The Bill Nibbelink Papers documents Nibbelink’s involvement in the development and promotion of alcohol fuels in South Dakota, reflecting his collaboration with Congressman Tom Daschle and regional organizations during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The collection includes a range of government and industry publications on ethanol, such as materials produced by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Department of Agriculture, the Solar Energy Research Institute, and local advocacy groups like the South Dakota Alcohol Fuels Association. These materials illustrate a critical moment in the push for renewable energy solutions in the Midwest and highlight Nibbelink’s role in distributing and producing outreach materials to support the cause.

In addition to energy policy materials, the collection contains assorted campaign memorabilia and planning documents, including a 1978 recount handbook from the contested congressional election in Moody County. These records offer insight into grassroots campaign operations, local political strategy, and the resourcefulness of early campaign efforts with limited funding. The presence of "Get Out The Vote" materials and memorabilia spanning from 1978 to 2004 captures the longevity of Nibbelink’s political engagement.

Also included are constituent correspondence files known as robo letters, which detail how Daschle’s congressional office handled communication with constituents during his early terms. These are complemented by logistical materials such as South Dakota trip schedules, contact lists, and a congressional telephone directory, providing a fuller picture of day-to-day congressional operations.

Photographs, press clippings, and a 2015 interview with Nibbelink round out the collection, adding visual and personal context to the professional and political records. Altogether, the collection serves as a valuable resource for studying early renewable energy advocacy, political campaigning in rural America, and the evolution of constituent service in congressional offices.

The Linda Hall Daschle Papers document the professional achievements and public service of Linda Hall Daschle, particularly in the aviation sector, alongside selected materials related to her husband, Senator Tom Daschle’s political career. The collection spans from the early 1960s through the early 2000s and includes personal memorabilia, professional correspondence, press clippings, publications, and extensive audio-visual content.

Materials in the collection reflect Linda Daschle’s pioneering roles in federal aviation policy, including her tenure at the Civil Aeronautics Board and as Deputy Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. The papers include awards, plaques, certificates, and commemorative items that mark key milestones in her career, as well as documentation of her public recognition by professional aviation organizations and federal institutions. A significant portion of the collection consists of VHS recordings of interviews, speeches, public service announcements, and events in which Daschle participated or was featured, illustrating her influence and visibility within the field.

The collection also preserves materials related to her early life, including beauty pageant recognition, and her civic engagement beyond aviation, such as her involvement with women’s and Native American organizations.

Complementing Linda Daschle’s materials are documents from Tom Daschle’s congressional and senatorial campaigns, including campaign plans, collected clippings, scheduling documents, and promotional materials. The audiovisual content also includes campaign advertisements, speeches, interviews, and farewell remarks, providing context to his political trajectory and public service legacy.

Overall, the collection offers insight into Linda Hall Daschle’s contributions to federal aviation policy, her role as a trailblazing woman in government service, and the broader political and public life of the Daschle family.

Receipts from Ben Reifel's traveling expenses during his campaign.

Mailing list of district and local episcopal keymen in Ben Reifel's campaign.

Ben Reifel's travel and meeting schedules for his congressional campaign.

List of newspapers, as well as clippings from different newspapers regarding Reifel running for Senate.

Scrapbook of Ben Reifel's campaign advertisements.

Audio-visual material

Representative Ben Reifel talking with farmers about sugar beets during his 1960 campaign for Congress

Portrait of Ben Reifel during his 1960 campaign for Congress

Vice presidential candidate William Miller deboarding a plane at Joe Foss Field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Vice presidential candidate William Miller walking next to a man on the airstrip at Joe Foss field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Candidate for Vice President William Miller shakes hands with Aberdeen, South Dakota Mayor Clifton Hurlbert on a stage, Representative Ben Reifel is standing behind them

Ben Reifel talking with a carpenter on the front porch of a house in Spearfish, South Dakota during his campaign for Congress

Ben Reifel talking with people in a place of business during his campaign for Congress

Ben Reifel talking to a business man in Ipswich, South Dakota during his campaign for Congress

Bank deposits and receipts from Ben Reifel's campaign.

Affidavit of campaign and election expenditures from Ben Reifel's campaign.

Bank statements and numerous cancelled checks from the Ben Reifel Fund.

Ben Reifel's receipts from various general office expenses.

Lists of county chairmen in Ben Reifel's campaign, as well as minutes from many Reifel for Congress club meetings.

Ben Reifel's note on the South Dakota Republican party platform during Ben Reifel's campaign.

Envelopes and stationery for Ben Reifel's campaign.

Audio-visual material

Photographs

Representative Ben Reifel talking with farmers about sugar beets during his 1960 campaign for Congress

Ben Reifel talking with A.E. Crooks, Spink County GOP chairman and president of the James River Valley Beet Growers Association from Frankfort, South Dakota and W.E. (Bill) Bergeson of the U & I Sugar Company in Belle Fourche, South Dakota about sugar beet during his 1960 campaign for Congress

Representative Ben Reifel talking with a farmer about sugar beets during his 1960 campaign for Congress

Ben Reifel in Plankinton, South Dakota during the final days of his 1960 campaign for Congress

Ben Reifel reading an Aberdeen American News newspaper heading declaring him as the winner of the 1960 Republican primary in the first district of South Dakota, the headline reads: Reifel wins GOP contest

Ben Reifel at a Nixon for President campaign rally, two women are pinning something on to the lapel of his suit

Representative Ben Reifel with Lem Overpeck and another man at a Nils Boe for Governor campaign rally, Overpeck was running for Lt. Governor

Vice presidential candidate William Miller speaking at a podium at a Republican campaign rally in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Alice Reifel with two campaign volunteers making telephone calls seeking support for Ben Reifel

Ben Reifel talking with a people in a men's clothing store during his campaign for Congress

Ben Reifel talking with a man in front of a store during his campaign for Congress

Ben Reifel talking with Mrs. Winerd in her home in Ipswich, South Dakota during his campaign for Congress

Ben Reifel talking to a school teacher at a playground in Ipswich, South Dakota during his campaign for Congress

Ben Reifel talking to a business man and his employee in Ipswich, South Dakota during his campaign for Congress

Lists and letters from those who pledged money for Ben Reifel's campaign.

