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Finding Aid
SDSU-Archives UA 051.05 · Records · 1981, 2005-2006

This collection is composed of materials produced and collected by the 125th Anniversary Planning Committee to document and coordinate the celebration of South Dakota State University’s quasquicentennial in 2006. The materials span a wide variety of formats and functions, including committee minutes, correspondence, event programs, publications, photographs, memorabilia, and audio-visual media. Records are arranged across three boxes and reflect the collaborative efforts of university departments, alumni, Cooperative Extension offices, and external partners to commemorate the institution’s history and accomplishments.

Key materials include documentation of the Anniversary Gala, such as scripts, video greetings, and a commemorative DVD, as well as campus-wide and statewide celebrations, including birthday parties, Extension Service events in over 20 counties, and public commemorations. A special emphasis is placed on “Survey of Accomplishments” submitted by departments, colleges, and administrative units, highlighting milestones and achievements since SDSU was granted university status in 1964.

The collection also contains a number of commemorative items such as a replica of the Coughlin Campanile (crafted with original limestone), event buttons, party hats, branded noisemakers, and logo memorabilia. Publications such as Calling Home from SDSU, STATE alumni magazine, and a commemorative calendar further illustrate the cultural and institutional impact of the university over 125 years.

Of historical significance is a House Concurrent Resolution from the South Dakota Legislature recognizing SDSU’s contributions to the state, as well as retrospective narratives like John E. Miller’s “Reminiscences of SDSU” and a summary of the 100th Anniversary in 1981. The inclusion of taped interviews with prominent political and institutional figures, along with cable TV panel discussions, adds a rich audiovisual dimension to the record of institutional memory.

South Dakota State University. 125th Anniversary Planning Committee
SDSU-Archives MA 016 · Records · 1956-2017

The Altrusa Records collection documents the activities of Altrusa International District Seven and the Altrusa International Club of Brookings, South Dakota, from 1956 to 2017. The materials include administrative, financial, and event records that reflect the organization’s leadership, service projects, and regional conferences. The collection contains minutes, reports, treasurer’s records, correspondence, membership lists, strategic plans, bylaws, handbooks, and administrative files. A significant portion of the collection consists of materials from annual District Seven Conferences and Presidents’ Workshops held from 1956 to 1995, including programs, reports, banquet menus, and minutes. Also included are records of local Brookings club activities such as the Literacy Lunch, Harvest and Harmony, Wild Game Dinner, Bridge Marathon, and mini-grant programs. The collection documents the organization’s community service efforts, literacy initiatives, and regional leadership development within Altrusa International.

This collection provides documentation of Altrusa International District Seven and the Brookings club’s community engagement, leadership development, and literacy advocacy efforts in the upper Midwest. It illustrates the role of a women’s service organization in promoting education, philanthropy, and civic participation from the mid-twentieth century into the early twenty-first century.

Altrusa International
Alumni Association Records
SDSU-Archives UA 017 · Records · 1892-2022

This collection primarily consists of printed materials and publications produced by the Office of the Director of the Alumni Association. Included are event programs, brochures, newsletters, flyers, mailers, and postcards related to reunions, banquets, alumni awards, and other gatherings. A significant portion of the collection is devoted to STATE: A Magazine for SDSU Alumni and Friends, Rabbit Ears, and the Jackrabbit Insider e-newsletters. Also included are alumni directories, promotional items, greeting cards, and certificates of distinction such as the Campanile Climbers Award of Merit. Photographs (Box 3) depict alumni activities and events. Notably, some material addresses institutional concerns, such as correspondence related to the possible removal of the College of Engineering from SDSU.

The Alumni Association Records documents the relationship between South Dakota State University and its alumni. The collection provides insight into alumni engagement strategies, institutional memory, and campus traditions. It is especially valuable for researchers interested in university history, the development of alumni relations, and the cultural identity of SDSU over time. Materials such as reunion memorabilia, award programs, and alumni publications preserve a strong sense of community and shared history among SDSU graduates.

South Dakota State University. Alumni Association
SDSU-Archives UA 063.01 · Records · 1995-2014, undated

This collection documents the activities and role of the American Indian Student Center at South Dakota State University primarily between 2000 and 2012. The materials reflect student life, cultural programming, outreach, and support activities sponsored or coordinated by the center. Records include audiovisual materials such as audiocassettes, microcassettes, video recordings in multiple formats, compact discs, and digital video, as well as photographs and photographic negatives. The audiovisual and photographic materials document events, meetings, seminars, ceremonies, fundraisers, trips, and collaborative activities with student organizations, including the Native American Club and Wacipi related events. Also included are a limited number of flyers, brochures, handouts, and email communications that provide contextual information about center sponsored programs and student engagement initiatives.

The American Indian Student Center Records documents Indigenous student experiences and cultural life at South Dakota State University in the early twenty first century. The collection offers evidence of the center’s role in fostering community, supporting student retention, and promoting cultural visibility through educational programs, social events, and travel experiences. These materials contribute to the historical record of Native American student services, student organizations, and cultural expression within a land grant university setting and support research on Indigenous higher education, student advocacy, and campus based cultural programming.

SDSU-Archives UA 009.02 · Records · 1963-2006

The Apparel Merchandising and Interior Design Records (UA 9.2) consist of departmental materials including program evaluation reports, course announcements, posters, programs, and fact sheets related to apparel merchandising activities. A significant portion of the collection documents the Adaline Snellman Hsia Historic Costume and Decorative Arts Collection, including correspondence, clippings, photographs, donor records, publicity materials, collection histories, endowment information, and exhibit materials.

This collection documents the academic programs, public engagement, and historic costume holdings of the department, highlighting its contributions to fashion education, preservation of textile history, and regional cultural exhibitions. It provides insight into the department’s role in promoting fashion scholarship and community outreach.

South Dakota State University. Department of Apparel Merchandising and Interior Design
SDSU-Archives UA 050.09 · Collection · 1942-1945

The Army Administration School Records document the presence and operation of military training programs at South Dakota State College during World War II. Materials include a written history of the Army Administration School with lists of officers and likely participants; survey reports detailing buildings and property provided to the Army by the college; and administrative or instructional materials such as course evaluations, correspondence, and enrollment statistics. A scrapbook offers contextual materials including newspaper clippings, photographs, and event programs. Additional documents relate to the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP), such as geography course outlines, evaluation forms, and a summary of credit-transfer questionnaires. Notably, one unrelated artifact—a 1913 certificate for a purebred stallion—is also present, though its connection to the collection is unclear.

This collection provides insight into the integration of military training programs into land-grant college campuses during World War II. It highlights the role of South Dakota State College in supporting national defense efforts through infrastructure, instructional resources, and personnel. The records are valuable for understanding military-civilian collaboration in higher education, as well as the broader social and institutional impacts of wartime mobilization. The scrapbook materials also offer a unique visual and narrative record of military life and academic intersections during this period.

Audrae Visser Collection
SDSU-Archives MA 052 · Collection · 1938-2002

The materials in this collection were collected and donated by Dr. Charles Woodard of the South Dakota State University English Department. The collection is primarily composed of correspondence between Audrae Visser and Dr. Woodard, much of which documents her literary development and academic work. Included are many of Visser’s writings created to fulfill class assignments, such as book reports, instructional texts, and a Pioneer Humor Project undertaken for the Heritage of the Prairies Institute at Southwest State University in Marshall, Minnesota.

In addition to extensive correspondence, the collection contains clippings, photographs, and a wide range of poetic and prose writings by Visser. These include autobiographical sketches, children's stories, fiction, speeches, and both published and unpublished poetry. Notable published works represented are Country Cousin, Honyocker Stories, Pheasant Flights, and Prairie Poetry. Also included are materials related to her awards, honors, and organizational memberships, as well as written accounts of her travel experiences and photographs she took on various trips, including one to Mexico. Writings by other authors and anonymous works are also present.

Visser, Audrae 1919-2001
SDSU-Archives MA 079 · Papers · 1911-2002

The Barbara Bates Gunderson Papers consist primarily of scrapbooks, photographs, correspondence, and memorabilia documenting her public, political, and governmental career, with particular emphasis on her role as a U.S. Civil Service Commissioner and political involvement with the Eisenhower administration. The bulk of the material dates from the 1950s through the 1970s and reflects Gunderson’s national political activity, campaign work, and federal service.

The collection includes extensive newspaper and magazine clippings, black and white photographs, correspondence with U.S. politicians and White House officials, and material related to Gunderson’s appointment to and service on the U.S. Civil Service Commission. Highlights include items from her tenure as National Co-Chairman of the Citizens for Eisenhower Congressional Committee, documentation from her participation in the 1974 South Dakota Republican primary for U.S. Senate, and artifacts from events such as the Federal Woman’s Award Dinner and Civil Service-related conferences.

Scrapbooks form a substantial portion of the collection and offer a detailed visual and documentary record of Gunderson’s professional activities and public recognition. Several binders and albums contain photographs, invitations, speeches, telegrams, and keepsakes. A small number of items, including framed materials, plaques, and presentation pieces, further commemorate her contributions.

Also of note are publications, such as Advance Congregational Christian Journal, Harper’s Magazine, and the Eisenhower World Affairs Institute Proceedings, as well as two paperback book jackets from novels authored by Gunderson. The collection includes memorabilia related to her advocacy for women in government and her involvement with national political platforms and commissions.

This collection provides insight into mid-20th-century political campaigns, civil service reforms, and the evolving role of women in federal government leadership. It is a significant resource for studying the intersection of gender, politics, and public service in Cold War-era America.

Gunderson, Barbara Bates, 1917-2007
Ben Reifel Papers
SDSU-Archives MA 009 · Papers · 1905-1990

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.

Reifel, Ben, 1906-1990
Bert Popowski Papers
SDSU-Archives MA 005 · Papers · 1935-1978

This collection documents the career and work of Bert Popowski as an author, hunter, and photographer, highlighting his contributions to the fields of hunting, wildlife, and conservation. The materials span from 1935 to 1978, with a significant portion consisting of articles authored by Popowski on topics ranging from big game and varmint hunting to conservation and safety. The research material series is the largest, containing published articles in various hunting and wildlife publications, including an autographed copy of The Outdoorsman (June 1947) featuring his article “Off-Season Duck Hunting.”

The collection includes a wide range of manuscripts accompanied by correspondence with publishers, records of submissions, publication status, and payments received. Manuscripts cover diverse subjects such as hunting techniques, firearms, wildlife, and conservation. Materials also relate to Popowski’s books, including illustrations by Gordon Elliott for Crow Shooting (29 ink drawings) and photograph proofs for Hunting Pronghorn Antelope (37 pages). Additional artwork features a mat board drawing of a fireplace, believed to depict Popowski’s cabin, created by C. Greenidge.

General materials include correspondence from 1942 to 1956, as well as photographs, illustrations, and a phonograph record titled Crow Calling, which features Popowski demonstrating crow calls. The photographs include black-and-white images of wildlife and hunting, negatives, and a set of 22 matted and signed photographs that won first prize at the Iowa State Fair.

Another unique feature of the collection is Popowski’s contributions to the Japanese magazine Modern Hunting (1968–1970), which includes translated articles and writings on hunting techniques. The phonograph record and international publications further illustrate Popowski’s expertise and contributions to hunting practices.

The collection provides a comprehensive record of Popowski’s career, offering insight into mid-twentieth-century hunting culture, techniques, and the conservation movement through his writings, photographs, illustrations, and artistic collaborations.

Popowski, Bert
SDSU-Archives MA 071 · Collection · 1912-1986

This collection consists of materials related to Blanche Avery Johnston, a member of the South Dakota State College Class of 1916. The materials provide insight into student life in the early 20th century and the experiences of Johnston and her classmates. Included are a booklet titled College Life at South Dakota State College, a news clipping featuring an interview with Johnston about the first Hobo Day celebration, a series of letters exchanged among members of the Class of 1916, and photographs documenting their time at the college. These items offer valuable documentation of campus traditions, student correspondence, and collegiate culture during the 1910s.

Career Center Records
SDSU-Archives UA 027 · Records · 1975-2008

This collection is composed primarily of printed materials produced by the Career Center (formerly the CAP Center) at South Dakota State University. It includes newsletters such as Career Matters Update and CAP Center Employment News, flyers for events like Career Week, job fairs, etiquette dinners, and mock interview sessions. The collection also features brochures and pamphlets on job-seeking skills, resumes, and interviewing, as well as materials related to tutoring programs, academic support, and proficiency exam help sessions. Thirty color photographs document Career Center events and activities.

These records document the role of the Career Center in preparing students for employment and academic success. They reflect the university’s commitment to career readiness through experiential learning, career counseling, and student support services. The materials provide insight into the types of services offered and the ways in which the university engaged students in professional development throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

South Dakota State University. Career Center
Charles F. Gritzner Papers
SDSU-Archives UA 053.029 · Papers · 1871-2014

Collection is composed of writings, teaching and research materials, and material related to his non-teaching professional activities.

Gritzner, Charles F.
Charles L. Sewrey Papers
SDSU-Archives UA 053.010 · Papers · 1862-1973

This collection documents the academic, intellectual, and scholarly pursuits of Dr. Charles L. Sewrey, professor of history at South Dakota State University. The materials span from 1862 to 1973 and are composed of collected publications, correspondence, manuscripts, photographs, and published articles primarily related to Sewrey's research interests in anti-Catholicism, American religious and political culture, and frontier life in Minnesota.

