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The A.L. Musson Papers document a 1954 trip to Somalia, East Africa, and include materials spanning from 1950 to 1962. The collection consists of correspondence, trip preparations, photographs, slides, negatives, maps, memorabilia, notes, and reports, as well as publications and recommendations related to agricultural and technical development in Somalia. Scrapbooks compiled by Musson contain photographs with translated Italian captions, while accompanying slides and negatives offer additional visual documentation. Notes provide Musson's personal observations written while in Somalia. The correspondence primarily consists of communication with the Foreign Operations Administration, revealing logistical and diplomatic aspects of the trip. Preparatory documents include details on travel arrangements, customs, immunizations, and security clearance forms. Also included are several analytical and technical documents related to Somali agriculture, such as the “Proposed program for agricultural technical assistance for Somalia” by Musson and Worzella (1954), and a groundwater survey by Thomas P. Ahrens (1951).

The materials provide insight into mid-20th century U.S. international agricultural outreach and development efforts in Somalia. They reflect the administrative planning, environmental assessment, and cross-cultural interactions involved in foreign technical assistance programs. Musson's participation and documentation help illuminate early Cold War-era partnerships and scientific exchanges between the U.S. and East Africa, especially in agricultural policy, research, and water resource development.

The Alfred G. Trump Papers consist of commemorative and recognition items associated with Alfred G. Trump Jr., longtime librarian and library director at South Dakota State University. The contents include a retirement scrapbook from 1972 containing correspondence, newspaper clippings, and 27 color snapshots documenting his retirement and professional relationships. Also included are programs from Trump’s retirement party, certificates of recognition from professional organizations, plaques acknowledging his support of South Dakota State University and participation in the President’s Club during the 1970s, and a certificate documenting his completion of the University of Denver’s Annual Institute of Archival Administration in 1968. The materials further include a 1981 proclamation issued by the Brookings City Commission designating Anne Trump Day, reflecting civic recognition of the Trump family. The records date primarily from 1968 to 1981 and emphasize professional service, institutional affiliation, and public acknowledgment.

These materials documents Alfred G. Trump Jr.’s professional standing within regional and national library organizations, his long service to South Dakota State University, and his engagement in archival education and institutional development. They also reflect the recognition extended by professional associations, the university administration, and the local community, offering insight into the culture of academic librarianship, professional recognition, and civic acknowledgment in the mid to late twentieth century.

This collection is composed of material related to the Centennial Celebration of South Dakota State University in 1981, Allen Barnes’ tenure as Dean of Arts and Sciences, and his leadership in establishing the Performing Arts Center on campus. The Centennial Celebration files (1980–1981) document numerous activities coordinated through the College of Arts and Sciences, including lectures, theatrical and musical performances, alumni engagement events, scholarship ceremonies, and historical retrospectives of academic departments from Aerospace Studies to ROTC. Correspondence, committee records, and planning documents provide insight into the university’s efforts to commemorate its 100th anniversary.

Records from Barnes’ service as Dean of Arts and Sciences (1965–1986) include speeches, planning for creative and international programming, academic initiatives, and a departmental band trip. These materials reflect his broad involvement in academic affairs, curriculum enhancement, and cross-cultural engagement.

A significant portion of the collection is devoted to the development of the SDSU Performing Arts Center (1970–1985), highlighting early conceptual work, documented needs in art, music, and theatre, and fundraising efforts. The files also include documentation of programming strategies and clippings related to the advocacy and planning for the Centennial Center.

The collection provides valuable context on institutional celebrations, academic leadership, and campus facility development at SDSU in the late 20th century.

The Allen Barnes Papers offer insight into South Dakota State University’s centennial planning and celebration, showcasing how academic leadership, alumni relations, and campus history were mobilized to shape institutional identity. Barnes’ extensive contributions as Dean demonstrate his role in advancing international education and interdisciplinary arts programming. His leadership in laying the groundwork for a dedicated Performing Arts Center underscores the importance of advocacy, vision, and collaboration in campus planning and cultural enrichment.

The Andy Hopp Papers document the academic, professional, and research activities of Andy Hopp, primarily in the fields of geography, cartography, environmental studies, and geographic information systems (GIS). The collection spans undergraduate and graduate coursework, professional conference participation, internship experiences, thesis research, and subject reference material. It provides insight into the development of geographic knowledge and pedagogical approaches at South Dakota State University and within professional geographic organizations.

