FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 1, 2008
CONTACT:  Chelle Somsen, (605) 773-5521, Chelle.Somsen@state.sd.us

Rounds proclaims October as ‘Archives Month’

PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Mike Rounds has officially proclaimed October as “Archives Month” in South Dakota. This year’s theme is “Discover the Hidden Treasures of South Dakota.”

“This month is the time for us to focus on the important records that protect our rights, provide enduring memories, and give recognition to the people and programs that maintain these records,” Rounds said.

Every day, governments, individuals, and organizations create and retain records about their activities. Archivists are the professionals who assess, collect, organize, preserve and make accessible those records that have lasting value.

“We do this to keep a dependable memory of the past and to assist people in finding and understanding the records that they seek,” said Chelle Somsen, state archivist for the South Dakota State Historical Society at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. “Any organization that holds historical records is invited to use the month of October to increase public awareness about those records and the purpose of the archives.”

In honor of Archives Month, the State Archives has planned several activities. All events will be held at the Cultural Heritage Center and are free of charge. The first activity is the open house at the archives on Saturday, Oct. 4. 

“We want to use this opportunity to allow the public to get a tour of the archives and to understand the functions of an archive,” said Somsen. “The public areas in the State Archives are limited to the research room, so this occasion will give people a chance to get ‘behind the scenes.’”

Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. -- The Archives is open the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., but on the 4^th the Archives is hosting an open house with tours conducted at 1 and 3 p.m.

Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. -- Outlaw Tales of South Dakota. Author Tom Griffith of Deadwood will discuss his book Outlaw Tales of South Dakota. Griffith will tell why the subject of the book interests him and prompted him to write the book and his experiences with archival repositories.

Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. -- “Fort Pierre-to-Deadwood Trail.” Lonis Wendt of Vivian, one of the event’s organizers, will give a presentation on the Fort Pierre-Deadwood Trail. He will show a DVD of several images taken while on the trail ride. He will also answer questions and talk about the history of the Fort Pierre-to-Deadwood Trail and trail ride.

Oct. 19 at 1p.m. -- “Abraham Lincoln.” Abraham Lincoln re-enactor Vernon Risty, from Illinois, will give a presentation on the 16^th president and talk about the Lincoln letters that are in the archives collection.

Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. – State Historical Society Manuscript Archivist Matthew T. Reitzel will offer a presentation titled, “Collection Care for Paper, Photos, Books, and Digital Images.” Participants will learn what to keep in mind when preserving various collections, how to ensure the longevity of your collections, and how best to store them.

For more information on Archives Month and to see a calendar of statewide events, visit the Web site at www.sdhistory.org/arc/am/2008/index.htm. For more information on the State Archives, call (605) 773-3804 or e-mail archref@state.sd.us.