the lobby.

People are encouraged to bring canned goods as a freewill donation for the Pierre Food Pantry.

Following the holiday open house, the Cultural Heritage Center will be open extended hours for the holidays. From Nov. 30-Dec. 21, the hours will be 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. CST Monday through Saturday and 1-4:30 p.m. CST on Sundays. The Cultural Heritage Center is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s days.

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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 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.