Materials include extensive coursework in physical and human geography, GIS, remote sensing, ecoregions, biogeography, geomorphology, and historical geography, as well as history, math, statistics, speech, and criminal justice. The collection also includes academic products such as projects, maps, assignments, and digital files. Conference materials represent multiple meetings of the Association of American Geographers, including regional and national events.

Additional materials document Hopp’s internship at the SDSU GIS Center of Excellence and his involvement with the National Snow and Ice Data Center. Collected reference materials cover U.S. census maps, environmental topics, and South Dakota wildlife. His thesis research addresses pheasant hunting, bison-cattle comparisons, bird conservation, and tourism in rural and agricultural landscapes.

The collection offers researchers documentation of early 21st-century geographic education and research practices, especially in the Northern Plains region, and for its value in exploring conservation and land-use debates in South Dakota.

The Anthony S. Dylla Papers document research efforts related to irrigation systems, soil analysis, and agricultural water management primarily in Minnesota and surrounding regions. Topics include sprinkler and rotating-boom irrigation, evapotranspiration measurements, soil moisture sensing, nitrogen inputs and leaching, and the effects of wind on irrigation uniformity. The collection highlights Dylla’s contributions to advancing knowledge in hydraulic conductivity, soil classification, and irrigation automation. Also present are publications addressing broader agricultural issues such as drought-hazard soil properties, water seepage control with bentonite, and forage water use studies in Nevada.

Dylla’s research played a key role in improving irrigation strategies in the Upper Midwest, contributing to more sustainable water use in agriculture. His work informed both regional practices and national USDA recommendations, particularly in soil-water dynamics, nitrogen management, and experimental methodology for extension professionals.

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.

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.

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.

This collection is comprised of manuscripts, published works, and personal archives of Beryl Stewart, reflecting her contributions to literature and education. It includes newspaper clippings referencing Stewart, a book mentioning her, and multiple issues of Word Craft, a publication from Aberdeen Central High School where she served as an adviser. Her correspondence (1923-1942) contains reference letters and exchanges with publishers, offering insight into her professional relationships.

Stewart's manuscripts consist of essays, poems, and short stories, including entries for the South Dakota State Fair literature contests, some with critiques and awarded ribbons. Her published works appeared in various literary and rural publications, demonstrating her influence in both creative writing and regional literature. The scrapbooks, spanning multiple decades, preserve correspondence, publication clippings, and personal reflections, highlighting the breadth of her literary career and the reception of her work. This collection serves as a resource for understanding Stewart's impact on South Dakota's literary and educational landscape.

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

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

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

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

The collection documents the academic career and professional service of Dr. Brandt at South Dakota State University from the late 1970s through the mid 2010s. Materials include records of faculty governance and committee service, such as participation in the Academic Senate, College of Arts and Sciences committees, European Studies Committee, and departmental and college tenure and promotion committees. Teaching materials form a substantial portion of the collection and consist of syllabi, course outlines, assignments, schedules, and examinations for undergraduate and graduate English courses, including Shakespeare, English Renaissance literature, drama, world literature, technical communication, and interdisciplinary European Studies courses. Additional materials document conference participation, research projects, sabbaticals, academic reviews, promotions, awards and nominations, and advising roles for student organizations. The collection also contains correspondence, newsletters, offprints of scholarly articles, vitae, writings, and documentation of professional affiliations, including involvement with the Marlowe Society of America and participation in university presidential inaugurations.

This collection documents faculty teaching, governance, and scholarly activity at South Dakota State University over several decades. It supports research into the history of English studies, curriculum development, faculty service, and academic life at a public land grant university, as well as broader studies of Shakespearean and English Renaissance instruction and scholarship in the late twentieth and early twenty first centuries.

The Charles A. Lundquist Papers consist primarily of personal journals spanning from 1940 to 1946. The journals provide a detailed chronological account of Lundquist’s youth in Webster, South Dakota, documenting his academic progress, extracurricular involvement, community engagement, and reflections on national and global events—particularly World War II. Entries begin in sixth grade and continue through his early college years at South Dakota State College.

Subjects include daily routines, school activities, Scouting achievements, sports participation, work experiences, and family life. Of notable historical value are Lundquist’s observations of wartime developments, such as rationing, war bond drives, local Civil Air Patrol and Victory Corps efforts, and reactions to major WWII events, including VE Day, the atomic bombings, and VJ Day. His entries also provide a rare student perspective on education, civic responsibility, and youth culture in mid-20th-century rural America. The journals reflect a disciplined, curious, and civically engaged young man who carefully documented his development as a student, citizen, and aspiring scientist.

