A new replica was added to the South Dakota First Ladies and Gentlemen’s Inaugural Gown and Tux Display at the state Capitol Building in Pierre this week (Feb. 9, 2026).
The replica of the white dress worn by First Lady Sandy Rhoden was unveiled nearly one year to the day since she wore it to Governor Larry Rhoden’s Inaugural Ball in February of last year (Feb. 8, 2025).
The unveiling was hosted by the state Federation of Republican Women and member Trish Murphy read a brief history of the display.
First Lady Rhoden said she’s honored to be part of the historic display.
The South Dakota First Ladies and Gentlemen’s Inaugural Gown and Tux Display is located on the first floor of the state Capitol Building in Pierre.
The First Lady Gowns Committee of the state Federation of Republican Women group is in charge of the Inaugural Gown & Tux Display. They clean the exhibit once a year, enlisting the help of the Constitutional Candidates.
Whenever a new Governor is sworn in, this committee is in charge of creating the exhibit for the new First Spouse, including a miniature replica of the inauguration outfit.
Image courtesy of South Dakota Public Broadcasting inaugural ball video Feb. 8, 2025.
Unveiling of First Lady Sandy Rhoden’s inaugural gown replica in the South Dakota First Ladies and Gentlemen’s Inaugural Gown and Tux Display at the state Capitol Building in Pierre Feb. 9, 2026.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Unveiling of First Lady Sandy Rhoden’s inaugural gown replica in the South Dakota First Ladies and Gentlemen’s Inaugural Gown and Tux Display at the state Capitol Building in Pierre Feb. 9, 2026.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Unveiling of First Lady Sandy Rhoden’s inaugural gown replica in the South Dakota First Ladies and Gentlemen’s Inaugural Gown and Tux Display at the state Capitol Building in Pierre Feb. 9, 2026.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Unveiling of First Lady Sandy Rhoden’s inaugural gown replica in the South Dakota First Ladies and Gentlemen’s Inaugural Gown and Tux Display at the state Capitol Building in Pierre Feb. 9, 2026.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Unveiling of First Lady Sandy Rhoden’s inaugural gown replica in the South Dakota First Ladies and Gentlemen’s Inaugural Gown and Tux Display at the state Capitol Building in Pierre Feb. 9, 2026.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Unveiling of First Lady Sandy Rhoden’s inaugural gown replica in the South Dakota First Ladies and Gentlemen’s Inaugural Gown and Tux Display at the state Capitol Building in Pierre Feb. 9, 2026.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Unveiling of First Lady Sandy Rhoden’s inaugural gown replica in the South Dakota First Ladies and Gentlemen’s Inaugural Gown and Tux Display at the state Capitol Building in Pierre Feb. 9, 2026.
Photo credit to Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Image courtesy of South Dakota Public Broadcasting inaugural ball video Feb. 8, 2025.
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