October is Archives Month in South Dakota.
After being closed for two years because of renovations taking place at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre, the State Archives reopened to the public in July 2025 (July 7, 2025).
State Archivist Chelle Somsen says the archives are the official storage place for government records.
Somsen talks about what things they consider when determining whether or not something will be added into the State Archives.
For people who would like to use the State Archives to do research, Somsen recommends making an appointment.
The entire South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center building– including the museum– is expected to reopen to the public in late June 2026, in time for America’s 250th birthday on July 4.
Please call or email the Reference Desk to make an appointment.
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Reference Desk Phone: 605-773-3804
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Reference Desk Email: StateArchives@state.sd.us
More information is available on the State Archives website, https://history.sd.gov/archives.
South Dakota State Archivist Chelle Somsen.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Oct. 9, 2025.
South Dakota State Archives microfilm reader.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Oct. 9, 2025.
South Dakota State Archives reference materials.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Oct. 9, 2025.
South Dakota State Archives reference materials.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Oct. 9, 2025.
South Dakota State Archives reference materials.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Oct. 9, 2025.
South Dakota State Archives reference materials.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Oct. 9, 2025.
South Dakota State Archives reference materials.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Oct. 9, 2025.
South Dakota State Archives reference materials.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Oct. 9, 2025.
South Dakota State Archives reference materials.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Oct. 9, 2025.
South Dakota State Archives reference materials on collapsible shelves to save storage space.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Oct. 9, 2025.
South Dakota State Archives reference materials on collapsible shelves to save storage space. Staff turn these handles one way or another to move shelves so they can get between the rows to find materials.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Oct. 9, 2025.
South Dakota State Archives reference materials on collapsible shelves to save storage space.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Oct. 9, 2025.
South Dakota State Archives reference materials.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Oct. 9, 2025.
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