These papers offer unique insight into the lived experiences of a Midwestern youth during World War II, capturing both personal development and broader societal impacts through the lens of an individual who would go on to become a key figure in American space science. The journals also serve as a rich resource for understanding adolescent life, education, and patriotism in small-town America during the 1940s.

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

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..

The collection is composed of materials accumulated by Dr. Charles Woodard during his career at South Dakota State University. The papers document his teaching and program development in the English Department, including course materials, syllabi, examinations, lecture notes, committee files, and administrative records for related initiatives. A substantial portion of the collection relates to American Indian studies and education, including files on American Indian cultural tutorials, conferences, advisory and council work, and program review and revision activities. Records also document public humanities and outreach work through organizations and programs such as the South Dakota Humanities Council, reading and lecture series, community discussion initiatives, and related grant activity.

Topical files reflect Woodard’s engagement with regional literature and culture in South Dakota and the Great Plains, including planning and correspondence for conferences and events such as Consider the Century, the Great Plains Writers’ Conference, and Oak Lake writers’ programming. Additional subject areas include reconciliation and peace and conflict programs, veterans and war related topics, cultural representation issues including sports team mascot and nickname controversies, and environmental and civic concerns represented through correspondence, clippings, newsletters, and organizational materials. Materials related to publications include manuscripts, clippings, and correspondence with co-authors and publishers. The collection also contains files on individuals and organizations with whom Woodard worked, and audiocassettes documenting conference sessions, readings, lectures, and presentations, including creative writing instruction and Native American themed programming.

This collection documents humanities teaching and outreach, with particular documentation of American Indian studies programming, regional literary culture, and public humanities initiatives in South Dakota and the northern Great Plains. The papers support research on the development of humanities conferences and community programs affiliated with SDSU and statewide partners, including the planning, funding, and implementation of programs such as Consider the Century, the Great Plains Writers’ Conference, and Oak Lake writers’ activities. The collection also documents late twentieth and early twenty-first century public conversations in South Dakota relating to reconciliation, cultural representation, environmental and civic issues, and debates over sports team mascots and nicknames, as reflected in Woodard’s program files, correspondence, and collected documentation.

This collection contains a personal expense notebook kept by Clark S. Thomas, a student at South Dakota State College from 1937 to 1941. The notebook documents his daily expenses—including meals, entertainment, clothing, school supplies, and income—while in college and during his military service in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1941 to 1945. Also included are receipts for tuition and fees paid between 1937 and 1941.

The Crozier Family Papers documents family history, educational pursuits, crafting expertise, and community involvement spanning multiple generations. The collection records Caryl's life and career, encompassing educational materials from high school and college, extensive correspondence with family and friends, journals and writings detailing life stories and memories, numerous craft and sewing projects, 4-H achievements, recipes, and homemaking activities. It also includes records of her participation in book clubs and other social groups, teaching materials, family and personal photographs, scrapbooks, photo albums, and memorabilia.

Additionally, the collection features family heirlooms such as clothing, quilts, and other crafted items. Files related to Caryl and her husband Edward cover travel journals, correspondence with family and friends, various home and craft projects, wedding and honeymoon details, and their writings. The collection also contains extensive genealogical records, primarily focusing on the Croziers, Kinkners, Ericksons, Joneses, and other extended family members. Researchers will find biographical information, correspondences, genealogical records, and historical notes about Beresford, South Dakota, as well as collected recipes, patterns, and club activities related to Caryl's mother, Elvera Kinkner.

Many files include commercial patterns annotated by Caryl, indicating the recipients of the clothing and images of the finished garments. The collection also features samples of sewing projects Caryl completed during college. Some materials contain stick pins and needles; caution is advised when handling these items.

The Dan W. Johnson Papers and Jeanne Johnson and Antiques Ltd. Records document the personal and professional lives of Dan and Jeanne Johnson, with a strong focus on their activities in Marshall, Lyon County, Minnesota. Spanning much of the 20th century, the collection reflects Dan Johnson’s career in journalism, public relations, and higher education, particularly his work at Southwest State University from 1969 until his retirement in 1981. It includes extensive newspaper clippings, correspondence, speeches, professional writings, campus directories, and institutional publications, much of it collected after retirement.

The collection also documents Johnson's earlier work as a newspaper editor, his service during World War II, and his post-retirement consulting work, most notably for Schwan’s Home Service, Inc. Records from Schwan’s include article drafts, internal correspondence, promotional materials, and photographs. Additional files highlight his community involvement through civic projects, local government initiatives, and regional journalism.