The collected material includes newspaper clippings, pamphlets, Socialist Party literature from the 1960s, and an 1862 volume of Aurora Leigh and Other Poems by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Also present is a significant file on the Steven Truscott case (1966–1969), which explored the wrongful conviction of a Canadian youth. These materials were likely used in support of research and teaching.

The general materials consist of correspondence, course notes, and exams from Sewrey’s history courses, as well as miscellaneous ephemera including photographs and a map depicting the Lake District near Alexandria, Minnesota.

The manuscripts form the core of the collection and reflect Sewrey’s research into anti-Catholicism and religious controversy in American history. Notable among these is his master’s thesis, The Protestant Minister in Frontier Minnesota, written in 1946, which is represented in multiple chapters and outlines both the private and public life of religious leaders on the Minnesota frontier. Additional manuscripts examine topics such as Cold War foreign policy, sectarianism on the frontier, U.S. religion and morality, and the development of land grant colleges. A substantial portion of the manuscripts consists of an extensive, untitled book-length work covering the historical origins, controversies, and social implications of anti-Catholic thought in the United States.

The published works (1945–1973) include academic journal articles, book reviews, and newspaper opinion pieces authored by Sewrey. Prominent among them are articles in The Christian Century, Journal of Church and State, and The Unicorn. Several of these writings focus on anti-Catholic rhetoric, communism, political philosophy, and civic education. The collection also includes transcripts of two broadcasts from Sewrey’s appearances on Professor’s Forum, a program aired by the South Dakota State College radio station.

The Charles L. Sewrey Papers offer insight into the study of anti-Catholic sentiment in American history and the intersection of religion, politics, and public life on the frontier. Sewrey’s research, particularly his analysis of Protestant ministry in Minnesota and his broader writings on religious controversy, contributes to a deeper understanding of sectarian dynamics in the United States. His work engages with key themes in mid-20th-century political thought, moral philosophy, and Cold War-era ideology. In addition, the collection reflects the academic output of a historian actively involved in teaching, public scholarship, and civic discourse at a land-grant institution, making it a valuable resource for scholars exploring American religious and intellectual history, education, and the public role of the historian..

Sewrey, Charles Louis
SDSU-Archives MA 123 · Collection · 1930

This collection contains photographs taken by Clav Snow during his time as a student at South Dakota State College in the early 1930s. The images document campus life and student activities, including Hobo Day celebrations, military Field Day Exercises, candid gatherings, and academic settings such as a psychology class. Also featured are photographs of the SDSC Boxing Club, campus buildings and landmarks, and fellow students. The collection offers a visual record of student experiences and campus culture during that period.

Snow, Clav
College of Nursing Records
SDSU-Archives UA 012 · Records · 1916-2023

The Nursing Records at South Dakota State University document the development, administration, academic programs, outreach, accreditation, and activities of the College of Nursing from its early years through the present. The collection includes reports, annual and biennial reviews, catalogs, newsletters, bulletins, faculty and student handbooks, and policy guidelines. It covers curriculum materials, course outlines, syllabi, and student records across various programs, including Clinical Nursing, General Nursing, Public Health Nursing, Rural Nursing, and the RN Upward Mobility Program. Accreditation files include self-studies, evaluation reports, and materials related to site visits and National League for Nursing standards. The records also contain legal agreements and contracts with clinical sites, meeting minutes from committees and faculty, research studies, surveys, grant proposals, conference proceedings, photographs, and scrapbooks documenting ceremonies, faculty, students, and alumni activities.

This collection documents nursing education at SDSU, reflecting statewide and national developments in nursing training, health care delivery, and professional standards. It provides insight into the evolution of nursing curricula, outreach to underserved and rural populations (including Native American communities), accreditation history, and faculty and student life. The records are a valuable resource for researchers studying the history of nursing education, public health initiatives, women’s education, and the university’s impact on South Dakota’s health care workforce and infrastructure.

South Dakota State University. College of Nursing
SDSU-Archives UA 017.01 · Collection · 1885-2004

This collection contains research materials, correspondence, photographs, publicity materials, and draft content related to the book The College on the Hill, authored by Amy Dunkle with contributions by V.J. Smith. The book is an anecdotal history of South Dakota State University, and the collection reflects the research and writing process behind its creation. Materials include chapter drafts, topic files, interview transcripts, university ephemera, and digital media. The collection spans a wide array of subjects, including student life, university traditions, athletics, Hobo Day, campus buildings, academic departments, notable alumni and faculty, social events, and broader historical moments such as wartime campus life, political visits, and student activism. Also included are photographic prints and digital files used for publication, chapter ideas not included in the final text, and materials connected to university history and memory.

This collection documents how institutional memory is shaped through personal narratives, oral histories, and archival sources. It captures the lived experiences of students, faculty, and administrators from the late 19th century through the early 21st century. The collection provides researchers with insight into the cultural traditions, social history, and academic tra

Dunkle, Amy
SDSU-Archives UA 015 · Records · 1924-2008

The Continuing and Extended Education Administrative and Distance Education Records at South Dakota State University document the development, administration, and delivery of off-campus and distance learning programs from the mid-20th century into the early 21st century. The collection includes brochures, newsletters, flyers, schedules, course listings, correspondence, planning documents, conference and workshop materials, University Week for Women records, and reports. It covers a wide range of programs, from undergraduate and graduate courses to specialized workshops and conferences on topics such as agriculture, leadership, health, education, technology, and public policy. Also included are administrative materials related to scheduling, data entry, enrollment statistics, and partnerships like the Electronic University Consortium and the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance.

This collection reflects SDSU’s longstanding commitment to educational outreach, innovation in distance learning, and service to diverse student populations across South Dakota and beyond. It provides valuable insights into the evolution of continuing education, the expansion of online and hybrid learning, the university’s role in regional workforce development, and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities. Programs like University Week for Women and the Tax Update Workshops highlight the institution’s engagement with community needs and its adaptability to social and economic changes.

South Dakota State University. Office of Continuing and Distance Education
Dakota Farmer Collection
SDSU-Archives MA 038 · Collection · 1906-1946

The Dakota Farmer Collection is composed primarily of printing plates, specialty publications, survey reports, correspondence, and photographs documenting the development, promotion, and influence of The Dakota Farmer, a prominent agricultural periodical in the northern Great Plains. The bulk of the collection consists of printing plates used in publication production, including column and cover mastheads, ornamental frames, and original artwork. These visual elements reflect the magazine’s branding and editorial identity during the early to mid-20th century. A detailed inventory of the plates is provided in the container list.

The publications within the collection were primarily produced for advertising and marketing purposes, aimed at demonstrating the magazine’s value to potential advertisers. The reports consist of surveys conducted among farmers, merchants, and bankers in North and South Dakota, assessing the magazine’s market reach, readership habits, and its role in shaping regional agricultural discourse.

A notable file documents the process of contracting a redesigned cover for The Dakota Farmer. This material includes correspondence between magazine staff and the contractor, critical evaluations of contemporary agricultural publications, and three proposed sample covers. The file offers a unique view into the publication’s design decisions, aesthetic considerations, and promotional strategies.

Together, these materials illustrate The Dakota Farmer’s function not only as a journal of agricultural information but also as a tool for regional promotion and commercial engagement in the Dakotas.

Dakota Farmer (Aberdeen, S.D.)
David Allan Evans Papers
SDSU-Archives UA 053.016 · Papers · 1957-2012

The David Allan Evans Papers document the professional activities, literary output, and public recognition of David Allan Evans, South Dakota’s first Poet Laureate and a prominent writer-educator at South Dakota State University. The collection spans the late 20th and early 21st centuries and reflects Evans’s influential role in shaping the state’s literary culture and advancing public appreciation of poetry and creative writing.

Included are materials related to lectures, workshops, conferences, literary festivals, and Writers-in-the-Schools programs, as well as his service as Poet Laureate from 2001 to 2015. Newspaper clippings and press coverage highlight Evans’s public appearances, readings, residencies, publications, and achievements. These are arranged chronologically by year, with article titles noted in the folder descriptions.

The collection contains reviews and critical responses to Evans’s poetry and prose, published in newspapers, literary magazines, and peer-reviewed journals. Books authored or co-authored by Evans are also present, accompanied by published copies, promotional materials, and related correspondence. His literary works appear in numerous anthologies, textbooks, and periodicals, with folder descriptions noting title and page references.

A significant portion of the papers focuses on Evans’s Fulbright Scholar appointments and literary teaching trips to China. These include correspondence, diaries, research notes, and writings developed during or inspired by his time abroad, illustrating his role as a cultural ambassador and his engagement in international literary exchange.

Additional materials reflect Evans’s broader intellectual interests and include collected items such as poetry books, journals, business cards, and documents related to Sioux City, Iowa, South Dakota State University, and the National Federation of State Poetry Societies. Personal and professional correspondence includes acceptance letters, fan mail, letters from colleagues and friends, and letters of recommendation. Biographical files document Evans’s college years, honors and awards, alumni reunions, and the establishment of a creative writing scholarship in his name at SDSU.

The collection also includes manuscripts of poems, essays, short stories, and other writings by Evans, many annotated and in multiple versions. These materials reveal a distinct poetic voice rooted in themes of athleticism, rural life, and Midwestern identity. His correspondence and teaching files demonstrate his contributions as a mentor to emerging writers and an advocate for literary arts in both academic and public settings.

Together, the David Allan Evans Papers offer valuable insight into regional literature, poetic form and voice, creative writing pedagogy, and the evolving role of the poet in public life. The collection serves as a rich resource for researchers studying American literature, Midwestern cultural history, and literary engagement across local and international communities.

Evans, David Allan
David J. Law Papers
SDSU-Archives MA 122 · Papers · 1985

The David J. Law Papers document media coverage and political responses to the 1985 farm crisis in South Dakota and beyond. The collection consists of correspondence, newspaper clippings, press releases, photographs, and audiovisual materials, primarily focused on legislative activity, grassroots advocacy, and public sentiment surrounding agricultural hardship during the period. Materials highlight campaigns such as “Give a Buck,” the South Dakota Legislature's rally and trip to Washington, D.C., and reactions from local and national figures. Of particular interest are annotated snapshots, taped interviews with key political leaders, and original broadcast recordings from KWAT Radio. The collection offers insight into media framing, public mobilization, and regional perspectives on a critical moment in American agricultural history.

Law, David J.
SDSU-Archives UA 050.14 · Records · 1975-2004

This collection documents the Eastern South Dakota Science and Engineering Fair (ESDSEF) and its affiliation with the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), highlighting South Dakota State University’s commitment to promoting youth involvement in STEM education. The records span multiple decades and include materials generated by fair administrators, faculty sponsors, student participants, and national science fair organizations. The collection provides a comprehensive record of the structure, planning, and execution of science fairs held at the local, regional, and international levels.

Materials include SDSU-produced programs, brochures, and informational packets for teachers and students, detailing schedules, participant guidelines, and educational outreach strategies. Judging procedures and award documentation are extensive, with files covering evaluation criteria, awards distribution, and artifacts such as first, second, and third place trophies, gold, silver, and bronze medals, and commemorative pins. Budget and planning records offer insight into event logistics, including correspondence, expense reports, and scrapbook documentation. A range of photographs and memorabilia complement these administrative files.

The collection also contains extensive documentation from ISEF, including directories of affiliated fairs, rule books, finalist packets, student forms, travel and housing instructions, and press materials. Of particular significance is the nearly uninterrupted run of published ISEF abstract books for the 26th through the 54th fairs, which preserve records of student research from across the country and internationally. Additional ISEF materials include miscellaneous brochures, judging instructions, and tour information. One program from the 65th ESDSEF and a ball cap from the 50th ISEF are also present.

While the majority of the collection focuses on science fair operations and participation, minimal information is available on Sigma Xi. The Sigma Xi content consists only of scattered planning notes and proposals, indicating a minor advisory or sponsorship role in the fair’s administration.

The collection documents SDSU’s leadership in regional STEM outreach, its connection to national science education efforts, and its long-term support of student inquiry and achievement in science. The fair records reflect evolving scientific interests among youth, institutional engagement in community education, and South Dakota’s participation in global STEM networks.

Eastern South Dakota Science and Engineering Fair
Elizabeth Cook-Lynn Papers
SDSU-Archives MA 042 · Papers · 1932-2016

The Elizabeth Cook-Lynn Papers document the life and work of Dakota scholar, writer, editor, and educator Elizabeth Cook-Lynn. The collection includes biographical material, extensive correspondence, and a wide range of her literary and scholarly output. Her writings include published and unpublished articles, essays, editorials, poetry, novels, novellas, and book reviews, many of which address Native identity, tribal sovereignty, and the decolonization of education and literature.

The collection also contains teaching files, course materials, and academic papers from her tenure at institutions such as Arizona State University and Eastern Washington University, reflecting her efforts to establish and expand Native American Studies as an academic discipline. Research files and documentation from her participation in conferences, symposia, and public speaking engagements highlight her role as a national voice in Indigenous intellectual and political discourse.

