FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Nov. 19, 2008
CONTACT:  Jeff Mammenga, (605) 773-6000, Jeff.Mammenga@state.sd.us

State Historical Society plans holiday events

PIERRE, SD -- The South Dakota State Historical Society has several activities scheduled for the holiday season.

A branch of the Heritage Store in the Cultural Heritage Center will be opening on the first floor of the state capitol on Friday, Nov. 28. Among the featured items will be the new history of the capitol building, The South Dakota State Capitol: The First Century, by Marshall Damgaard, the latest book from the South Dakota State Historical Society Press; and many items made in South Dakota.

At the Cultural Heritage Center, society headquarters, visitors can see miniature replicas of historic buildings in Pierre. Buildings being replicated and their makers include:  Norbeck House Inn, Wal-Mart staff; Don and Kate Boyd House, Jamie Damon and Kate Boyd; Wade Hubbard House, Cheryl Sibson Reed; and Zesto Ice Cream Parlor, JoAnne and Kevin Hipple. A project of the Pierre Historic Preservation Commission, the miniature houses will be on display until shortly after New Year’s. This will be the third year for this popular display.

The annual holiday open house is Friday, Nov. 28, from noon to 4:30 p.m. The center opens at 9 a.m. and there is free admission to the museum all day. This year’s theme is “Pheasantennial: Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Ring-necked Pheasant.” Chocolate brown, copper and teal ornaments, ribbons and pheasant feathers will carry out the holiday theme. Most of the items displayed will be available for sale. Authors David Volk and Mark Meierhenry will sign their books, The Mystery of the Tree Rings and The Mystery of the Round Rocks; and Damgaard will sign The South Dakota State Capitol (Damgaard will be at the Capitol location from 10-11:30 a.m.). Visitors can also enjoy free refreshments, living history demonstrations and free pictures with Santa Claus.

From Nov. 29 through Dec. 24, the center will be open extended hours to accommodate holiday visitors. Museum hours will be 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Sundays.

Staff members are planning an event featuring South Dakota coffees, chocolates and delicacies from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 6, with special coffee programs by Brian Olson of Pierre planned for 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Last-minute shoppers will find special deals on South Dakota products at the Heritage Store from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 18 and 19. Customers can enjoy complimentary hot apple cider while their gifts are wrapped for free.