Personal and family materials are also significant in the collection, including correspondence, photographs, and memorabilia related to his children, grandchildren, and extended family. His military service is represented through wartime photos, placement letters, and related documents. Files on colleagues, friends, and educational institutions—such as the University of Minnesota and South Dakota State University—are present as well.

The Jeanne Johnson and Antiques Ltd. Records detail the operation of Jeanne Johnson’s antique business, including articles of incorporation, partner information, a personal planner, and clippings. The collection provides a community-based perspective on mid-to-late 20th-century life in southwest Minnesota, and offers research value in the fields of regional journalism, university public relations, civic engagement, and small business development.

The Dave Martin Papers document the organization, execution, and impact of the 1977 goodwill basketball trip to Cuba, arranged through the efforts of SDSU Sports Information Director David Martin in collaboration with Senators George McGovern and James Abourezk. The collection spans 1975 to 1977 and contains correspondence, proposals, rosters, press lists, programs, newspaper clippings, and post-trip reports that highlight the extensive planning and political considerations involved.

Photographs and slides provide visual documentation of the South Dakota State University and University of South Dakota basketball players in competition with the Cuban National Basketball Team, as well as images of cultural exchanges, ceremonies, and tours of Havana and other sites. The collection also includes depictions of American and Cuban players dining together, meetings with Cuban dignitaries such as Fidel and Raúl Castro, and the participation of Senators McGovern and Abourezk.

This collection documents a unique Cold War–era sports diplomacy initiative that used basketball as a vehicle for cultural exchange during a period of strained U.S.-Cuba relations. It illustrates the role of South Dakota institutions and leaders in international outreach and highlights the intersection of athletics, politics, and diplomacy. The photographs and correspondence provide rare firsthand evidence of citizen and cultural diplomacy efforts during the 1970s, showcasing the symbolic importance of athletic competition in fostering dialogue across political divides.

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.

The David Dwyer Papers, spanning the years 1924–2017 (bulk 1969–2003), document the life and literary career of poet, translator, and writer David Dwyer. The collection comprises a wide range of materials related to Dwyer’s published works, translations, personal correspondence, literary activities, and other creative endeavors, reflecting his engagement with both regional and national literary communities.

Included are drafts, manuscripts, annotated proofs, and correspondence for Dwyer’s major poetry collections, including Ariana Olisvos: Her Last Works and Days (1976) and Other Men and Other Women (1988), as well as numerous published and unpublished poems, prose pieces, and literary projects. The papers also preserve working notes and early drafts that provide insight into Dwyer’s creative process. His translation work is well-represented, particularly his efforts to render the writings of French poet Catherine Pozzi, including Agnes, and related research notes and manuscripts.

Correspondence reflects Dwyer’s relationships with publishers, literary figures, and institutions, as well as his efforts to secure fellowships and publication. The collection includes documentation of his participation in residencies and literary programs, such as the Plains Writers Series and an artist residency in Glen Falls, New York. Awards and recognitions such as the Juniper Prize and the Bush Artist Fellowship are also documented.

Personal materials include educational records, travel documentation, personal correspondence, and items related to his health and final years, notably materials concerning his lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and death in 2003. Tributes, memorials, and correspondence related to his burial at Assumption Abbey in North Dakota are also present.

Visual and ephemera materials include photographs of Dwyer and family members, headshots, and images of rural South Dakota, as well as membership cards, certificates, and personal documents. The collection also contains literary journals, chapbooks, anthologies, and yearbooks in which Dwyer's work appeared, making it a resource for studying American poetry, literary translation, and regional literary history.

This collection is composed of files from the office of David F. Pearson while serving as Vice President for Administration. Folders consist mainly of correspondence and files dealing with the F. O. Butler Foundation, the engineering controversy of the early 1970s, and material dealing with the celebration of the United States Bicentennial celebration on the campus of South Dakota State University.

The correspondence consists of letters sent and received by David F. Pearson while service was Vice President for Administration.

The F.O. Butler Foundation files are composed of material dealing with the organization of the F.O. Butler Foundation at South Dakota State University. Folders contain approved requests, Articles of Incorporation, campus enrichment, and correspondence files.

The Engineering Controversy files is composed of material dealing with the controversy surrounding the possible removal of the College of Engineering from South Dakota State University in the early 1970s. Folders contain correspondence, analysis, departmental actions, clippings, and master plan material.

The Bicentennial Celebration files is composed of material dealing with the celebration of the United States Bicentennial on the campus of South Dakota State University. Folders consist of budget and proposal material, committee minutes, calendar of events, and correspondence.

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.