A significant portion of the collection relates to Wicazo Sa Review: A Journal of Native Studies, which Cook-Lynn co-founded and edited. These records include editorial correspondence, manuscript submissions, issue drafts, grant applications, and administrative documents that trace the development of this influential scholarly publication.

Supplementary materials cover a broad range of Native American issues and topics, including legal, cultural, and educational matters, and include clippings, reports, advocacy literature, and publications.

The Elizabeth Cook-Lynn Papers are a vital resource for researchers studying Native American literature, tribal sovereignty, and the evolution of Indigenous scholarship in the United States.

Cook-Lynn, Elizabeth
SDSU-Archives MA 006 · Papers · 1898-1975

This collection includes materials related to the personal and professional lives of Elmer and Cecile Sexauer, such as postcards, diaries, scrapbooks, and essays written by Cecile during her college years. It also contains items like agricultural reports presented to Elmer, certificates from their 50th college reunion, and various family papers. Travel diaries and over 400 postcards document their trips across the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Canada, and Japan.

The collection offers valuable insight into the lives of Elmer and Cecile Sexauer, highlighting their family history, travels, and involvement in organizations like the Grain and Feed Dealers National Association. It serves as an important resource for understanding their personal experiences and social networks in the early 20th century.

The general material consists mainly of essays written by Cecile Welch Sexauer during her college career. Also included is a Christmas card list of the Sexauer's for 1971, scrapbooks containing newspaper clippings, a book of Agricultural Department Reports presented to Elmer Sexauer in 1947, and certificates presented to the Sexauer's on the anniversary of their 50th college reunion. Some examples of their personal stationery, grade school papers from Elmer's youth, and a language paper of Laura Sexauer, Elmer's sister are also included.

A scrapbook of Elizabeth Anne Baker, age 9 weeks, chronicles her first visit to her grandparents’ home during Easter 1947. It was prepared by Jeannette Gagnon-Abbey for the Sexauer's.

The scrapbook was presented to Elmer Sexauer by the Grain and Feed Dealers National Association as a permanent reminder of the Forty-fourth Annual Convention held at Louisville, Kentucky October 13-15, 1940. Elmer was president of the Association at that time.
The postcards are composed of postcards from the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean that the Sexauer’s collected on their travels. There are over 400 postcards in this collection.

The Travels series consists of travel diaries hand-written by Cecile Sexauer. These diaries contain information about where the Sexauer's traveled and the customs, history and items of interest of these places. Some of the places the Sexauer's traveled to Europe, Canada, and Japan. Also included is a souvenir book of the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship.

Sexauer, Elmer, 1888-1986
SDSU-Archives MA 053 · Papers · 1914-2014

The E.S. McFadden Papers document the career, research, and legacy of Edgar Sharp McFadden (1891–1956), a pioneering American plant breeder best known for developing Hope Wheat, the first variety resistant to stem rust. McFadden’s work in genetics and agronomy spanned South Dakota and Texas, and he contributed significantly to agricultural science through federal and academic research programs, including with the USDA and Texas A&M.

The collection spans McFadden’s professional life and includes research notebooks, writings, correspondence, photographs, honors, and biographical materials. Of particular note are research materials related to wheat breeding and rust resistance, including field data, experimental notes, and correspondence concerning Hope Wheat. Writings include published and unpublished scientific and popular articles, speeches, and autobiographical pieces. Also included are awards and certificates from scientific societies, clippings about McFadden’s achievements, and documentation of public recognition such as “McFadden Appreciation Day.” The papers provide insight into 20th-century advancements in crop improvement and agricultural science in the United States.

McFadden, E. S. (Edgar Sharp), 1891-1956
SDSU-Archives UA 024 · Records · 1904-2008

This collection documents the establishment, development, and ongoing activities of the Ethel Austin Martin Program in Human Nutrition at South Dakota State University. It includes records related to the Endowed Chair, Distinguished Lectureship, Visiting Professorship, and collected publications, as well as a substantial body of personal papers and professional materials created or compiled by Dr. Ethel Austin Martin.

The Endowed Chair records primarily relate to the creation and development of the E.A. Martin Program and its associated academic positions. These files include financial documents, progress reports, human nutrition committee records, and the formal memorandum of agreement with Dr. Martin. Also present are materials pertaining to the Basic Course in Nutrition, including syllabi, textbook selections, course materials, and research. A significant portion of these records consists of correspondence, working papers, and statements authored by Dr. Martin and university staff as they shaped the chair's role in advancing nutrition education and research.

The Distinguished Lecturer records reflect the administration of annual lectureships hosted on campus, supported by Martin’s endowment. These events featured nationally recognized experts in nutrition, each selected for their excellence in a particular area of the field. The files include materials related to lecture planning, speaker selection, publicity, programs, announcements, audio recordings, and documentation of campus and community engagement. Dr. Martin was actively involved in shaping the lecture series, and her correspondence and notes provide insight into the intellectual goals and collaborative spirit of the program.

The Visiting Professorship component represents a unique multidisciplinary initiative that brought leading scholars to SDSU for short-term residencies. Visiting professors provided lectures, led discussions, and worked closely with faculty and students across various departments. These records include program development files, planning committee materials, evaluations, publicity, audio and video recordings, and correspondence with and about visiting scholars. The structure of this program, supported by a rotating task force of faculty and the Human Nutrition Fund Committee, encouraged cross-disciplinary inquiry and contributed to broadening the scope of human nutrition research and education on campus.

The collected publications series contains journal articles, books, newsletters, and proceedings related to nutrition. Most of these materials were gathered by Dr. Martin or the program in support of the Basic Course in Nutrition. They provide context for evolving conversations in the field and reflect the intellectual foundation of the program’s educational goals.

This collection is a resource for understanding the development of nutrition as a multidisciplinary academic and applied field at South Dakota State University. Dr. Ethel Austin Martin’s visionary leadership and generous endowment supported decades of scholarly engagement, educational innovation, and public outreach in human nutrition. The records document the collaborative processes behind major academic programs and events, and preserve the legacy of a pioneering nutritionist who profoundly influenced the direction of nutrition education and research in South Dakota and beyond.

South Dakota State University. Ethel Austin Martin Program in Human Nutrition
Frank E. Denholm Papers
SDSU-Archives MA 074 · Papers · 1934-2016

The Frank E. Denholm Papers primarily document Denholm’s service as U.S. Representative for South Dakota’s First Congressional District from 1971 to 1975. The collection reflects his advocacy for rural America, particularly through his work to reinstate the Rural Electrification Act and support legislation on agriculture, rural water systems, and rural development. It includes extensive press releases, congressional reports, financial disclosures, and newspaper clippings related to his legislative activities.

Campaign materials feature prominently, with county-level organizing documents, bumper stickers, advertisements, and memorabilia spanning multiple election cycles. The collection contains correspondence, including exchanges with political figures such as George McGovern, Richard Kneip, J. Edgar Hoover, and Tom Daschle.

Denholm’s earlier and later careers as an FBI agent, sheriff, auctioneer, and attorney are also represented. Non-congressional files include his work in law enforcement, his private business ventures, and his involvement in regional civic life.

Visual documentation includes nearly 1,500 photographs and slides, many related to campaigns, official travel, and public events, as well as oversized items such as campaign posters and scrapbooks. Audio-visual materials include reel-to-reel recordings and 2-inch quad video tapes of campaign advertisements and congressional work.

The collection also features materials related to Denholm’s wife, Mildred Niehaus Denholm, who was active in his campaigns and participated in Congressional Wives’ organizations. Born May 9, 1927 in Andover, South Dakota, Mildred Denholm was a teacher and trained secretary with additional studies in music. The papers include her biographical information, correspondence with Frank Denholm, and documents relating to her role in the Congressional Women’s Club. She passed away on August 14, 2014.

Additional material includes Denholm’s autobiographical writings, family history, South Dakota State University coursework, speeches, public statements, and memorabilia such as awards, plaques, and a pen from the Nixon White House. The papers offer insight into South Dakota political history and mid-20th century rural policy advocacy.

The Denholm Papers serve scholars of political science, rural history, South Dakota state politics, and 20th-century congressional history by preserving a detailed account of one legislator’s efforts to shape federal policy to better serve rural constituencies.

Denholm, Frank E. (Frank Edward), 1923-2016
Gamma Sigma Delta Records
SDSU-Archives UA 035.16 · Records · 1955-2009

The Gamma Sigma Delta Records, South Dakota State University Chapter, document the establishment, development, and activities of the Honor Society of Agriculture at SDSU from its founding in 1958 through the late 20th century. The collection encompasses constitutions, handbooks, membership lists, banquet and conclave programs, newsletters, financial and account records, and detailed histories of the chapter and national society. Significant materials include records of national and international conclaves held at SDSU, banquet planning and programs, award documentation including the International Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award received by Dr. Oscar E. Olson, and memorabilia such as society jewelry and photographs. The collection also contains audiovisual materials, including a VHS tape highlighting the society.

These records are for research on professional agricultural fraternities, student leadership, agricultural education, and community-building in higher education. They provide insights into the recognition of academic and professional achievement in agriculture, the evolution of student organizations, and the broader role of Gamma Sigma Delta in promoting agricultural excellence.

Gamma Sigma Delta
SDSU-Archives MA 028 · Records · 1912-2000

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs of South Dakota (GFWC of SD) Records document the organizational, civic, and cultural activities of the state’s women’s club movement from the early 20th century through the late 20th century. The collection provides insight into statewide club administration, local club initiatives, civic improvement efforts, and the promotion of public service, education, arts, and women’s leadership.

The records include administrative materials such as constitutions and by-laws, directories, newsletters (The South Dakota Clubwoman), handbooks, program suggestions, publications from GFWC departments, legislative alerts, project guidelines, and conference materials. District V records are particularly robust, containing minutes, correspondence, club reports from various South Dakota communities, and membership data.

A substantial portion of the collection pertains to GFWC Brookings and the Brookings Civic League, including minutes, reports, scrapbooks, photographs, and documentation of programs such as the FREE Enterprise Program and Youth Improvement initiatives. These materials reflect community-based projects, public health and education support, and civic engagement.

The records also extensively document the Memorial Art Center Campaign, including architectural plans, correspondence, fundraising and financial records, publicity materials, and historical background. This segment captures the GFWC’s central role in establishing what became the South Dakota Art Museum on the campus of South Dakota State University.

Photographic materials span nearly 1,300 images and depict club events, members, and sponsored activities. The collection as a whole illustrates the GFWC of SD’s lasting impact on civic life, education, and cultural development across South Dakota.

This collection documents a grassroots civic organization, women’s leadership, and public service in South Dakota. It offers valuable source material for researchers studying women’s voluntary associations, local history, civic improvement movements, and the evolution of cultural institutions in the state.

General Federation of Women's Clubs of South Dakota
George C. Biggar Papers
SDSU-Archives MA 001 · Papers · 1916-1988

This collection contains a variety of materials documenting historical, personal, and professional narratives. It includes biographical sketches, photographs, clippings, collected scripts, writings spanning several decades, and an M.S. thesis. A significant portion is dedicated to a World War II trip, featuring correspondence, diaries, interviews, maps, speeches, research notes, and collected materials. Other highlights include tributes, miscellaneous items, and materials related to agriculture and economic studies. The collection offers a comprehensive view of various topics and periods, emphasizing key historical events and personal experiences.

Biggar, George C. (George Cecil) 1899-1989
Hawley-Lothrop Family Papers
SDSU-Archives MA 065 · Papers · 1879-2002, undated

The collection contains materials documenting the Lothrop, Hawley, and Walters families from the late nineteenth century through the early twenty first century. Formats include baby books, scrapbooks, photograph albums, loose family photographs, correspondence, invitations, certificates, reunion memorabilia, an autograph book, academic records, and a municipal reform paper. Items date from 1879 to 2002 with several undated components. The materials reflect family life, education, social activities, and community involvement in South Dakota and the broader region.

The collection provides a continuous record of multiple generations and offers evidence of family history, regional history, and social practices from the late 1800s to the early 2000s. It documents milestones such as births, marriages, reunions, education, and community participation, and includes rare early photographic material and institutional ephemera from South Dakota.

SDSU-Archives UA 014 · Records · 1886-2023, undated

The Hilton M. Briggs Library Records document the administration, operations, and development of the library at South Dakota State University. The collection includes administrative files, cataloging records, collection development files, committee minutes, financial documents, library serials records, off-campus relations, reports, publications, newsletters, photographs, policies, and materials related to circulation, interlibrary loan, reserves, acquisitions, bindery, and special events. Committee records cover groups such as the Social Committee, Publicity Committee, Collections and Connections Committee, Exhibits and Arts Committee, Staff Development Committee, University Library Committee, and Faculty and Staff Library Committees. Materials span library services, staffing, budgeting, technology initiatives, outreach, strategic planning, and special collections management.

This collection odocuments the growth and transformation of Hilton M. Briggs Library from its dedication in 1977 through subsequent decades. It reflects the library’s evolving role in supporting academic programs, research, outreach, and technology integration. The records illustrate the library’s response to campus needs, statewide collaborations, and national trends in academic librarianship, making it a valuable resource for understanding the development of higher education libraries, library administration, and information services in South Dakota.

