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Finding Aid
UA 006.03 · Records · 1922-2014

The School of Communication and Journalism Records collection at South Dakota State University offers a view of the department’s academic, professional, and cultural history. The materials include a wide array of newsletters, pamphlets, programs, posters, reports, and instructional aids that document the department’s evolution, its educational initiatives, and its engagement with both students and the broader journalism community.

The collection features numerous departmental publications such as newsletters and bulletins that provided updates on internships, academic programs, and faculty activities. It includes promotional and commemorative materials from events like Journalism Week, Newspaper Day, the Lusk Lecture, and various banquets and conferences. These materials reflect the department’s commitment to fostering professional development and celebrating milestones in journalism education.

A significant portion of the collection is devoted to student involvement and experiential learning. The South Dakota Observer, a newspaper entirely produced by students—from writing and editing to typesetting and printing—serves as a central artifact of the department’s hands-on approach to journalism training. Other student-centered materials include style guides, course announcements, and workshop pamphlets, which illustrate the department’s emphasis on practical skills and industry standards.

The collection also highlights the department’s efforts to engage with underrepresented communities, particularly through materials related to American Indian journalism and media. Pamphlets and programs from career conferences and symposia underscore the department’s role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the field.

Instructional resources such as transparencies, slides, and visual aids used in teaching courses on media history and design are also present, offering insight into the pedagogical strategies employed by faculty. Administrative documents, including annual reports and institutional reviews, provide context for the department’s internal development and external recognition, including national awards and accreditations.

This collection is a resource for understanding the history of journalism education in South Dakota and the broader Midwest. It captures the department’s leadership in printing and rural journalism, its dedication to student learning, and its contributions to the professional journalism landscape.

South Dakota State University. School of Communication and Journalism
Mary O’Neill Papers
UA 053.067 · Papers

The collection consists of professional papers documenting leadership and participation in remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), geospatial technology education, and satellite data access initiatives from approximately 1971 to 2018. Materials include correspondence, reports, proposals, grant files, conference and workshop materials, meeting records, instructional resources, technical documentation, imagery and mapping records, and administrative files.

Significant documentation pertains to AmericaView and South DakotaView programs, the Upper Midwest Aerospace Consortium and its Education Public Access Resource Center, and collaborative projects with federal agencies including USGS, NASA, USDA, and USAID. The records reflect the development of statewide geospatial infrastructure, Landsat data advocacy, K–12 geospatial education initiatives, university research administration, and applied remote sensing projects addressing agriculture, water resources, transportation, land use, and environmental monitoring.

Also included are course notes and teaching materials for geography and GIS courses, professional conference participation, university committee service, and records relating to the South Dakota State University Remote Sensing Institute and related research centers.

O'Neill, Mary
MA 031 · Records · 1920-1999

The records document the activities, administration, and history of the Brookings Rotary Club from 1920 to 1999. Materials include foundational documents such as the 1920 charter, by-laws, and constitution; correspondence, committee reports, and assignments from the 1960s through the 1990s; district conference planning and reports to the District Governor spanning 1957–1999; and membership directories from 1943–1999. The collection also contains certificates, awards, attendance records, banquet programs, president’s plans, and a book project. Extensive newsletters titled Rotary Cog date from 1920–1998, along with clippings, photographs, and a club history compiled between 1955 and 1995. Additional materials include a songbook, records of Rotary Foundation scholarship activity, and summaries of club plans and objectives.

The collection provides documentation of the Brookings Rotary Club’s organizational development, community involvement, and participation in Rotary International programs over nearly eight decades. It reflects local leadership, service initiatives, and the continuity of civic engagement in Brookings, South Dakota.

Brookings Rotary Club (Brookings, S.D.)
James Pollock Papers
MA 131 · Papers · 1881-2026

The James Pollock Papers document the life, art, and contributions of South Dakota artist James Pollock, with a particular focus on his involvement in the U.S. Army's Combat Art Teams (CAT) and his artistic works related to the Vietnam War. The collection encompasses a wide range of materials, including notes, interviews, reports, articles, photographs, and sketches, offering a detailed look at Pollock's creative process, his military experiences, and his artistic evolution both during and after his service. A central component of the collection highlights Pollock's role in the Combat Art Teams, which aimed to capture the realities of war through visual art. His contributions span various phases of the Vietnam conflict and also includes material of other Combat Artist Team military assignments in locations such as Korea, Thailand, Germany, Alaska, and Panama.

The collection features numerous original ink sketches that showcase Pollock's distinctive style and his evolving artistic vision over the years. These works cover a broad range of subjects, from wildlife and landscapes to human figures, frequently drawing inspiration from his South Dakota heritage. In addition to his war-related art, Pollock's work has been exhibited in venues such as the Indianapolis Exhibit and the Robinson Museum in Pierre, South Dakota. Articles and press releases from publications like South Dakota Magazine and Vietnam Magazine document his artistic impact, highlighting the significance of his contributions to both military and civilian audiences.