The Del Johnson Papers span the period of Delmar R. Johnson’s tenure as Director of University Computing Services (1982–2003) and later as Director of Administrative and Research Computing at South Dakota State University (2003–2012). The collection documents Johnson’s leadership and involvement in the planning, development, and administration of computing infrastructure and services across the university.

The records primarily consist of extensive correspondence, committee files, planning documents, and meeting minutes. Topics include computer capacity and configuration planning, instructional computing initiatives, university-wide technology planning, and the multi-phase network infrastructure rebuild project around 2000. Johnson’s work with campus and statewide advisory councils, including the Computer User’s Advisory Council (CUAC), is also well documented. The collection reflects Johnson’s collaborative efforts with university administrators, academic departments, and external consultants such as Elert and Associates and IBM.

Of particular significance are materials related to strategic technology initiatives, including long-term planning for instructional computing, mainframe consolidation, and integration of computing into research and extension services. The collection also provides historical insight into SDSU's evolving IT governance, security policies, and infrastructure across academic units.

The Dona Brown Papers contain research and project records compiled by Dr. April Brooks and Dr. Ruth Ann Alexander, professors at South Dakota State University, and donated to the Archives in 2004. The material primarily relates to a humanities grant and a literary documentation initiative. Contents include general correspondence, an address index for group members, articles, obituaries, and records from Huron College. Also included are project notes, biographies, and questionnaires related to the “Poets and Writers of South Dakota” project, a literary documentation effort initiated by Dona Brown.

This collection documents scholarly and creative efforts to support and recognize South Dakota’s literary community. It provides insight into grant-funded humanities research as well as the collection and preservation of regional literary histories. The materials reflect both institutional involvement in the humanities and a grassroots approach to documenting the voices of local poets and writers.

The Donald Berg Papers are composed primarily of materials documenting the Conference on American Indian History and Culture, including records from the first through eighteenth annual conferences held between 1993 and 2010. These materials include organizational records, conference letterhead, and participant lists dating from 1993 to 2004. The collection also contains research files assembled by Berg related to the Dakota, Minnesota, and Eastern Railroad, with a focus on railroad safety in Brookings, South Dakota, and proposed expansion projects. These materials include extensive newspaper clippings from 1997 through 2012, draft and supplemental environmental impact statements, Powder River Basin Coal Expansion Project maps, photographs of railroad infrastructure in Rochester, Minnesota, and digital files stored on floppy disks. Additional materials include a Brookings Railroad Safety Plan dated 2007 and a small amount of professional ephemera such as business cards

This collection documents of Berg’s sustained scholarly and public engagement with American Indian history and culture through nearly two decades of conference activity. The railroad research files document local and regional responses to proposed rail expansion, environmental review processes, and railroad safety concerns, illustrating Berg’s application of geographic and historical research methods to contemporary infrastructure and policy issues in South Dakota and the upper Midwest.

The Donald D. Johnson Papers contain a photocopy of a narrative written around 1918 describing the experiences of John P. (Johan Peter) Johnson, a Swedish immigrant and grandfather of the donor, during the years 1871 to 1879. The text was translated by Alma N. Lundin and read at the Benton Lutheran Church in South Dakota circa 1918. The original document is not included. The collection also includes The Quill, a publication produced by students at Marion High School in Marion, South Dakota, published by Donald D. Johnson in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Johnson of Hartford, South Dakota, presumed to be his parents.

The papers document Swedish immigration to South Dakota and the preservation of family and community history through translation and commemorative publication.

The Ed Hogan Papers span from 1960 to 2014 and document the career, scholarship, and public service of Edward P. Hogan, geographer, faculty member, and academic administrator at South Dakota State University. The collection offers comprehensive insight into Hogan’s leadership in building South Dakota’s only geography program and advancing public understanding of the state’s demographic, educational, and regional development challenges. It includes appointment books, correspondence, clippings, certificates, photographs, academic writings, public testimony, and conference presentations, as well as research materials gathered during Hogan’s studies on out-migration, urban planning, geography education, aging populations, and political and cultural identity in South Dakota.

The papers contain personal and professional correspondence (1966–2003), academic and administrative files related to Hogan’s tenure in the Department of Geography and in central administration, and extensive documentation of the Center for Public Higher Education, particularly its efforts to expand university access in Sioux Falls. Drafts, reports, grant proposals, articles, and manuscripts authored or co-authored by Hogan are present throughout, reflecting his long-standing interests in house typology, rural development, internal migration, and geography curricula. Materials also include course files, lecture notes, and notebooks from his studies at Saint Louis University, along with SDSU governance records such as restructuring proposals, diversity council materials, and long-range planning documents. Additional content includes retirement tributes, family history files, and writings related to Hogan’s Irish heritage and public outreach.