Hilton M. Briggs Library
SDSU-Archives UA 030 · Records · 1971-2018

The International Affairs Office Records document the development and management of international initiatives at South Dakota State University (SDSU). These include administrative materials, international agreements, student and faculty exchanges, faculty development seminars, study abroad programs, and collaborative projects with institutions worldwide. The collection is especially rich in documentation concerning three primary university partners: Manchester Metropolitan University (England), Chungnam National University (South Korea), and Yunnan Normal University (China). Additionally, it includes extensive material on global collaborations spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Oceania.

The records consist of administrative records and documentation of SDSU’s international activities from the late 1980s onward. The collection is organized into several series, with a significant focus on SDSU’s partnerships with three international institutions: Manchester Metropolitan University, Chungnam National University, and Yunnan Normal University.

Administrative records include reports, newsletters, correspondence, clippings, and documents related to strategic planning, program funding, internationalization initiatives, and internal committees. This series reflects the university's evolving efforts to globalize curricula, foster faculty engagement in international education, and support international students and visiting scholars.

The collection’s core consists of records related to study abroad and faculty exchange programs. These include agreements, planning documents, photographs, correspondence, reports, and faculty reflections. Files relating to Manchester Metropolitan University document health and pharmacy exchange programs, official visits, and collaborative seminars. Material from Chungnam and Yunnan includes detailed accounts of exchange experiences, seminar documentation, and memorabilia.

A final component comprises materials from SDSU's international engagement with over 30 countries and regions, including agreements, institutional visits, travel itineraries, student and faculty reports, and special programs. Subjects covered range from agricultural development and educational reform to language immersion and cultural exchange.

This collection is a vital resource for understanding SDSU’s internationalization efforts over several decades. It offers a comprehensive view of how academic institutions build global partnerships, support cultural exchange, and integrate international perspectives into higher education. The depth and breadth of documentation highlight SDSU’s commitment to fostering global citizenship and cross-cultural collaboration. The collection is also historically significant in illustrating changing global academic trends, regional partnerships, and U.S. international education policy at the institutional level.

South Dakota State University. Office of International Affairs
J. P. Hendrickson Papers
SDSU-Archives UA 053.020 · Papers · 1885-2000

The J.P. Hendrickson Papers are composed of material collected by Hendrickson in connection with his work on constitutional reform in South Dakota and his contributions to local government in Brookings. The collection spans from 1885 to 2002, with the bulk of the material dating from 1968 to 1998. Included are commission documents, reports, minutes, drafts, correspondence, and research files related to the South Dakota Constitutional Revision Commission, the Citizens Commission on Executive Reorganization, and other committees examining state and local governance.

The papers contain extensive records of constitutional study, including annotated drafts, comparative analyses, staff reports, constitutional amendments, and testimony. Minutes and supporting material document the activities of the Constitutional Revision Commission from its inception through the mid-1970s. Additional files include official election returns, legislative reports, and legal cases affecting constitutional interpretation. Hendrickson’s work on the Brookings Home Rule Charter is reflected in records, drafts, speeches, and correspondence from the 1990s. The collection also contains publications, atlases, government handbooks, municipal records, and newsletters that provided context for his teaching, research, and public service.

This collection documents J.P. Hendrickson’s role as a political scientist, educator, and civic leader in shaping South Dakota’s constitutional and governmental framework during the late twentieth century. The materials highlight his contributions to the South Dakota Constitutional Revision Commission (1969–1975), his involvement in the development of state governance reforms, and his authorship of the Brookings Home Rule Charter in 1996. The collection preserves the debates, proposals, and documentation of statewide constitutional change, while also illustrating Hendrickson’s influence on local governance in Brookings. Together, these records provide an essential resource for understanding constitutional reform, political restructuring, and civic engagement in South Dakota.

Hendrickson, J.P. (John P.) 1923-2002
Jackrabbit Athletics Records
SDSU-Archives UA 046 · Records · 1901-2023

The Jackrabbit Athletics Records document the history, administration, and activities of South Dakota State University's athletics programs. The materials cover a wide range of sports and administrative functions from the early years of athletic participation to the university's transition to NCAA Division I status.

The collection includes administrative files related to academic advising, compliance, development, equipment, facilities, marketing and promotion, operations, the Jackrabbit Sports Network, and the ticket office. These are represented through annual reports, brochures, event programs, handbooks, newsletters, photographs, mascot design materials, and promotional mailers. Physical artifacts include banners, jerseys, t-shirts, and caps.

Records of the Athletics Committee consist of extensive meeting minutes and budget files. These documents provide insight into the financial and policy decisions guiding SDSU athletics.

Sport-specific files include materials on baseball, men's and women's basketball, cross country, equestrian, football, gymnastics, rodeo, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling. These records contain media guides, fact books, programs, clippings, record books, and photographs. Cross country and track and field are especially well represented, with detailed documentation of results, workout plans, training strategies, and performance research.

The publications series features long-running serials such as the Rabbit Report (1978 to 2014) and The Bum (1956 to 2017). While incomplete, these publications offer a chronological narrative of SDSU athletics, including coverage of team performance, individual athletes, and university sports culture.

Other notable contents include materials related to special events such as the Beef Bowl, Festival of Champions, Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo, and Jackrabbit Jamboree. There are also records documenting strategic planning for the transition to Division I, including the Division I Study and related correspondence.

The collection also reflects broader aspects of campus athletics, such as intramural sports, recreational programming, student wellness, and athlete recognition.

This collection provides a view of the development of collegiate athletics at South Dakota State University. It is a valuable resource for researchers studying the history of intercollegiate sports, athletic program administration, the student-athlete experience, gender in sports, sports marketing, and the evolution of athletics at land-grant institutions.

South Dakota State University. Jackrabbit Athletics
Jay Dirksen Papers
SDSU-Archives UA 053.028 · Papers · 1960-1977

The Jay Dirksen Papers document his tenure as Track and Field and Cross Country coach at South Dakota State University from 1969 to 1977. The collection is composed primarily of files on student-athletes coached by Dirksen, containing record sheets of training programs, correspondence, clippings, photographs, and data related to the running careers of individual athletes. These records provide detailed insight into the development, performance, and achievements of numerous SDSU runners during this period.

In addition to athlete files, the collection includes extensive materials from Dirksen’s research on cross country running, spanning from 1957 to 1981. This research encompasses training methods, physiological data, and evaluations of performance, reflecting both experimental and applied approaches to distance running. The presence of running articles compiled between 1979 and 2008 further demonstrates Dirksen’s long-term engagement with the field of cross country and track.

The collection is a resource documenting collegiate athletics at South Dakota State University during the 1960s and 1970s, as well as its contribution to the study of endurance training and cross country running. The athlete files illustrate the careers of numerous individuals who competed under Dirksen’s guidance, while the research files highlight his role in advancing training practices that influenced distance running programs at SDSU and beyond.

Dirksen, Jay
John E. Miller Papers
SDSU-Archives UA 053.015 · Papers · 1865-2020

The John E. Miller Papers document the academic, professional, and scholarly contributions of Dr. John E. Miller, longtime faculty member in the Department of History at South Dakota State University. The collection includes course materials, oral history interviews, public talks and presentations, manuscripts, published works, and extensive research files. The bulk of the collection centers on Miller’s nationally recognized work on Laura Ingalls Wilder and Rose Wilder Lane, but also reflects his broader research interests in American history, democracy, political culture, and Midwestern small-town life.

The general material series includes correspondence, photographs, awards, articles about Miller, and records of his involvement with organizations such as the South Dakota Humanities Council, South Dakota State Historical Society, Phi Kappa Phi, and the Midwestern History Association. Course materials reflect Miller’s teaching of U.S. history, South Dakota history, American political thought, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute courses following his retirement. Talks and presentations span decades of academic conferences, workshops, and public panels, including participation in the Dakota History Conference and Laurapalooza.

The interviews series includes oral histories with figures such as George McGovern and John Wooden, as well as SDSU faculty and administrators. Early recordings were created on audiocassette and later on digital media; some are accompanied by transcripts and release forms. The writings series includes manuscripts, book proposals, article drafts, encyclopedia entries, and collaborative works. Sixteen boxes are devoted to Miller’s research and writing on Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family, comprising handwritten notes, research from archival sources, critiques of other Wilder scholars, and drafts of his own publications.

Miller’s research files cover a wide range of historical figures and topics such as democracy, elections, U.S. and South Dakota history, creativity, and popular culture. Subject files include material on Johnny Carson, Walt Disney, Sam Walton, and Lawrence Welk, as well as materials related to his books Looking for History on Highway 14 and South Dakota State University: A Pictorial History, 1881–2006. Also included are Brookings County historical research drawn from the Donald D. Parker Collection; materials related to the Brookings County Democratic Party donated by Ruby Mershon; and artwork and records concerning Hubert B. Mathews and Hubert Jean Mathieu.

Audiovisual and digital content includes 231 audiocassettes, 10 digital recorders, 17 CDs, 1 DVD, 18 USB flash drives, 24 SD cards, and born-digital materials. These recordings document interviews, lectures, and research materials gathered over the course of his career.

This collection is especially valuable for its preservation of the scholarly legacy of one of South Dakota’s foremost historians. Miller’s research on Laura Ingalls Wilder contributed significantly to American literary and cultural history, and his oral histories and writings provide rich documentation of South Dakota’s political, educational, and social landscape. The materials reflect the intellectual and civic life of the region, while also offering insight into the historian’s role as teacher, writer, and public scholar. The breadth and depth of this collection make it an essential resource for the study of Midwestern identity, public history, American democracy, and the institutional history of South Dakota State University.

Miller, John E. 1945-2020
Joye Ann Billow Papers
SDSU-Archives UA 053.025 · Papers · 1918-2012

The Joye Ann Billow Papers document the professional career, family history, and personal interests of Dr. Billow, a longtime faculty member of the South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy. The collection includes awards, honors, correspondence, curricula vitae, and publications reflecting her academic contributions. Materials also document her role in organizing the South Dakota Tours for new faculty in 2000 and 2001, including packets, correspondence, and photographs.

Personal and family materials form a substantial portion of the papers. These include biographical portraits, school photographs, yearbooks, baby books, and family correspondence. Genealogical documents from the Billow, Pierce, Herb, and Lux families are present, along with memorial books and condolence materials. A large scrapbook contains family genealogical records such as birth, confirmation, and marriage certificates, as well as collected correspondence and memorabilia.

The collection is especially rich in photographs, encompassing portraits, family groups, travels, and collected images, as well as images related to ceramics, clocks, and other objects. In addition, the papers contain Dr. Billow’s original artwork, including watercolors, ink drawings, and sketches, which reflect her artistic pursuits after retirement.

This collection is a resource for documentation of Dr. Billow’s three decades of service to pharmacy education at SDSU and her broader contributions to campus governance and community organizations. It preserves the history of faculty professional service at a land-grant university and highlights the integration of academic work with community engagement. The extensive genealogical and family materials provide insight into the Billow and Pierce families of Pennsylvania and South Dakota connections, while the inclusion of original art illustrates Dr. Billow’s creative endeavors following her academic career. Together, the papers present a multifaceted record of professional achievement, family heritage, and personal expression.

Billow, Joye Ann
Kathleen Norris Papers
SDSU-Archives MA 047 · Papers · 1919-2020

The collection is composed of manuscripts, correspondence, galley proofs, research, books and publications related to her published works of fiction and nonfiction.

The general material is composed of Norris' juvenilia from Bennington College, instructors' mid-term and final reports of her course work from college, and biographies and interviews of Norris conducted by various media organizations. Also included is a collection of notebooks from the early 1970's to 2009. These notebooks are spiral bound and appear to be daily journals with notes and drafts of poems and essays. They also contain postcards, clippings, business cards, prayer cards, photographs, recipes, etc. Of note is the manuscript for Elizabeth Krays Letters, Memos, and Notes to Marie Bullock: Two Great Ladies of American Poetry. A 1937 edition of Conversation at Midnight by Edna St. Vincent Millay and signed by John H. Norris is also included.

Poetry is composed of Norris' poetry in anthologies, books, catalogs, chapbooks, contributions, and periodicals. These publications all include Norris' poetry, and some also include works by her husband, David Dwyer, (this will be noted on the front of the folder).
Nonfiction books consist of draft and annotated manuscript pages, galley proofs, cover art and typeface layout, book jackets, book notes, correspondence, research, reviews, audio books, international editions, promotional material, book tour information, advance proofs, hard cover and paperback books. Material varies with each book title. This material is arranged alphabetically by publication title.

Other writings consist mainly of essays, reviews, and sermons published in journals, anthologies, books, textbooks, etc. Also included are scripture reflections for daily devotions, Afterword, Forewords, Introductions, Prefaces, and Symposia to which Norris has contributed.
Works mentioning Norris are also included. They are composed of publications with articles mention Kathleen Norris.

Norris, Kathleen, 1947-
Lawrence Alvin Hunt Papers
SDSU-Archives MA 099 · Papers · 1989, 2019

This collection was compiled by Lawrence Hunt’s daughter, Gayle (Hunt) Matz, and documents aspects of Hunt’s personal history and family legacy. It includes a short biography written by Matz, an audio cassette recording titled Grandy Hunt 1918–1989, in which Lawrence Hunt shares memories of the Great Depression and his World War II service, and seven digital photographs. The cassette was recorded by Hunt’s granddaughter, Erin, as part of a school project. Materials offer insight into 20th-century American family life and military service through a personal narrative lens.