Bank statements and cancelled checks from the Women for Reifel fund from Ben's campaign.

Article and newspaper clippings naming Ben Reifel as one of the nominees for senate.

Bumper Stickers, cards, and pins for Ben Reifel's political campaigns.

Ben Reifel is watching a man work in a blacksmith shop during his 1960 campaign for Congress, there is an anvil in the foreground

Ben Reifel speaking to voters at the courthouse in Woonsocket, South Dakota

Supporters at a Republican campaign rally in South Dakota, they are holding signs supporting Barry Goldwater and William Miller for United States presidents and Nils Boe for South Dakota governor

William Scranton, Republican U.S. House of Representatives candidate from Pennsylvania is speaking with Bill Johnson

Ben Reifel signing business cards during in campaign for Congress, another man is standing behind him watching

Ben Reifel talking with people in Rosholt, South Dakota during his campaign for Congress

Ben Reifel talking with a housewife in her kitchen in Ipswich, South Dakota during his campaign for Congress, there are jars of preserves sitting on the stove

Ben Reifel talking with a housewife in her kitchen in Ipswich, South Dakota during his campaign for Congress, there are jars of preserves sitting on the stove

Ben Reifel talking with a housewife in her kitchen in Ipswich, South Dakota during his campaign for Congress, they are standing in front of the kitchen sink

Ben Reifel talking to a school teacher and a child at a playground in Ipswich, South Dakota during his campaign for Congress

Representative E.Y. Berry, Senator Karl Mundt, and Ben Reifel, Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives from the First District of South Dakota, are on the campaign trail in Pierre, South Dakota

The Ben Reifel Papers document the career of Ben Reifel, the first Lakota Sioux to serve in the U.S. Congress, highlighting his work as a legislator, his tenure with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and his advocacy for Native American communities. The collection includes correspondence, photographs, audiovisual materials, memorabilia, and scrapbooks that provide insight into his contributions to public service and Native American affairs. As a pioneering Native American leader, Reifel played a key role in shaping policies related to education, healthcare, and economic development. This collection serves as a valuable resource for understanding his lasting impact on indigenous representation in government and South Dakota's political landscape.

The activities series contains records of Reifel's involvement with various organizations and initiatives, including the Boy Scouts of America, the National Park Service, and the Dakota Territory Citizen Certificates project. It also covers his efforts in Native American affairs, congressional trips, and public events. The awards and honors section features certificates, plaques, medals, and other recognitions Reifel received throughout his career, including awards from the Boy Scouts of America, Sioux tribes, and South Dakota State University.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs materials include correspondence, newsletters, and newspaper clippings that document Reifel's work in advancing Native American education, healthcare, and policy. The campaign series provides an in-depth look at his political career through financial records, advertisements, schedules, and materials related to the South Dakota Republican Party platforms.

Correspondence within the collection spans from Reifel's tenure with the BIA through his congressional career, featuring letters exchanged with prominent political figures such as Barry Goldwater, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, and George McGovern. The family history section contains biographical materials, educational records, military service documents, and personal writings that provide insight into his early life and career development.

Memorabilia in the collection includes campaign materials, presidential inauguration items, and personal artifacts such as a U.S. Annotated Code book with Reifel's name embossed on the cover. The photographs offer a visual record of his political career, community interactions, travels, and personal life, particularly highlighting his work in Congress and his connections with Native American communities.

The audiovisual materials consist of campaign advertisements, legislative discussions, interviews, and speeches on healthcare, agriculture, and public service. These recordings also include public appearances and fundraising events. Scrapbooks primarily contain newspaper clippings and campaign materials that document Reifel's public image and key political milestones.

Collected materials include books, periodicals, programs, and poetry reflecting Reifel's diverse interests and professional pursuits. His speeches and writings consist of transcripts and drafts of addresses given at events such as Memorial Day ceremonies and commencement exercises.

Overall, the Ben Reifel Papersprovides a comprehensive view of his contributions to public service, Native American advocacy, and South Dakota’s civic and political landscape. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers seeking to understand his legislative impact, community engagement, and personal legacy.

Bumper sticker for Ben Reifel's campaigns

Bank statement and cancelled check from classmates for Ben Reifel.

Bank statements and cancelled checks from the Reifel for Congress fund for Ben Reifel's campaign.

Receipts from various Broadcasting and Photography companies for Ben Reifel's campaign.

Representative Ben Reifel talking with farmers about sugar beets during his 1960 campaign for Congress

Ben Reifel talking about sugar beets with three men during his 1960 campaign for Congress

Ben Reifel talking about sugar beets with a group of men during his 1960 campaign for Congress

Ben Reifel and another man with a heifer steer during the Steer for State fund raising auction at South Dakota State University during his 1960 campaign for Congress

Ben Reifel and an elderly man looking at grain samples