This collection is a resource for understanding the development of geography as a discipline at SDSU and within South Dakota’s public higher education system. Hogan’s scholarship on population trends, particularly youth out-migration and community planning, informed both policy and pedagogy across academic and civic contexts. His administrative leadership, especially through the Center for Public Higher Education, provides documentation of institutional responses to changing educational access and demographic needs. The collection supports research in geography education, rural sociology, state policy, migration studies, and the political culture of twentieth-century South Dakota.

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.

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.

The Elvin Bjorklund Papers document the professional career and contributions of Elvin Bjorklund to the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), particularly in South Dakota and Region 5 of the United States Department of Agriculture. The collection includes reports, conference materials, historical narratives, personnel records, photographs, and training documentation. Topics covered include the history, organization, and development of the Soil Conservation Service; conservation projects in the Black Hills and Missouri River Basin; irrigation and land use initiatives; and leadership and training programs.

Notable items include a biographical profile of Elvin Bjorklund, anniversary materials from the SCS’s 25th year, documentation on the Oahe Irrigation Project, correspondence regarding Ross D. Davies, and black-and-white photographs capturing conservation personnel, farms, and field events. Also present are engineering handbooks for Region 5 and materials reflecting national and regional soil conservation programs and needs assessments.

This collection provides insight into mid-20th-century federal conservation efforts, especially within South Dakota. It offers a detailed look at USDA soil conservation strategies, training practices, and local implementation, and it preserves the legacy of key individuals like Hugh Hammond Bennett and Ross D. Davies. Researchers interested in agricultural history, public land use policy, and federal environmental programs will find these materials especially useful.

Photocopy of a handwritten memoir of Emil Jacobsen's life. The bound volume includes 254 pages of Jacobsen's personal narrative, along with 10 additional pages containing family tree information and explanatory notes. The memoir offers a detailed, first-hand account likely to hold historical and genealogical significance, particularly in documenting everyday life, cultural identity, and regional experiences during Jacobsen's lifetime. It may also provide valuable insight into immigration, settlement patterns, and family history, making it a useful resource for researchers, descendants, and local historians.

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.

The Ethel Austin Martin Papers span her personal life, academic background, professional career, and enduring legacy in the field of nutrition. The collection includes correspondence, publications, autobiographical writings, oral history transcripts, photographs, ephemera, awards, and memorabilia. It documents her education from elementary school through graduate studies at Columbia University, her work as an educator and director of nutrition services at the National Dairy Council, and her authorship of several widely used nutrition textbooks. Also included are materials related to her professional affiliations, recognitions, and involvement in national and international conferences. A significant portion of the collection relates to her long-standing relationship with South Dakota State University, particularly her efforts to establish the Ethel Austin Martin Program in Human Nutrition. Items such as diplomas, certificates, calling cards, and a blanket worn in the first Hobo Day parade help illuminate her personal story, while her correspondence and writings reflect her contributions to nutrition education and public health.

Ethel Austin Martin was a nationally recognized leader in nutrition education and public health. As director of nutrition services at the National Dairy Council, she helped shape national nutrition programming. Her influence extended through her textbooks, professional service, and advocacy. This collection is of particular value to researchers studying 20th-century nutrition education, women in science, public health outreach, and South Dakota State University's institutional history. The papers offer insights into both her professional impact and personal legacy, especially her dedication to fostering human nutrition education through the endowed chair at SDSU.

The F. C. W. Kuehn Papers consist of architectural plans for various buildings, primarily located in South Dakota, spanning from 1917 to 1952. It includes designs for one-story and other structures, such as commercial buildings, schools, churches, and residential properties. Notable examples include the Huron Dairy Products Company, several South Dakota Standard and Kuehn’s Standard school buildings, and the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Doland. Additionally, the collection features plans for public works projects, including city auditoriums, fire stations, and service stations, as well as residential structures and a variety of renovations and repairs. These plans reflect the architectural development and growth of South Dakota during the early to mid-20th century, highlighting a range of construction types and purposes.
The architectural drawings include work from both Kuehn's years enrolled in the International Correspondence Schools and his career as an architect.

The general items are composed of miscellaneous items related to Kuehn.

The random specifications are composed of construction specifications for projects Kuehn worked on.

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.

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.