Marcus S. Zuber Papers
SDSU-Archives MA 040 · Papers · 1937-1986

The Marcus S. Zuber Papers consist of a single box of personal and professional materials documenting Zuber’s career in corn breeding research. The collection is composed primarily of scrapbooks containing newspaper clippings, certificates, photographs, news releases, and correspondence. It also includes diplomas representing Zuber’s academic achievements—a B.S. from South Dakota State College, M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Iowa State College, and an honorary degree from South Dakota State University—as well as a citation from the Army Service Forces for the Army Commendation Ribbon. These materials provide a detailed record of Zuber’s contributions to agricultural science and public recognition of his service and achievements.

Zuber, M. S. (Marcus Stanley), 1912-1998
Marilyn Richardson Papers
SDSU-Archives UA 053.011 · Papers · 1947-1994

The Marilyn Richardson Papers document the growth and formalization of dance as an academic discipline and performing art at South Dakota State University (SDSU), largely through the pioneering efforts of Marilyn Richardson. Spanning the years 1957 to 1994, the collection includes awards, correspondence, programs, newsletters, publicity materials, scrapbooks, photographs, slides, and videocassettes that trace the establishment of SDSU’s dance curriculum, student organizations, and performance traditions.

The collection includes numerous awards and plaques recognizing Richardson’s contributions to SDSU, state and regional dance education, and professional associations such as AAPERD and the South Dakota Association for Health, Physical Recreation, and Dance. General files feature Dance Club records, concert choreography, dance camp and workshop materials, administrative proposals, and personal correspondence. Included are materials related to the creation of the dance minor, biographical documentation of Richardson, and collaborative records involving figures such as Nellie F. Kendall, Barbara Kohn, and Terry Larvie.

Photographs, slides, and videocassettes provide visual documentation of dance concerts, rehearsals, student and faculty performances, the Motion Machine student company, workshops, guest artist residencies, and experimental choreography. Publicity materials consist of posters created to promote student and faculty concerts and often feature collaged images of past performances. Scrapbooks compiled by the Dance Club and Modern Dance Club include photographs, programs, and clippings that reflect student engagement and the evolving role of dance within the university community.

This collection captures the dance program at SDSU during a period when the arts were gaining broader academic legitimacy within land-grant institutions. It reflects Marilyn Richardson’s leadership in elevating dance from extracurricular activity to academic offering, her commitment to student development, and her efforts to connect university dance with K-12 outreach and public engagement across South Dakota. The records document the creation of the dance minor, the founding of the Motion Machine touring company, and the long-standing Annual and Experimental Dance Concerts—milestones that shaped the presence of performing arts at SDSU. The collection serves as a valuable resource for understanding the intersection of education, performance, and community arts during the late 20th century.

Richardson, Marilyn (Marilyn W.)
Mary Jo Benton Lee Papers
SDSU-Archives UA 053.024 · Papers · 1984-2010

The Mary Jo Benton Lee Papers document her work in teaching, program development, diversity initiatives, and outreach at South Dakota State University from 1987 to 2010. The collection is composed of four main areas: the Promotional Techniques for Engineers class, student class projects, personal files, and the SDSU–Flandreau Indian School Success Academy.

The Promotional Techniques for Engineers class, created in 1987 by Dean of Engineering Ernest Buckley and Benton Lee, was designed to train engineering students in journalism and public communication. Students promoted university and statewide events, managing substantial budgets to design publicity campaigns, advertisements, news releases, and promotional materials. Records include class lecture notes, campaign notebooks, audio-visual materials, assignments, and proceedings of the American Society of Engineering Education describing the course.

The Class Projects series contains files related to student-led promotional campaigns, including the Impact ’87 Trade Fair, the Making Connections ethics seminar, and the Expanding Horizons Together entrepreneurship workshop. Materials include promotional reports, news clippings, media kits, advertisements, event programs, and evaluation documents that illustrate how engineering students applied communication skills in real-world projects.

The Personal Files series includes Benton Lee’s professional records while serving as graduate assistant for the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium (1992–1998), during which South Dakota’s tribal colleges were incorporated into the consortium, and her role as Diversity Coordinator for the College of Engineering (1998–2010). These files reflect engineering diversity initiatives, faculty meetings, scholarship programs, recruitment and retention activities, management and leadership training, and national organizations promoting women and minorities in STEM.

The Flandreau Indian School Success Academy files document the development of an early and intensive college preparatory program for American Indian high school students co-founded by Benton Lee. Materials include program reports, annual evaluations, histories of the Flandreau Indian School, commencement materials, and ten-year program reviews spanning 2000 to 2010.

This collection provides a record of teaching methods that combined communication and engineering, highlighting how students were engaged in leadership and professional skill-building through public relations campaigns. It also illustrates the broader efforts of South Dakota State University to support diversity and inclusion in engineering education, particularly through partnerships with tribal colleges and the Flandreau Indian School. The papers reflect Benton Lee’s career as a scholar, teacher, and administrator who shaped engineering outreach, diversity initiatives, and early college preparatory opportunities for underrepresented students.

Lee, Mary Jo Benton
N. E. Hansen Papers
SDSU-Archives UA 053.004 · Papers · 1879-2004

The N. E. Hansen Papers document the life, career, and plant exploration work of Niels Ebbesen Hansen (1866–1950), a horticulturist, botanist, explorer, and professor at South Dakota State College. Hansen was renowned for developing hardy fruits and forage crops suited for the Great Plains, and this comprehensive collection spans from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, reflecting his pioneering plant-breeding research and global botanical expeditions.

The collection includes correspondence, field notes, manuscripts, publications, journals, plant specimens, photographs, and research files. Early field notebooks and ledgers document Hansen's experimental work in alfalfa, clovers, and grains at the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. Plant introduction records from Russia, Siberia, Turkestan, and China are extensively represented through travel logs, USDA contracts, expense reports, and photographs. Plant specimens and related horticultural data span multiple decades and continents, offering insight into his breeding strategies and selection processes.

Hansen’s manuscripts and publications explore topics such as breeding for cold resistance, disease tolerance, ornamental and edible plant development, and his views on Soviet agricultural practices. Of particular note are his multi-part manuscript series “Russian as Observed by an Agricultural Explorer” (1934–1937), which offers a critical and highly detailed commentary on Soviet collectivization, agrarian policies, and scientific developments. Numerous addresses and lectures document his national and international engagements with scientific and farming communities, including the Dry Farming Congress and State Horticultural Society.

Extensive correspondence from 1873 to the 1940s details his professional relationships with fellow horticulturalists such as Luther Burbank, institutional partners like the USDA, and international contacts including Soviet agronomist N.I. Vavilov. Clippings and biographical files document his recognitions, public reputation as the “Burbank of the Plains,” and memorials in his honor, including his 1949 South Dakota State College tribute and posthumous induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.

Photographs in the collection provide vivid documentation of Hansen’s expeditions, including images of him and his assistants in Manchuria, Siberia, and the Da Hinggan Mountains searching for hardy fruits. Other images depict South Dakota State College greenhouses, plant displays, and early experimental plots. Journals from his student years (1879–1883) and professional career reflect his early interests and scientific development.

This collection is a resource for studying early 20th-century plant exploration, American-Soviet agricultural exchange, Great Plains horticulture, and the role of land-grant institutions in shaping regional agricultural adaptation and innovation. Hansen’s impact on food systems, especially through breeding hardy fruits, grasses, and legumes, continues to influence breeding programs worldwide.

Hansen, N.E. (Niels Ebbesen), 1866-1950
SDSU-Archives MA 075 · Papers · 1941-1979

The Oscar and Alice Simonson Papers offer an unusually detailed and continuous financial and operational record of a South Dakota family farm from 1941 to 1979, a period that spans World War II, postwar agricultural expansion, and major changes in rural economies. The Farm Family Record Books serve as a rare primary source documenting everyday economic decisions, household consumption, and farming practices in the northern Plains.

Alice Simonson’s precise and sustained recordkeeping provides insight into the role of women in farm management and the intersection of domestic and agricultural labor. Additionally, the accompanying photographs, oral history interview, and personal correspondence contextualize the lived experience of mid-20th-century farm families, enriching research in rural history, agricultural economics, women's studies, and social history.

This collection is valuable for scholars studying rural life, the evolution of federal agricultural policy, and the social fabric of family farming communities in the Midwest.

Simonson, Oscar E., 1913-2014
Phi Upsilon Omicron Records
SDSU-Archives UA 035.10 · Records · 1909-2006

The collection is composed of material collected by the Phi Upsilon Omicron Phi Chapters at South Dakota State University. Included are correspondence, minutes, newsletters, annual reports, scrapbooks, member lists, financial information, publications, clippings, meeting minutes and agendas, and photographs.

Also included is "The Candle," the Phi Upsilon Omicron National Honor Society journal, covering the years 1930-2004, annual reports submitted to the national headquarters, Initiate information sheets, detailed ledger sheets starting in 1934, hand-made chapter programs, very creative from 1937 to about 1980, senior biographies from 1952-1971 which are very detailed and include photographs, and detailed secretaries notebooks.

The scrapbooks consist of photographs, cards, significant correspondence and programs for events held by the chapter. Some items of note include a Coat of Arms patch for Phi Upsilon Omicron, a Holy Bible presented to the chapter by Laura J. McArthur in December 1941, and a material related to a Fruitcake Fundraising project which includes photographs, but the fruitcake recipe could not be found.

The photographs are not well described; however, most are group shots of members.

Phi Upsilon Omicron
Richard C. Wahlstrom Papers
SDSU-Archives UA 053.026 · Papers · 1953-2005

The Richard C. Wahlstrom Papers contain published articles, research reports, lectures, talks, and related materials documenting Wahlstrom’s extensive work in animal science, particularly in swine nutrition, from the 1950s through the 1990s. The collection includes South Dakota State University publications, journal articles, technical bulletins, conference papers, and photographs that illustrate his research on dietary supplementation, feed efficiency, and animal husbandry practices.

Subjects represented include selenium toxicity and supplementation, the role of vitamins, amino acids, and protein in swine diets, the use of alternative feedstuffs such as oats, alfalfa meal, sunflower meal, and brewers’ grains, and studies on carcass composition and growth performance. The papers also feature experimental studies on antimicrobial use, housing systems, mineral absorption, and the effects of specific feed additives on reproduction and health. In addition to research publications, the collection contains speeches delivered at professional meetings, award citations, departmental newsletters, and correspondence reflecting Wahlstrom’s contributions to the American Society of Animal Science and his recognition as Distinguished Professor of Animal Science.

This collection is a resource of mid- to late-twentieth century animal science research at South Dakota State University. It highlights Wahlstrom’s national reputation as a leader in swine nutrition and his role in shaping scientific understanding of feed efficiency, dietary supplementation, and livestock management practices. The materials provide valuable documentation of SDSU’s contributions to agricultural research and demonstrate the integration of academic inquiry with practical applications in the livestock industry.

Wahlstrom, Richard C.
Robert F. Karolevitz Papers
SDSU-Archives MA 039 · · 1833-2011

The Robert F. Karolevitz Papers document the life and work of a prolific South Dakota journalist, author, public speaker, and historian. Spanning the years 1833 to 2005, with the bulk of the material dating from 1910 to 1999, the collection offers comprehensive insight into Karolevitz’s personal life, professional writing career, civic activities, and historical research.

The collection includes personal files such as education records, family correspondence, financial and legal documents, memorabilia, and ephemera. These materials trace Karolevitz’s academic path through Yankton High School, South Dakota State College, and the University of Oregon, as well as his later roles as a public speaker and educator. Family records highlight several generations of the Karolevitz family, with photographs, commemorative materials, and genealogical documentation reflecting his strong ties to Yankton and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Professional files encompass manuscripts, published and unpublished writings, newspaper columns, speeches, advertising and political ghostwriting, and correspondence with publishers. Among the most notable works documented are Flight of Eagles, This Was Trucking, With a Shirt Tail Full of Type, and The Prairie is My Garden. Supplementary materials include book layouts, catalogs, and awards from institutions such as South Dakota State University, the South Dakota Newspaper Association, and Toastmasters International.

Karolevitz’s extensive research files span a wide range of historical subjects, including South Dakota and regional history, Catholic institutions, journalism, automotive culture, and American military history. These files contain clippings, correspondence, notes, pamphlets, and illustrations gathered in support of his writing and historical interests.

A major strength of the collection is its substantial photographic holdings, comprising thousands of prints, negatives, slides, and postcards. Subjects include early automobiles, farm equipment, American Indian communities, historic newspaper offices, Catholic parishes, World War I, and South Dakota towns and landscapes. These visual materials significantly enrich the documentation of regional culture and 20th-century American life.

Collectively, the Robert F. Karolevitz Papers form a rich resource for scholars of American regional history, journalism, Catholic heritage, and South Dakota’s cultural identity. The collection offers a deeply personal and professionally expansive view of one of the state’s most dedicated chroniclers.

