FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 30, 2008
CONTACT:  Jeff Mammenga, (605) 773-6000, Jeff.Mammenga@state.sd.us

State Historical Society to present Governor’s Awards for History

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota State Historical Society will be presenting four Governor’s Awards for History on Saturday, May 3, at its annual history conference in Rapid City.

The Herbert S. Schell Award winner this year is Paul L. Hedren of Omaha, Neb. The individual winners are Linda Sandness of Brookings and Lyle W. Swenson of Mitchell. The Secondary History Teacher of the Year is Phil McNally of Belle Fourche High School in Belle Fourche.

“These individuals all deserve our thanks and gratitude for helping to preserve the history of South Dakota,” said Gov. Mike Rounds. “Through their work, our state’s history will be available for future generations. They serve as examples of what is being accomplished through South Dakota’s 2010 Initiative goal of enhancing history as a tool for economic development and cultural tourism.”

The Schell Award is given annually to the author of the best article published in South Dakota History, the society’s award-winning quarterly journal. Hedren’s article, “Garrisoning the Black Hills Road:  The United States Army’s Camps on Sage Creek and Mouth of Red Canyon, 1876-1877” appeared in Volume 37, Number 1, the Spring 2007 issue. Hedren's article describes two little-known military outposts along the road from Cheyenne in Wyoming Territory to the gold fields of the northern Black Hills, along with some of the famous gold-rush personalities who passed through the camps.

Sandness is being recognized for her dedication to preserving state history through a variety of means, most recently as the coordinator of visitor services for the South Dakota Division of Parks and Recreation. Sandness has had several historical articles published, and has written more than 100 trail signs in South Dakota state parks, including those along the Mickelson Trail. Her versatile list of accomplishments also includes developing new museums at Farm Island near Pierre and Lake Poinsett near Watertown.

Swenson is a charter member (since 1988) and current president of the Mitchell Area Historical Society. He has proven his commitment over the years to preserving the history of the Mitchell area, including a special emphasis on the history of the Mitchell Corn Palace. Swenson oversees and coordinates many preservation and rehabilitation projects and often speaks to other community groups about the local historical society’s efforts.

McNally was nominated for his knowledge of his subject matter, his expertise in the art of teaching, and his genuine love of history, which brings history alive for his students. McNally’s philosophy is that “learning is life, and knowledge is the power to change your world.” He strives to show students that learning is a rewarding process built upon hard work and dedication.

Governor’s Awards for History are chosen by special committees and may be awarded both to individuals and organizations who demonstrate excellence in the sharing, collection, preservation and interpretation of South Dakota history.