Correspondence within the collection reveals Pollock's interactions with a diverse group of individuals, including political figures, fellow artists, military personnel, and veterans. These letters provide valuable insight into the professional and cultural networks that supported Pollock's artistic endeavors.

Beyond his military and war-related art, the collection includes Pollock's personal projects, such as his illustrations for Blood on the Killdeer by Dana Close Jennings, as well as his involvement in South Dakota's Centennial and Bicentennial celebrations. His engagement with the public is further reflected in materials related to his participation in art forums for veterans. The collection also documents Pollock's media presence, including his web site, articles, and video content, which showcase his outreach efforts to veterans and the broader public.

Overall, the James Pollock Papers offer a comprehensive portrait of an artist whose work bridges military history, cultural heritage, and personal expression, underscoring the enduring impact of his artistic contributions.

Pollock, James, 1943-
Donald Berg Papers
UA 053.047 · Papers · 1985-2012

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.

Berg, Donald
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
UA 006 · Records · 1953-2017

This collection consists of records generated by the administrative offices of the College of Arts and Sciences at South Dakota State University. Materials include correspondence, brochures, bulletins, committee records, meeting minutes, statistical reports, and mission statements, as well as publications related to campus events and academic programs. A substantial portion of the collection comprises newsletters issued under various titles—including Arts at State, College of Arts & Science Newsletter, Focus on Arts at State, Hear Ye! Hear Ye!, What's Up, and Transformation Magazine—which document college activities, achievements, faculty initiatives, and student engagement.

These records provide insight into the organizational structure, communication strategies, and evolving academic and cultural identity of the College of Arts and Sciences. The newsletters, in particular, serve as a valuable chronicle of internal developments, outreach efforts, and the college's role within the broader university community over time.

South Dakota State University. College of Arts and Sciences
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
N. E. Hansen Papers
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
David Dwyer Papers
MA 047.01 · Papers · 1984-2017

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.

Dwyer, David, 1946-2003
Crozier Family Papers
MA 088 · Papers · 1900-2024

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.

Crozier, Caryl, 1938-
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
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 documents agricultural improvement efforts, certified seed promotion, and rural organizational development in South Dakota.

South Dakota Crop Improvement Association
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
MA 027 · Records · 1955-2020

he collection documents environmental advocacy, public policy development, and citizen engagement related to natural resources in South Dakota, primarily from the 1970s through the 2010s. Records are arranged largely by topic and include background research, media coverage, regulatory and legislative documentation, and technical materials such as environmental analyses and impact statements. Significant concentrations address energy production and transmission, rural electric cooperatives and the Public Utilities Commission, air and water quality regulation, irrigation and water development projects, and the environmental impacts of agricultural and extractive industries.

Also included are organizational and administrative files that trace the operations of the sponsoring group(s), including governance records (minutes, bylaws, board and committee files), financial records, membership and outreach materials, and newsletters and public communications. Together, the materials document how environmental issues were researched, debated, communicated, and pursued through public testimony, coalition work, educational programming, and legislative action at local, state, and federal levels.

South Dakota Resources Coalition
MA 026 · Records · 1914-1995

This collection documents the activities and organizational structure of the South Dakota Farm Bureau, with records spanning local county extension reports, internal committee operations, marketing initiatives, and administrative governance. The materials reflect the Bureau's efforts to support and advocate for South Dakota’s agricultural communities through coordinated programming, policy development, and member engagement.

Included are annual and narrative reports from county extension agents in Brookings, Codington, and Hamlin Counties, which illustrate localized outreach and education efforts in collaboration with the Farm Bureau. Federation Records comprise a significant portion of the collection and include documentation from various standing and ad hoc committees—such as the Executive Committee, Women’s Committee, Marketing Committee, and Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee—highlighting the Bureau’s focus on leadership development, legislative advocacy, and agricultural promotion. Bylaws, financial reports, meeting minutes, clippings, and historical narratives provide additional context for the organization’s governance and evolution. Records from affiliated entities such as the Mutual Insurance Company and a Service Company further illustrate the Bureau’s broader cooperative and service functions.

This collection offers valuable insight into the history, priorities, and grassroots organization of the South Dakota Farm Bureau and its role in shaping agricultural policy and community development in the state.

South Dakota Farm Bureau
Vera Way Marghab Papers
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.

Marghab, Vera Way, 1900-1995
MA 024 · 1949, 1975, 1997

The materials include an undated manuscript titled Im Schneesturm (In the Blizzard), along with newspaper accounts, photographs, and other background information. Various translations of the manuscript were published in 1949, 1975, and 1997. Among these are versions printed by the Evangelisches Gemeindeblatt, a German-language Lutheran church bulletin from Madison, Wisconsin, and by the Watertown Public Opinion, which includes a translation by Reverend Elwood Habermann. However, Habermann's translation omits Frederick's role as editor and copier of the original document, along with several other significant details that were unknown to him.