Karolevitz, Robert F.
Robert T. Wagner Papers
SDSU-Archives UA 053.031 · Papers · 1971-1998

The Robert T. Wagner Papers span the years 1971 to 1998 and document Wagner’s academic and administrative career in South Dakota higher education. The collection includes biographical information, professional correspondence, calendars, speeches, photographs, newspaper clippings, reports, certificates, newsletters, evaluations, and materials related to public events and institutional activities.

Early materials document Wagner’s service as a professor of rural sociology at South Dakota State University and include correspondence, calendars, programs related to speaking engagements, and greeting cards. A small amount of instructional material related to courses he taught is also present. Records from his service as Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs include correspondence, calendars, clippings, photographs, certificates, and related administrative materials.

The largest portion of the collection documents Wagner’s presidency at South Dakota State University from 1985 to 1997. These records include extensive correspondence, calendars and activity files, speeches, newspaper clippings, photographs, reports, and materials related to campus events, travel, and public appearances. Notable files document international travel, including a trip to Russia in 1990 and participation in the Oxford Round Table at Cambridge University in 1994. The collection concludes with materials related to Wagner’s retirement, including guest books, letters, and records from his designation as President Emeritus.

The Robert T. Wagner Papaers document the administration of South Dakota State University during a period of institutional transition and growth from the mid 1980s through the late 1990s. The records provide insight into university governance, presidential leadership, campus development, and public representation of the institution. The collection also contributes to the documentation of higher education administration in South Dakota and preserves evidence of Wagner’s earlier academic career in rural sociology.

Wagner, Robert T.
Robert V. Burns Papers
SDSU-Archives UA 053.019 · Papers · 1968-2008

The Robert V. Burns Papers document his professional service, teaching, and involvement in state and national commissions between the late 1960s and early 2000s. The collection includes material from the 2000 NAFTA Conference on Canadian–United States agricultural trade issues organized by Burns, with correspondence, government official communications, publicity, talking points, publications, proceedings, and Governor William Janklow’s keynote speech.

Extensive records relate to the South Dakota Executive Branch Reorganization (1968–1973), including correspondence, staff documents, legislation, reports, research files, and recommendations from the Citizen’s Commission on Executive Reorganization. Burns’s work with the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) is represented through agenda books, publications, and policy studies.

Additional materials reflect his participation in the National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education, the Constitutional Revision Commission, and the Governor’s Task Forces on education and wages. Files also include material on judicial elections, Brookings railroad safety, higher education assessment, civic service, and Burns’s 1980 State Representative campaign. The papers preserve a record of Burns’s role in shaping higher education policy, state governance, and civic engagement in South Dakota and beyond.

This collection is a resource for understanding South Dakota’s political, educational, and policy development during the late 20th century. It provides insight into Burns’s leadership in higher education reform, state reorganization efforts, agricultural trade policy, and public service. His involvement with regional and national commissions underscores South Dakota’s participation in broader discussions on governance, education, and economic policy.

Burns, Robert V. (Robert Vincent), 1942-
SDSU-Archives UA 048 · Collection · 1878, 1910-2023

This artificial collection consists of assembled materials, publications, and documents related to buildings and landmarks on the campus of South Dakota State University. Developed over time rather than through a formal records transfer process, it draws from a variety of sources, including university departments, staff, and individual donations. As a result, the files vary widely in content and completeness, with some buildings represented by detailed construction specifications and dedication materials, while others include only clippings or brief correspondence. Materials are added as they are discovered, and there is no comprehensive or systematic effort to document every campus structure. The collection spans from the late nineteenth century to the present and documents the development, use, renovation, and historical significance of SDSU buildings and landmarks. It reflects the university’s physical growth and changing infrastructure and includes building specifications, construction and renovation plans, capital outlay reports, budget data, architectural blueprints, maintenance records, and materials related to dedications, groundbreaking ceremonies, anniversaries, and other commemorative events. Buildings represented range from academic halls (such as Shepard Hall and Crothers Engineering Hall), agricultural facilities (such as Dean Farms and the Agronomy Buildings), research centers (such as the Northern Plains Biostress Laboratory and the Raven Precision Agriculture Center), libraries, student housing and unions, athletic facilities (such as Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium and Coughlin-Alumni Stadium), and landmark structures including the Coughlin Campanile and Woodbine Cottage.

South Dakota State University
SDSU-Archives UA 046.01 · Collection · 1975-1977

This collection documents the 1977 South Dakota Delegation trip to Cuba, which included members of the South Dakota State University basketball team. The material primarily captures the media coverage and public reception surrounding the trip. It includes national, state, and unidentified newspaper clippings; press releases; and excerpts from radio broadcasts, many of which report on the delegation’s activities and the political context of the visit. Also included are photographs, rosters of participants, and an audio tape outline titled Cuban Stories, which appears to provide a narrative or interview content related to the trip.

The collection contains correspondence that sheds light on the earliest stages of planning, including references to Fidel Castro and U.S. Senator George McGovern, whose 1975 trip to Cuba helped catalyze this exchange. Though much of the formal planning documentation is missing, the surviving memoranda and letters illustrate efforts to coordinate the trip under challenging diplomatic conditions. Additional items include material from the Cuban newspaper Granma and various internal and external communications concerning the delegation.

The collection is a resource documenting a rare Cold War-era cultural exchange between a U.S. university delegation and Cuba. It offers insight into the role of sports diplomacy, the influence of political figures such as George McGovern, and the broader media and public perception of such initiatives during the late 1970s.

SDSU Men's Basketball Trip to Cuba
Sherwood O. Berg Papers
SDSU-Archives UA 053.013 · Papers · 1940-2014, undated

This collection documents the professional career and public service of Sherwood O. Berg, with a substantial focus on his role as chairperson of the National Advisory Commission on Food and Fiber, established by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965. The collection includes comprehensive documentation of the Commission’s activities, such as collected research materials, correspondence, policy drafts, technical papers, transcripts from public hearings, meeting notes, and the final published reports. Topics span international agriculture, rural development, population pressures, agricultural economics, cotton and fiber policy, nutrition, and global hunger.

The papers also include records from Berg’s international consulting and leadership roles with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Midwest Universities Consortium for International Activities (MUCIA), particularly in Indonesia, Morocco, Cameroon, and the Philippines, covering projects in agricultural education, institutional development, and economic policy.

Further materials document Berg’s service as President of South Dakota State University, including administrative notes, speeches, committee records, and press coverage. His involvement with numerous civic, professional, and international organizations—such as the Reserve Officers Association, Phi Kappa Phi, Nature Conservancy, Farm Foundation, and Rotary International—is also well represented. The collection includes biographical files, awards, military service records, photographs, and correspondence spanning from the 1940s through the early 2000s.

This collection is a record of Sherwood O. Berg’s influence on U.S. agricultural policy, international development, and higher education leadership. It provides insight into federal food and fiber policy during the 1960s, particularly through the Commission’s efforts to guide agricultural decision-making at the national level. The records also reflect the growing emphasis on global collaboration in agricultural education and the modernization of institutions in developing countries. Berg’s presidency at SDSU is further documented through his administrative leadership and campus initiatives, especially those related to internationalization and faculty governance.

Berg, Sherwood O. (Sherwood Olman), 1919-2014
SDSU-Archives UA 038 · Records · 1969-2024

This collection consists of administrative, exhibition, and support organization records for the South Dakota Art Museum from its founding through the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The materials document the museum’s internal operations, public programming, physical development, and community engagement, particularly under the leadership of founding director Joseph M. Stuart and subsequent administrators.

Director’s records include materials related to the planning, construction, and expansion of the museum building, including architectural plans, specifications, fundraising materials, and correspondence surrounding the original facility (dedicated in 1970) and later additions in the 1990s. Fundraising records primarily document the Visions for the Future campaign and include profiles, strategies, correspondence, and Board of Trustees involvement. Financial documents include operating budgets, accounting reports, museum shop inventories, and grant records.

Exhibition records constitute a major portion of the collection and comprehensively document the planning and execution of exhibitions from 1970 through the early 2000s. Included are exhibition catalogues, promotional materials, artist correspondence, insurance and shipping documents, photographs, slides, press clippings, and exhibition planning documents such as object labels and installation instructions. The exhibitions span a wide range of themes, styles, and artists, including both national and international figures, as well as a strong focus on South Dakota artists and Native American art. Highlights include recurring biennials, traveling exhibitions, and retrospectives of significant regional artists such as Harvey Dunn and Oscar Howe.

Board of Trustees records include meeting agendas and minutes, member biographies, correspondence, reports, committee files, by-laws, ethics policies, and orientation materials. These materials document the museum’s governance and strategic planning over several decades.

The Guild records reflect the activities of the South Dakota Art Museum Guild and include by-laws, handbooks, training materials for docents, correspondence, promotional documents, and event planning records. These materials emphasize the Guild's volunteer and educational role in museum outreach and support.

Other materials include accreditation documentation submitted to the American Association of Museums, annual reports, publications, event planning files, and materials related to special initiatives and commemorative events. The collection also includes significant documentation on the museum’s permanent collections, particularly works by Harvey Dunn, Oscar Howe, and the Marghab Linen Collection.

This collection offers documentation of the development, programming, and administration of the South Dakota Art Museum, the first museum in South Dakota to receive accreditation from the American Association of Museums. It illustrates the museum’s growth from a state-supported regional institution to a key center for visual arts in the Northern Plains. The records reveal the museum's emphasis on South Dakota’s artistic heritage, particularly through its stewardship of landmark collections and support of Native American and regional artists. The materials also highlight the museum’s role in public education and cultural outreach through exhibitions, publications, events, and docent programs.

South Dakota Art Museum
SDSU-Archives UA 046.02 · Records · 1971-1986

These records document the governance and organization of women’s intercollegiate athletics in South Dakota. Administrative materials include affidavits of eligibility, handbooks, certificates, correspondence, financial statements, and meeting minutes that record decision-making processes and coordination with the national Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women. Event and competition materials include programs and results for basketball, volleyball, and track and field meets, along with documentation for Region 6 tournaments and Division I championships. Photographs, primarily of women’s basketball teams and activities, provide visual documentation of athletic participation during this period. Additional files from the South Dakota Athletic and Recreation Federation of College Women contribute context for statewide athletic governance and institutional engagement.

The records document the development and administration of women’s collegiate athletics during the period surrounding the implementation of Title IX and the transition from AIAW to NCAA oversight. They provide evidence of eligibility practices, governance structures, and competitive opportunities for female student athletes in South Dakota, as well as the relationship between state, regional, and national athletic organizations.

South Dakota Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women
SDSU-Archives MA 007 · Records · 1913-2008

The South Dakota Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (SDAFCS) Records document the evolution of home economics and family and consumer sciences organizations at both the state and national levels. The collection spans from 1913 to 2008 and includes records from predecessor organizations such as the National Association of Extension Home Economists, the South Dakota Home Demonstration Agents Association, the South Dakota Home Economics Association, and the South Dakota Association of Extension Home Economists. Materials include meeting minutes, officer handbooks, annual conference programs, newsletters, reports, correspondence, scrapbooks, constitutions and bylaws, financial records, award documentation, and photographs.

The records trace the activities and organizational changes of home economics professionals, including local and national conference proceedings, program development, and educational initiatives. The earliest materials document the formation of the South Dakota Home Demonstration Agents Association and its leadership, while later records highlight the organization’s transition through multiple name changes, reflecting shifts in the professional scope of family and consumer sciences. Of particular note are correspondence files related to early officers such as Eva Dawes, as well as detailed meeting and committee records from the South Dakota Association of Extension Home Economists, which illustrate the structure and governance of the association from the 1940s through the 1990s.

The collection also contains materials related to professional development and recognition, such as award programs, scholarship information, and membership records. Scrapbooks and photographs document conferences, special events, and member activities. Conference materials and strategic plans from the 1990s and 2000s illustrate the association’s continued focus on leadership, education, and public engagement in family and consumer sciences.

These records document the professionalization and history of home economics in South Dakota, the expansion of educational outreach through the Cooperative Extension Service, and the development of the family and consumer sciences discipline nationally. They provide valuable insight into the leadership, governance, and community service of South Dakota educators, particularly women, who advanced the field through teaching, extension work, and organizational involvement.

South Dakota Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
SDSU-Archives MA 029 · Records · 1923-1973, 2000, undated

This collection documents the organizational history and activities of the South Dakota Crop Improvement Association (SDCIA), which was established in 1906 to improve crop cultivation and seed quality in South Dakota. The records span administrative, promotional, and programmatic functions, including extensive documentation of annual meetings, crop shows, and Board of Directors meetings. Committee files—such as those from the Certification, Legislative, and Price Committees—demonstrate the association’s role in shaping seed certification standards and agricultural policy.

Materials include minutes, correspondence, financial reports, membership records, newsletters, reports on certified seed acreage, and documents related to seed testing and varietal development. Photographs depict field days, crop shows, awards, equipment, and promotional displays. Also present are examples of certified seed sacks bearing the slogan “The Emblem of Good Seeds.” The collection is significant for its detailed documentation of agricultural improvement efforts, certified seed promotion, and rural organizational development in South Dakota.