The collection contains correspondence dating from 1940 to 1950, including letters addressed to George L. Brown in his capacity as president of South Dakota State University and other professional correspondence. A small group of materials dating from 1944 to 1946 includes letters and an image associated with commemorations of Brown’s work and long service to the institution. The records document administrative responsibilities, professional relationships, and institutional recognition during the later years of Brown’s career.

This collection documents George L. Brown’s leadership roles and continued involvement with South Dakota State University during the closing years of his professional life. The correspondence and commemorative materials offer insight into institutional governance, presidential duties, and the recognition of long-term service within a land grant university context.

The collection includes clippings (1960-1965), correspondence (1929-1962), and materials from the Department of History and Political Science (1943-1957). It features Glimpses of SDSU (1957), A History: The Abbots, the Allyn's, the Stickney's and the Young's (undated), greeting cards (undated), and a Study in History (undated). It also contains manuscripts by Gertrude Stickney Young, including material on the history of South Dakota State University's history department, Christmas cards with artwork by Ada Caldwell, certificates, and other personal items.

This collection offers insights into Young's academic and civic contributions, reflecting her influence on South Dakota State University and her dedication to preserving history. Works such as Glimpses of SDSU and family histories underscore her role as a writer and historian, while correspondence and clippings highlight her professional and personal impact. The collection is a significant resource for understanding South Dakota's educational and cultural development.

This collection consists of editorials written by Gordon Garnos between 1998 and 2016. The bulk of the material includes city, state, and national editorials published in the Watertown (South Dakota) Public Opinion, as well as weekly syndicated “Seeing South Dakota” columns that appeared in newspapers across South Dakota. Editorial content covers a wide range of topics including agriculture, economic development, education, governance, legislative issues, local interest, national affairs, and politics. The collection also contains index listings, title lists, and multiple runs of columns arranged in reverse chronological order. Documentation includes editorial gaps, the final published column (October 31, 2016), and an obituary and related correspondence following Garnos’s death.

The Gordon Garnos Papers offer insight into South Dakota's political and civic discourse at the turn of the 21st century. As a longtime columnist and former press secretary to Governor Frank Farrar, Garnos brought institutional knowledge and a regional perspective to public commentary. His editorials reflect the evolving priorities and concerns of rural communities, especially in relation to state government, agricultural policy, and economic change. The collection is a significant resource for researchers studying media influence, public opinion, and political culture in South Dakota during the late 1990s through mid-2010s.

The H. H. DeLong Papers are comprised of research, publications, and professional activity related to rammed earth construction, with a strong focus on agricultural and rural building applications. Materials include bulletins, circulars, extension publications, engineering data, research reports, manuals, and bibliographies dating from 1919 to 1988, with some later contextual material through 2011. The publications were issued by land grant universities, federal and state agencies, international organizations, and research institutions, including South Dakota State College, the United States Department of Agriculture, Texas A and M University, the University of California, and the United Nations. Subjects addressed include soil composition, construction techniques, structural performance, building finishes, housing design, and applications of rammed earth and related earthen building methods such as adobe, cob, and pisé de terre. The collection also includes news articles highlighting rammed earth projects and public interest in the method. Biographical materials related to Henry Herbert DeLong are present, including clippings, honors, obituary material, a curriculum vitae, and portrait photographs, documenting his professional career and recognition for contributions to agricultural engineering and rammed earth research.

The collection provides documentation of twentieth century research and practical guidance on rammed earth construction in agricultural and rural contexts, reflecting the role of land grant institutions and government agencies in promoting cost effective and locally sourced building materials. The inclusion of publications authored by or associated with Henry Herbert DeLong documents his contributions to the development and dissemination of rammed earth construction methods and their application in the United States. The materials support research in agricultural engineering, sustainable building practices, rural housing, and the history of earthen construction technologies.

The Harold W. Shunk Papers focuses on Native American history, particularly the Dakota and Lakota tribes. It includes a wide range of materials, such as newsletters, manuscripts, notebooks, and historical lists. The collection documents significant events and figures in the history of the tribes and their interactions with federal agencies.

Among the key materials are typewritten transcripts from the Wahehe Heirship hearing, personal histories related to the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, and writings about the Dakota Indian Tiospaye system. The collection also covers military posts like Fort Laramie and Fort Totten and includes detailed accounts of the Big Foot massacre at Wounded Knee and the second Battle of Wounded Knee. Prominent individuals featured in the records include Crazy Horse, Crow King, Spotted Tail, Plenty Horses, and Harold W. Shunk, providing insights into the tribal leadership, cultural practices, and the role of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in local governance

A significant portion of the collection focuses on the Wahehe Heirship hearing transcripts, which address inheritance rights for Wahehe's allotment, alongside personal histories of individuals connected to the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. Writings on the Dakota Indian Tiospaye system feature alongside documents pertaining to military posts such as Fort Laramie and Fort Totten. Accounts of moments such as the Big Foot massacre at Wounded Knee and the second Battle of Wounded Knee are also included.

