FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 30, 2008
CONTACT:  Jay D. Vogt, (605) 773-3458, Jay.Vogt@state.sd.us

State Historical Society recognizes Cultural Heritage Center volunteers

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota State Historical Society recently recognized its volunteers at the Cultural Heritage Center.

In 2007, about 100 people were volunteers for the South Dakota State Historical Society. That includes volunteers at the Archaeological Research Center in Rapid City.

Volunteers greeted visitors and gave them information about the Cultural Heritage Center and the Pierre area. They sold them items that will help them remember their trip to the Heritage Center. They shared their knowledge of the state’s history and the museum with tour groups. They helped in the museum and the archives. Volunteers counted guests, panned for gold, operated the loom, and helped youngsters make fish prints and much more at special events that took place at the Cultural Heritage Center.

In all, volunteers donated about 9,500 hours in 2007 to the State Historical Society.

“We are impressed as well as humbled by all the hours volunteers serve at the Cultural Heritage Center,” said Jay D. Vogt, director of the State Historical Society. “Without our volunteers, visitors would not be greeted as warmly. They would have to wait longer for someone to help them in the store. They would not benefit from the wisdom of our tour guides. The Cultural Heritage Center would not be as inviting to our visitors.”

Jeannette Beemer has been a part of the Cultural Heritage Center for much of its history since the building opened in 1989. In 2007, she marked her 15^th year of volunteering 100 or more hours of service to the CHC. In recognition for this, her name has been inscribed on a plaque in the CHC lobby. Jeannette continues to brighten Wednesday mornings by coming in to restock books in the store and work in the archives.

Marj Gallimore had 15-plus years of volunteering before she decided to “retire” last year.

Marge Cordts and Marv Paulson both achieved the accomplishment last year of having 13 years of 100-plus hours. Marge is the Thursday afternoon desk volunteer and Marv welcomes visitors Friday afternoons at the desk.

LaVer Holland completed eight years of 100-plus hours. She is the Thursday afternoon store volunteer.

Clara Shelbourn recorded her sixth year of 100-plus hours. Clara tends the desk on Monday afternoons.

Joyce Cheeseman can usually be found at the desk on Tuesday mornings. She was recognized for five years of 100-plus hours.

Connie Grittner has three years of 100-plus hours. Connie can be found in the store on Tuesday mornings.

Recording two years of 100-plus hours as volunteers are Judy Bassett, Lynn Church, Sharon Church and Marian Williams. The Churches worked in the archives. Judy works in the store. Marian starts the work week by volunteering at the desk on Monday mornings.

Tim Bjork and Pat Tarrant each donated 100 hours for the first time in 2007. Tim is the Monday afternoon store volunteer, and Pat is there Tuesday afternoons.

Fourteen individuals had 10 or more years of continuous volunteering at the CHC. They are:  Marge Cordts, Homer Harding, Helen Harryman, Bev Huckins, Gladys Larsen, Phyllis Leach, Mary Jewel Ledbetter, Marv Paulson, Martha Rankin, Clara Shelbourn, Nancy Thomas, Bob Townsend, Bob Travis and Thelma Travis.

The following had 5-plus years of continuous volunteering at the CHC:  Karen Allan, Judy Bassett, Joyce Cheeseman, Jan Deis, LaVer Holland, Sandy Nelson, Art Rezac, Colleen Weiss and Marian Williams.

Although they are not being honored for specific years of service, the following were acknowledged for being volunteers last year:  Carol Axtman, Andy Deis, Marianne Englet, Trudy Evenstad, Shari Forney, Donna Gutenkauf, Juanita and Sandra Kangas, Carol Owens, Del Paulson, Uncle Matt and Penn Williams.

New volunteers in 2007 included Morgan Crow, Nancy Baker, Alverde Daniel, Evelyn Douglass, Charlene Foster, Melanie Fredrich, Hillary Garreau, Jessica Hansen Tarrant, Kathy Hanson, Julie Leidholt, Sarah Lihs, Morgan McLain, Robert Mitchell, Susan Mitchell, Linda Peterson, Doris Powell, Ashley Putzier, Elaine Pye, Danna Sanders, Clay Solberg and Gerald Thompson.

Joan Likness, Gail Lynstad and Marilyn Nugent began volunteering earlier this year.

Anyone interested in learning more about volunteering at the Cultural Heritage Center should contact Dorinda Daniel, volunteer coordinator, at (605) 773-6006.