South Dakota Crop Improvement Association
SDSU-Archives MA 010 · Records · 1904-1999

The South Dakota Dairy Association records document its role in shaping the state's dairy industry from the early 1900s to the early 2000s. This collection includes ledgers, administrative materials, financial records, and publications that provide insight into the association's governance, advocacy, and industry impact. Annual reports, meeting minutes, and convention programs spanning a century highlight efforts to promote dairy farming practices, support producers, and establish industry standards.

Significant materials include governance documents such as the association's constitution, amendments, and certificate of incorporation, as well as financial records detailing operations and contests. Convention programs from 1911 to 1999, along with reports on industry regulations, illustrate the association's efforts to foster professional development and policy discussions. The collection also includes medals, photographs, and newspaper clippings, offering a connection to the association's legacy.

These materials provide context for understanding the evolution of South Dakota's dairy industry, reflecting broader agricultural trends, economic contributions, and the collaborative efforts that shaped the state's dairy sector.

South Dakota Dairy Association
SDSU-Archives UA 050.13 · Records · 1927-2012

The South Dakota Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family, and Community Records document the history and recognition of individuals honored as Eminent Farmers and Homemakers in South Dakota from 1927 through the early 2000s. The collection comprises photographs, citations, scrapbooks, banquet and planning materials, and other administrative documents, reflecting the significance of these awards and their institutional history, particularly at South Dakota State University.

The honoree photographs span 1927–1991 and were formerly displayed on the Wall of Fame in Agricultural Hall at SDSU. These portraits, largely measuring 14.5 x 18 inches, include names, years honored, locations, and occasionally occupation or area of interest for farmers. Homemaker identifications typically follow the convention “Mrs. [Husband's Name],” with given names rarely appearing until the late 1980s. Due to light exposure, many photographs were damaged and later removed for preservation. Accompanying negatives (mostly 4x5") created between 1960–1991 document the original captions.

Citations provide biographical information, household or farm management practices, and details on public service and community leadership. Early entries frequently include homesteading stories and narratives of frontier life. Some citations contain transcripts of banquet acceptance speeches. These are arranged alphabetically by honoree.

Three scrapbooks document different time ranges. Scrapbook I (1928–1969) contains business meeting reports, newsletters, correspondence, and obituary clippings. Scrapbook II, titled Sands of Time, spans 1952–1982 and features photographs, minutes (1965–1982), and necrology reports. Scrapbook III, titled History, 1972–1988, includes honoree biographies, event programs, a mailing list of Master Farm Homemakers, and death listings.

Additional materials include banquet and award planning files, correspondence, application forms, minutes, obituaries, draft programs, event themes, and donation and endowment records. Recognition programs, trees planted in honor of recipients, and a map of honorees' geographic distribution further contextualize the impact of the awards. Printers' blocks of honoree portraits and documentation on portrait frames are also present.

This collection offers a unique lens into South Dakota’s agricultural heritage, community values, and gender norms over much of the 20th century. It preserves the legacy of individuals recognized for their contributions to rural leadership, family life, and agricultural advancement, and reflects the ceremonial and institutional practices surrounding their recognition. As a record of statewide honorific traditions and their evolution, the collection is significant to researchers of agricultural history, gender roles in rural communities, South Dakota social history, and commemorative culture.

South Dakota State University. Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family, and Community
SDSU-Archives MA 012 · Records · 1914-2009

The South Dakota Farmers Union Records provide a comprehensive account of the organization's history, advocacy, and role in shaping agricultural policy from the early 20th century to the early 2000s. The collection documents the Union's efforts to support family farmers, promote cooperative enterprises, and influence state and national agricultural legislation. Materials include organizational records, correspondence, meeting minutes, financial statements, educational materials, photographs, audiovisual recordings, and publications.

A significant portion of the collection pertains to the Union's legislative and political engagement, featuring records from state and national conventions, speeches, campaign materials, and lobbying efforts. These materials illustrate the Union's role in advocating agricultural policy reforms, rural economic development, and cooperative business models. Key figures such as Ben Radcliffe, George McGovern, Hubert Humphrey, and Eleanor Roosevelt are represented in convention proceedings, recorded speeches, and radio broadcasts. The 1972 Supreme Court case on public school funding through property tax is also documented through clippings, correspondence, and legal evidence.

The audiovisual materials consist of 13 audiocassettes, 156 open reel tapes, 6 wire recordings, and 34 16mm motion picture films, spanning from 1948 to 1992. These recordings capture state and national conventions, radio programs, speeches, and advertisements, along with footage of state camp activities, tours, picnics, and parades. Many of the materials promote legislative initiatives and endorse political candidates. In 2018, the South Dakota Farmers Union audiovisual collection was digitized with the support of a Recordings at Risk grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources. Due to the fragile state of many recordings, the Archives partnered with George Blood L.P. to ensure high-quality digital preservation in sustainable formats.

The Cooperative Legacy Project, spearheaded by Chuck Groth, communications director for the South Dakota Farmers Union from 1972 to 2008, provides an in-depth oral history of the cooperative movement in South Dakota. This project includes over 110 hours of digital audio interviews with Farmers Union members, cooperative managers, and farm organization leaders. The interviews, recorded in MP3 and WAV formats, are supplemented by documents, scanned photographs, and rough transcriptions, offering insight into the history and impact of the cooperative movement.

The collection also includes publications from the National Farmers Union and various state organizations, as well as South Dakota Farmers Union-produced materials such as convention programs (1938-1983), policy statements (1954-1988), handbooks, and brochures. The photographic collection, comprising over 33,000 photographs and negatives, documents youth programs, conventions, picnics, tours, and key moments in the organization's history, as well as images published in the South Dakota Union Farmer.

Records from local unions throughout South Dakota provide insight into grassroots organizing efforts, consisting of charter records, attendance logs, minutes, and correspondence, with some materials accompanied by photographs. This material includes essential governance documents such as constitutions, by-laws, speeches, scrapbooks, and advertising materials, with Farmers Union annual convention minutes spanning from 1926 to 1946.

This collection serves as an resource for researchers studying agricultural policy, rural advocacy, cooperative movements, and the political and economic history of farming in South Dakota and the United States. Through its extensive documentation of legislative efforts, community programs, and cooperative business models, the South Dakota Farmers Union Records provide a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of American agriculture.

South Dakota Farmers Union
SDSU-Archives MA 017 · Records · 1970-2017

The South Dakota Humanities Council Records document the administrative, financial, and programmatic history of the organization from its founding as the South Dakota Committee on the Humanities through the early twenty-first century. The records illustrate the Council’s mission to promote public engagement with the humanities, support community-based programs, and manage federally funded initiatives in partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

Materials include administrative correspondence, meeting files, financial records, grant proposals, publications, program documentation, and audiovisual materials. Correspondence features communications with Council members, partner institutions, public officials—including Governors George S. Mickelson and William J. Janklow—and representatives of the NEH. Meeting records document the activities of the Council, Executive Committee, Membership Committee, and Program Committee, with sessions held across the state in cities such as Pierre, Sioux Falls, Chamberlain, Mitchell, Rapid City, and Aberdeen.

Financial records form a substantial portion of the collection and include audits, ledgers, balance sheets, vouchers, receipts, and statements of receipts and disbursements. These materials document the Council’s fiscal management, including re-grant activity, Reading Series and Resource Center expenditures, and accounting for the affiliated South Dakota Humanities Foundation. Audit reports and NEH compliance plans demonstrate adherence to federal and state grant requirements.

Grant and project files comprise a major component of the collection, containing proposals, applications, reports, correspondence, fiscal records, and publicity materials. Topics represented include Native American language and cultural preservation, South Dakota history, literature, women’s studies, rural depopulation, arts, and media. Projects include “Lakota Language Project,” “Lost Bird of Wounded Knee,” “Living Roots of Music,” “Oscar Micheaux Film Festival,” “Barn Again!,” “Choices for the 21st Century,” “Vietnam War: A Season of Remembrance,” “Yesterday’s Tomorrows,” “Staking a Claim: The People, Places, and Stories of Mining in the Black Hills,” and “Text, Discourse, Grammar: A Summer Institute for Lakota Language Teachers.”

Program files document the Speakers Bureau, Reading Series, Chautauqua, and other statewide initiatives. These include funded and rejected proposals, correspondence, scholar and coordinator packets, study guides, evaluation forms, and promotional materials illustrating the Council’s efforts to expand public access to the humanities. Later program records include files for Prime Time Family Reading, Key Ingredients, Farm and Ranch Stories, Between Fences, We the People, One Book South Dakota, The Big Read, and the South Dakota Festival of Books. Publications such as The Human Adventure, What’s Up, Perspectives on South Dakota, Report to the People, and the South Dakota Humanities Council Newsletter document Council outreach, publicity, and communication with the public.

The collection also includes audiovisual and photographic materials depicting Council programs, community events, and participants from approximately 1980 through 2005. These visual records provide evidence of public engagement through lectures, exhibits, and cultural festivals sponsored by the Council.

This collection offers a comprehensive record of the South Dakota Humanities Council’s growth from a state committee to a central public humanities organization. It reflects the Council’s collaboration with the National Endowment for the Humanities, its role in administering grant funds, and its leadership in advancing humanities programming throughout South Dakota. The materials document the Council’s influence in promoting cultural preservation, education, and civic dialogue, particularly within rural and Native American communities, and serve as an essential resource for studying the development and impact

South Dakota Humanities Council
SDSU-Archives MA 030 · Records · 1899-2000

The South Dakota Nurses’ Association Records document the activities, governance, and advocacy efforts of the state’s principal professional nursing organization from the early 20th century through the late 1990s. The collection includes extensive materials from SDNA committees, task forces, board meetings, conventions, and district branches. Committee and task force files contain meeting minutes, correspondence, surveys, reports, and materials related to ongoing projects, reflecting the association’s focus on education, practice standards, health care policy, and labor conditions. Of particular note are the Economic and General Welfare Committee and SDNA’s Continuing Education Approval and Recognition Program (SD-CEARP), which offer insight into labor advocacy and professional development in South Dakota nursing.

The collection features broad correspondence from SDNA leadership, including the board of directors and district presidents, as well as communication with state agencies, legislators, and national nursing organizations. Reports include annual summaries from committees and districts, financial audits, and documentation of major initiatives such as Project Motion and the Economic Security Program. Membership materials track recruitment, retention, and survey results across districts. Extensive district-level documentation includes bylaws, officer lists, newsletters, and reports.

Other highlights include material from SDNA’s annual conventions, National Nurses Day celebrations, and Nurses Day at the Legislature, along with lobbying files detailing the association’s legislative priorities and partnerships. Project files document SDNA’s participation in state and national efforts, including public health outreach and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial. Scrapbooks, photographs, clippings, and audiovisual materials preserve the visual history of nursing in South Dakota.

Collected publications cover a wide range of nursing-related topics, including continuing education, standards of practice, nursing history, and health care legislation. The collection also holds records from affiliated organizations such as the American Nurses Association, South Dakota Board of Nursing, South Dakota League for Nursing Education, and other health-related groups. Physical artifacts, including uniforms, caps, and commemorative items, offer tangible connections to the nursing profession’s heritage in the state.

This collection offers insight into the evolution of nursing in South Dakota. It serves as a vital resource for studying professional development, health care advocacy, women’s leadership, public health policy, and the organizational history of nursing. The records document how South Dakota’s nurses helped shape statewide standards, responded to national trends, and promoted both education and workplace rights in a changing medical landscape.

South Dakota Nurses' Association
SDSU-Archives MA 027 · Records · 1955-2020

The South Dakota Resources Coalition consists of administrative material and subject files. The administrative material consists of meeting minutes, committee files, correspondence, financial and membership records and publications. The subject files consist of research SDRC has performed throughout the years, mainly to assist them in their lobbying efforts. The subjects deal mainly with environmental issues as they relate to South Dakota.

South Dakota Resources Coalition
SDSU-Archives MA 037 · Records · 1891-2013

The South Dakota State Climate Office Records document over a century of weather and climate data collection across South Dakota and parts of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wyoming. The bulk of the collection consists of daily weather observation sheets submitted by volunteer reporting stations, recording data such as precipitation, air and soil temperature, wind, and solar radiation. The detail and scope of observations vary based on the equipment available at each site. Materials are organized geographically by reporting location, including towns, research farms, and natural landmarks.

In addition to climatological data, the collection includes administrative and research materials such as master’s theses, grant proposals, legal case documentation involving weather data, radar output, storm and cloud photography, and drought and tree ring analysis. Specialized forms, including B-91 climatological reports, are also present, along with materials relating to significant weather events such as flooding and droughts.

This collection offers insight into long-term regional climate trends. It is a valuable resource for environmental research, agricultural planning, legal reference, public safety, and historical climatology.

South Dakota State Climate Office
SDSU-Archives MA 072 · Records · 1926-2015

This collection documents the activities and literary contributions of the South Dakota State Poetry Society (SDSPS). Materials include foundational records such as articles of incorporation, bylaws, board meeting minutes, and correspondence, including letters from board member Deb Gangloff. Additional content consists of newsletters, flyers, photographs, and poetry writing tips by Audrae Visser and Susan Chambers.

