South Dakota’s annual History Conference returns to Fort Pierre

The South Dakota State Historical Society’s 2026 History Conference will take place June 1-3, at Drifters Conference Center in Fort Pierre.

“Grit & Glory,” is the theme of this year’s conference. Marking the nation’s 250^th, the event will bring in speakers from across the state and the nation to speak about the Declaration of Independence and wider issues about the nation’s founding. There will also be presentations specific to South Dakota and how its people have lived out the founding principles.

“This year gives us a unique opportunity to join the rest of the nation marking the Semiquincentennnial,” said Dr. Ben Jones, the state historian and director of the South Dakota State Historical Society. “We invite anyone who is passionate about history to attend this event.”