Grewing, Frederick 1867-1937
MA 023 · Collection · 1914-1916

The collection consists of correspondence between Henry Langford Loucks and Richard F. Pettigrew from 1914 to 1916, primarily discussing political issues related to the progressive movement in early 20th-century America. Loucks' letters to Pettigrew span from November 1914 through July 1916, while Pettigrew's responses cover a similar period. In addition to the correspondence, the collection includes undated photographs, editorials authored by Loucks, and a 1917 pamphlet titled Will the Farmer be the "Goat" Once More?, which addresses agricultural and economic concerns. The materials provide insight into the political discourse and reform efforts of the time.

Loucks, Henry L. (Henry Langford) 1846-1928
Theodore W. Schultz Papers
MA 022 · Papers · 1932-2007

The Theodore W. Schultz Collection documents the extensive contributions of Schultz to economics, particularly in agricultural productivity, human capital, and economic development. The collection spans from 1932 to 1992, with the bulk consisting of Schultz's personal collection of articles, primarily offprints from journals, many bearing his signature. Included are a few articles authored by others that review Schultz's work or contain biographical material. This archive is a valuable resource for understanding Schultz's intellectual impact and the evolution of economic thought in these fields.

The general series includes correspondence (1975-1989) and a small number of collected works. Notably, the correspondence contains a letter from Schultz to Dr. Leon Raney, Dean of Libraries at South Dakota State University, discussing the creation of a bibliography of his works. His publications include books, reports, and reprinted articles on key economic themes such as foreign aid, agricultural development, investment in human capital, and educational policies. Prominent works include Agricultural Productivity in Low-Income Countries(1981), The Economics of Being Poor(1980), and Investing in People(1981).

The Dale Hoover Collection on Theodore Schultz consists of draft articles and conference papers, with some article reprints. Collected by Dale Hoover, a faculty member at North Carolina State University's Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, this material includes highlighted passages, annotations by Hoover, and correspondence from Schultz. Schultz sought Hoover's input on drafts before publication. Additionally, the Schultz Symposium materials (1980-1981) reflect continued discussions on his economic theories. This collection is significant for researchers studying economic policy, agricultural economics, and human capital investment, offering firsthand insights into Schultz's academic and professional influence.

Schultz, Theodore W. (Theodore William), 1902-1998
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
MA 020 · Collection · 1918-1987

The Incredible Gladys Pyle Collection comprises clippings, correspondence, financial records, manuscripts, research materials, transcripts, and audiocassettes, documenting the life and contributions of Gladys Pyle, a trailblazing political figure in South Dakota.

The clippings include advertisements for the book The Incredible Gladys Pyle and news articles marking Pyle’s 96th birthday. Correspondence features letters discussing the book’s pub-lication, including corrections suggested by Pyle and a handwritten letter from Governor Sig-urd Anderson commending her political contributions. Financial records are minimal, consisting of itemized expense lists.

Two manuscripts of the book are included - one with the published title The Incredible Gladys Pyle and another under the alternative title Gladys Pyle: Always a Pioneer. Research materi-als span from 1918 to 1984, providing historical context. The collection also includes transcripts of interviews with Pyle, some accompanied by notebooks containing interview questions.

The audiocassettes document Pyle’s reflections on her career, including her tenure in Pierre, involvement in the ERA committee, and business endeavors. Additional recordings capture her 90th birthday recollections, childhood memories, and insights into Huron College. Other tapes contain travel logs from unidentified individuals recounting experiences in Taiwan, India, Sri Lanka, China, and Japan, as well as Radio Issues Forum broadcasts from 1976. A re-cording of guitar music is also included, though its significance is unclear.

This collection provides insight into Pyle’s legacy as a pioneering woman in politics, preserving firsthand accounts of her experiences and historical contributions through written and audio materials.

Pyle, Gladys, 1890-1989
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
Donald D. Johnson Papers
MA 018 · Papers · 1910, 1918

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.

Johnson, Donald D. (Donald Dale)
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
MA 015 · Records · 1935-2007, undated

This collection documents the activities and governance of the American Association of University Women, Brookings Branch, offering valuable insight into the organization's role in promoting education, women's rights, and community engagement. It includes reports, minutes, newsletters, programs, bylaws, and correspondence, though no series is complete.

The collection provides documents related to the branch's administrative functions, including annual reports, bylaws, financial and fundraising activities, and meeting minutes from both regular and executive board sessions. These records highlight the decision-making processes, organizational priorities, and project initiatives undertaken by members. Membership lists and reports on various projects further illustrate the group's impact on local and national issues.