The collection features publications by the SDSPS, including multiple editions of Four Quarters to a Section, Prairie Poets, Voices of South Dakota, and indexes such as the Sixty-Year Comprehensive Index of Pasque Petals. Numerous works by South Dakota poets are represented, including chapbooks, anthologies, and contest-winning pieces. A substantial portion comprises issues of Pasque Petals, the society’s official journal. Also included is the 2015 Poet Laureate nomination for Lee Ann Roripaugh.

The records reflect the evolution of poetry and literary engagement in South Dakota, highlighting the society’s role in fostering a statewide community of poets. Through its extensive publications and support of local voices, the SDSPS has served as a cornerstone of the region’s literary culture.

South Dakota State Poetry Society
SDSU-Archives UA 005.11 · Records · 1951-1996

The South Dakota Water Resources Institute Records consist of departmental publications, reports, administrative materials, and collected research related to water quality, irrigation, and resource management. Materials include annual reports, operating budget documentation, informational pamphlets, and photographic records. A significant portion of the collection pertains to the Missouri River Basin Project, encompassing a wide range of technical reports, feasibility studies, environmental impact statements, and planning documents. These reports address critical issues such as irrigation development, water quality standards, aquifer management, flood control, channel degradation, hydrology, and the economic and environmental implications of water resource use.

This collection documents the Institute’s role in advancing water research and policy in South Dakota and the broader Missouri River Basin region. The records reflect federal-state collaboration under programs like the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program and include contributions to state and national discussions on sustainable water use, agricultural irrigation, and environmental protection. The depth and breadth of the Missouri River Basin Project materials provide valuable insights into mid- to late-20th century water management initiatives and the scientific, economic, and political challenges surrounding them. Researchers interested in water resource development, environmental policy, agricultural engineering, and regional planning will find the collection especially valuable.

South Dakota State University. Water Resources Institute
SDSU-Archives UA 032 · Records · 1915-2006

This collection comprises publications and records produced by the Office of Student Activities at South Dakota State University. It includes handbooks, pamphlets, calendars, flyers, correspondence, directories, and photographs documenting student life, organizations, and services. Materials cover areas such as new student orientation, cultural programming, student enrichment, minority student support, university events (e.g., Freshmen Days, Parents Day), and administrative functions like central reservations and the information exchange. Visual materials depict student organizations and campus events.

The collection offers insight into student engagement, campus culture, and organizational development over time. It reflects the evolving role of student affairs in promoting inclusion, leadership, and community, and serves as a valuable resource for understanding the student experience at SDSU.

South Dakota State University. Department of Student Union and Activities
Vera Way Marghab Papers
SDSU-Archives MA 025 · Papers · 1883-1998

The Vera Way Marghab Papers is a comprehensive archive documenting the life and work of a woman who played a significant role in the luxury textile industry. The collection offers insight into her personal journey, from her early years in South Dakota to her time as a piano student in New York City, as well as her relationship with Emile Marghab through extensive correspondence. While much of the material is centered on her personal life, the collection also reflects her role in the linen industry as the driving force behind Marghab, Ltd. and Emile Marghab, Inc. The records highlight her meticulous nature, as she preserved extensive documentation on both her personal and professional endeavors. Given the interwoven nature of her life and career, the materials are arranged into distinct series that provide a structured approach to understanding her legacy.

The Business Series encompasses all aspects of the Marghab enterprises, both in New York and Madeira. It includes materials on the founding of the company, capturing the vision and strategy behind Emile and Vera's business model, as well as its eventual dissolution. Correspondence reflects their relationships with artisans, business partners, and shop managers, while records on design illustrate Vera's influence in maintaining the highest standards of quality. Trademark and copyright documents, including coded correspondence aimed at protecting proprietary designs, shed light on the competitive nature of the textile industry. One of the aspects of this series is the material related to the Mayflower cloth, a specially designed tablecloth for the 1957 Mayflower II voyage, which later became an exhibition piece at the World's Fair in Australia. Administrative records from the New York and Madeira operations provide insight into the governance and structure of the business, including shareholder meetings, factory logistics, and high-profile engagements with diplomats and the U.S. Navy. Employee records detail the hiring process, disputes, and pension plans, while financial records illustrate the company's fiscal health, including instances of embezzlement and tax matters. The marketing strategy developed by Vera is well-documented, with strict guidelines for Marghab Shops, controlled advertising, and policies that set the company apart from competitors. Records on the shops provide a glimpse into Vera's selective approach, including her direct correspondence with store managers and evaluations of potential retail locations.

The Personal Series reflects Vera's multifaceted life beyond her business endeavors. Materials include portraits and fabric samples that visually represent her legacy. Her commitment to philanthropy is evident in records of charitable donations and correspondence with organizations she supported. A large portion of the series consists of clippings and collected materials, which demonstrate her curiosity and engagement with various subjects. Personal correspondence includes letters to and from family, friends, and colleagues, some of which intersect with business matters. Financial records cover her personal wealth management, including investments, estate planning, and legal affairs. The series also includes materials on her life in Madeira, providing additional context to her time spent there beyond the confines of business. The establishment of the Marghab Gallery at the South Dakota Art Museum is well-documented, capturing her dedication to preserving the artistry of Marghab linens. Music played an important role in Vera's early life, and materials on her musical education and performances offer insight into this passion. Personal writings, including reflections and philosophical musings, provide a more intimate look at her character and outlook on life.

Significant figures in Vera's life are highlighted through correspondence and clippings, most notably her husband, Emile, and her immediate family. Her engagement with politics is documented through materials on political figures and organizations of interest to her. Rare book records illustrate her scholarly interests and her contributions to South Dakota State University's library. Recognition for her contributions to the textile industry and beyond is captured in awards, articles, and documentation of a Marghab video project. Social engagements and affiliations with arts organizations further reflect her cultural involvement. Her extensive travels, both domestic and international, are documented in travel records, revealing her connections to a broader global network. Her deep ties to Watertown, South Dakota, are evident in materials related to her home, Wayland, and her properties on Lake Kampeska, as well as documentation on community events and restoration projects.

This collection is of exceptional significance, offering researchers a rich narrative of a woman who was both a cultural tastemaker and a shrewd business leader. It captures the evolution of a company that set new standards in luxury linens, the meticulous approach that defined its success, and the challenges it faced in an ever-changing economic and political landscape. Equally important, it provides a deeply personal portrait of Vera Way Marghab, allowing scholars to explore the intersections of entrepreneurship, artistry, and personal ambition. The collection stands as a valuable resource for those interested in business history, women's history, textile design, and the legacy of craftsmanship that Marghab linens represent.

SDSU-Archives MA 019 · Papers · 1862, 1901, 1925-2021, undated

The Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve Papers document the literary career, research, and advocacy of the acclaimed Lakota writer, educator, and historian. Spanning from the 1960s to the 2020s, the collection includes manuscripts, correspondence, research materials, and published works that reflect her dedication to Native American storytelling and cultural preservation. It offers a comprehensive look at her contributions to literature, education, and Indigenous representation.

The Creative Writings series contains an extensive range of works, including Completing the Circle, The Medicine Bag, Dancing Teepees, Standing Bear of the Ponca, Sioux Women, and other significant titles. Each work is accompanied by manuscripts, clippings, correspondence, research notes, printer's galleys, proofs, reviews, and scripts. Many manuscripts include editorial annotations and suggested revisions, highlighting the development process of her works. Correspondence primarily consists of letters between Sneve and her publishers, as well as heartfelt messages from schoolchildren, some with drawings, thanking her for her books and school visits. Research materials within the series include notes, collected documents, and recorded interviews. The collection also includes a video adaptation of High Elk's Treasure.

The General series encompasses a broad spectrum of materials, including documentation of Sneve's various activities, honors, and awards, speaking engagements, clippings, interviews, journals, and diverse research materials. Her involvement in numerous boards, commissions, and cultural organizations is well documented, along with numerous honors such as the National Humanities Medal, Spirit of Crazy Horse Award, and recognition from educational and arts organizations across South Dakota and nationally. The speaking engagements reflect her role as a prominent public voice on Native American literature, history, and culture, featuring presentations at conferences, universities, museums, and festivals across the United States and internationally.

The Correspondence series features exchanges with publishing houses, fellow writers such as Bob Karolevitz and Audrae Visser, and political figures including Senator Larry Pressler. Of particular note is an audio reel of an interview Sneve conducted with Harold Shunk, a Bureau of Indian Affairs superintendent. The series also contains various teaching aids and historical photographs, including a 1901 class photo, adding depth to the collection's educational value.

The Other Writings series highlights Sneve's contributions beyond creative literature. This includes published articles, scripts for a South Dakota Public Radio series, Christian education resources produced for the Episcopal Church Center, newspaper editorials, studies related to the Flandreau Indian School, and her contribution to On the Wings of Peace, a compilation benefiting world peace organizations. These materials showcase her engagement with broader educational and social issues within and beyond Native communities.

This collection serves as a significant resource for researchers, scholars, and educators studying Indigenous literature, storytelling, and cultural history. It offers insights into Native identity, advocacy, and representation, highlighting Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve's enduring impact on Native American literary and educational landscapes.

Sneve, Virginia Driving Hawk
Vivian V. Volstorff Papers
SDSU-Archives UA 053.012 · Papers · 1921-1976

The Vivian Volstorff Papers span from 1904 to 2002 and document the personal life, professional career, scholarly output, and civic contributions of Dr. Vivian Virginia Volstorff, who served as Dean of Women, Director of Student Activities, and professor of history at South Dakota State University. The collection reflects her influential leadership on campus and her broader involvement in academic, civic, and professional organizations.

Materials include extensive documentation from her tenure as Dean of Women, such as reports, staff meeting notes, housing committee records, and correspondence related to student affairs and women’s organizations. Personal items include biographical records, letters, greeting cards, photographs, and memorabilia. Numerous folders contain speeches and public addresses, delivered across decades on themes ranging from international relations to higher education for women, student ethics, and civic values.

The collection also includes manuscripts and published writings, notably drafts and materials related to her historical monograph Winds of Change. Additional writings include her dissertations and theses on William Charles Cole Claiborne, James Wilkinson, and Pliny the Younger. A substantial portion of the material documents her affiliations with local and national organizations such as the American Association of University Women, Mortar Board, Delta Zeta, and others.

Collected material and subject files compiled by Volstorff provide insight into her research interests in education, morality, manners, youth culture, Soviet relations, and American identity. Her research on SDSU is especially comprehensive, including histories of campus buildings, student traditions, presidential administrations, and faculty organizations, as well as early publications such as Industrial Collegian and the Alumni Association Bulletin.

This collection offers documentation of mid-20th century women’s leadership in higher education, student life and governance, and South Dakota State University history. It will be particularly useful for researchers studying women in academic administration, 20th-century higher education reform, student housing and campus activism, and the cultural history of SDSU.

Volstorff, Vivian V. (Vivian Virginia), 1907-2002
William Gibbons Papers
SDSU-Archives UA 053.046 · Papers · 1978-2012

The collection documents research conducted by William Ray Gibbons on the development of renewable fuels and related products derived from agricultural biomass. Materials date primarily from the late 1970s through the 2010s and focus on ethanol production using feedstocks such as fodder beets, corn, sweet sorghum, and agricultural byproducts. The collection includes scholarly articles, technical reports, economic feasibility studies, energy analyses, draft manuscripts, correspondence, and supporting data related to small scale, farm scale, and commercial scale fuel alcohol production.

Also included are draft and final versions of Gibbons’ master’s thesis and doctoral dissertation addressing the technology and economics of ethanol production from fodder beets, along with supplementary research data, tables, and figures. Visual materials such as photographs, slides, transparencies, posters, and charts document experimental procedures, fermentation systems, distillation equipment, and pilot plant operations. Conference papers, seminar materials, and presentations illustrate the dissemination of research findings within academic, agricultural, and industry settings.

The collection further contains newspaper and magazine clippings reflecting public and policy discourse on ethanol and renewable energy over several decades, as well as draft legislative testimony, notes, and briefing materials related to ethanol tax incentives and renewable fuel policy. Additional subject areas include mushroom cultivation using agricultural waste products, energy balance studies, and economic impact analyses of ethanol production in regional and national contexts.

This collection is significant for documenting South Dakota State University’s long term research contributions to renewable energy, applied microbiology, and agricultural biotechnology. It provides detailed evidence of early and sustained investigations into ethanol production technologies, economic feasibility, and energy efficiency at small and community scales. The materials support research into the historical development of the ethanol industry, agricultural innovation in the Upper Midwest, and the role of land grant universities in advancing alternative energy research and informing public policy.

Gibbons, William Ray, 1958-
SDSU-Archives MA 021 · Records · 1985-1990

The Women Artists in Collaboration Records document the activities and creative work of the group, primarily through materials collected by co-founder Marilyn Richardson. The collection consists of correspondence (1986-1990), financial records (1987-1990), and project materials (1985-1989), which provide insight into the group's operations and artistic collaborations. The project records are particularly significant as they detail performance concepts and the collaborative process.

Additionally, the collection includes clippings, guest books (1987), meeting records (1986-1987), member biographies, and programs, offering context on the group's membership and events. Two scrapbooks (1985-1987, 1988) contain photographs and memorabilia, documenting performances, and the group's artistic impact. This collection highlights the group's creative contributions and organizational history.

Women Artists in Collaboration