Physical artifacts, such as mounted steer horns, provide additional cultural context.

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.

Comprises 71 journals kept by Henry and Inez Johnson documenting rural life near Baltic, South Dakota.

The Hilton M. Briggs Papers document the professional career, presidency, retirement, and postretirement activities of Hilton M. Briggs, president of South Dakota State University from 1958 to 1975. The collection spans from the 1940s through 2001 and includes correspondence, administrative and biographical materials, speeches, writings, reports, scrapbooks, photographs, clippings, certificates, awards, and memorabilia. Materials document Briggs’ leadership at South Dakota State University, including campus growth, administrative reorganization, alumni relations, presidential housing, athletics, and student life, as well as his involvement in national and international agricultural education initiatives.

The collection contains extensive documentation of Briggs’ retirement and recognition, including congratulatory letters, legislative resolutions, tribute volumes, plaques, trophies, and certificates from professional organizations, alumni groups, agricultural associations, and equine organizations. Significant portions of the collection relate to Briggs’ induction into the Saddle and Sirloin Club portrait collection, including correspondence, photographs, and programs. The papers also include Briggs’ scholarly and professional writings in animal science and agricultural research, progress reports, journal articles, and later reflective writings, including an autobiography.

Photographic materials document university events, campus architecture, travel, family life, professional activities, and Briggs’ long standing involvement with horses and horse shows. Scrapbooks and memorabilia volumes compile news coverage, honors, and personal materials spanning his early career through retirement. The collection also documents Briggs’ work after leaving the presidency, including international agricultural programs, People to People tours, and the Botswana Agricultural College project.

The Hilton M. Briggs Papers document the longest presidential administration in the history of South Dakota State University and a period of substantial institutional transformation. The collection provides evidence of the university’s transition from a college to a university, expansion of academic programs, growth in enrollment and facilities, and changes in shared governance involving faculty and students. Briggs’ writings and administrative records also contribute to the historical study of animal science, agricultural research, and extension education in the mid twentieth century. The extensive recognition materials and retirement documentation reflect Briggs’ national influence in agricultural education, university administration, and livestock and equine communities, while the international materials illustrate the global reach of land grant agricultural expertise during the postwar period.

The Hofer/Loewen Family Papers primarily document the agricultural operations, political involvement, and personal history of the Hofer family in Beadle County, South Dakota. Spanning from 1947 to 2000, the collection includes detailed farm accounting records maintained through various record book formats, including those issued by South Dakota State College Extension, National Farmers’ publications, and Farm Credit Services. These ledgers provide comprehensive data on land use, livestock inventories, crop production, machinery, expenditures, and farm business summaries.

Also included are materials from Ben Hofer’s 1996 campaign for the South Dakota State Senate, such as advertising, posters, newspaper clippings, and promotional items. Additional content consists of biographical material on Ben Hofer and his father Josua Hofer, a funeral program, photographs, and a farm history written by Elise Waldner. Notably, the collection contains acreage measurements for Milford Township compiled by Josua Hofer in 1940, offering valuable local land use documentation. A series of calendars captures daily appointments and activities, contributing further insight into the family’s agricultural and civic life.

This collection offers researchers a longitudinal record of farm management in eastern South Dakota across five decades, illustrating evolving agricultural practices and rural economics. It also reflects the political and civic engagement of a farming family, particularly through Ben Hofer’s campaign materials and local documentation compiled by Josua Hofer. The materials offer researchers insight into mid-to-late 20th-century rural life, land use, and regional agricultural history in Beadle County.

The J. Howard Kramer Papers are composed of an unedited manuscript draft for Kramer's book A History of South Dakota State University, 1884 to 1975. The manuscript is divided into two segments: the first includes the introduction through Chapter 10, and the second includes Chapters 11 through 13. This version of the manuscript contains material that was later reduced or omitted during the editing process prior to publication. In addition to the manuscript, the collection includes biographical summaries compiled by Kramer of South Dakota State University presidents from George Lilley through Hilton M. Briggs, covering the years 1884 to 1975.

This collection provides insight into the institutional development of South Dakota State University and preserves contextual material not present in the published version of Kramer's history. The president biographies offer additional perspectives on administrative leadership and university governance during key periods of transformation and growth.