Of particular significance is the documentation on accreditation efforts, project initiatives, and study groups, which reflect the branch's commitment to education and social advocacy. The history of the Brookings Branch contains valuable narratives on its founding and key figures, including Vivian Volstorff, who played a crucial role in the branch's accreditation, and Gertrude Stickney Young, its first president. The collection also includes correspondence, news clippings, and a scrapbook that was dismantled for preservation purposes, offering researchers insight into the branch's evolving role in civic engagement.

Newsletters and event programs further illustrate the organization's outreach efforts and evolving priorities over time. Fundraising records, member surveys, and policy documents provide context for the branch's financial and strategic decision-making. Photographs, brochures, and promotional materials add a visual dimension to the collection, offering a deeper understanding of the group's public presence.

This collection is a valuable resource for researchers studying women's organizations, grassroots activism, and local history. It sheds light on the Brookings Branch's contributions to educational initiatives, legislative advocacy, and broader societal issues, making it an essential reference for those examining the intersection of gender, education, and civic engagement.

American Association of University Women. Brookings Branch
Cuneiform Tablet Collection
AR 003 · Collection · 50 BCE 2003 CE, 1987, 2002-2003

The collection consists of six Sumerian cuneiform tablets originating from sites including Drehem, Jokha, and Senkereh in ancient Mesopotamia, along with associated documentation. Five tablets measure approximately 1.5 by 1.5 inches and contain administrative texts such as receipts for livestock, temple offering records, and a sealed temple document. One tablet measures approximately 4 by 6.5 inches and has no transcription. Translations accompanying the tablets provide basic information on date, place of origin, and content. South Dakota State College President Willis E. Johnson purchased five of the tablets from Edgar J. Banks in 1923. The sixth tablet was transferred from the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum. Supporting materials include correspondence, clippings, antiquities law references, research notes, manuscripts, photographs, maps, exhibit documentation, and information related to other institutional collections and the UCLA Cuneiform Digital Library Initiative. The collection spans from ancient Mesopotamian history to modern research activities conducted primarily in 2002 and 2003.

The collection provides primary source evidence of economic, religious, and administrative practices in ancient Mesopotamia through original Sumerian cuneiform tablets. It documents early twentieth century antiquities collecting practices in the United States through the acquisition of the tablets by South Dakota State College from Edgar J. Banks. The associated research and exhibit materials reflect modern scholarly and educational efforts to interpret, contextualize, and present ancient writing systems and Near Eastern history to academic and public audiences.

Banks, Edgar James, 1866-1945
Evelyn T. Hubbard Painting
AR 002 · Collection · 1972

Painting by Evelyn T. Hubbard; Oil on Panel, of Old Central and Old North at South Dakota State University;

The painting is a ‘legacy’ in the archives. A handwritten note in the Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs collection from Chuck Cecil (Nov. 3, 1967) reads “Contact Mrs. Earl Washburn of Fulton, S.D. regarding painting by Mrs. Evelyn Hubbard of Old North & Old Central. They desire the painting go to the Art Center.

Hubbard, Evelyn T.
Beryl Stewart Papers
MA 014 · Papers · 1923-1981

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.

Stewart, Beryl DeHaven, 1899-1961
Sigurd Anderson Papers
MA 013 · Papers · 1951-1964

This collection contains addresses delivered by Sigurd Anderson during his service as Federal Trade Commissioner from 1957 to 1964, as well as speeches and related materials from his tenure as Governor of South Dakota between 1951 and 1955. The addresses, presented before national organizations, reflect Anderson’s involvement in federal regulatory and economic matters. Included is his inaugural address to the 33rd session of the South Dakota Legislature, which outlines his gubernatorial policies and priorities.

The collection also includes mid-20th-century speeches and reports on state and regional development issues, such as the Corps of Engineers’ contributions to South Dakota (1954), proceedings from the Missouri Basin Survey Commission (1952), and records from various conventions and public policy discussions. Appropriations records from 1951 to 1955 document South Dakota’s budgetary decisions during Anderson’s administration. A biographical piece titled Sigurd Anderson – From Immigrant Boy to Governor of South Dakota provides background on his personal and professional life.

The collection documents Sigurd Anderson’s contributions to state and federal governance, particularly in areas of economic policy, public administration, and regional development during the mid-twentieth century. It provides primary source material illustrating the relationship between South Dakota’s state leadership and national regulatory initiatives.

Anderson, Sigurd, 1904-1990
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
George C. Biggar Papers
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
Harold W. Shunk Papers
MA 003 · Papers · 1911-1993

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.

Shunk, Harold, 1907-1998
MA 011 · Records · 1887, undated

The South Dakota Farmers Alliance Records document the early efforts of farmers in Dakota Territory to organize against economic and political challenges, particularly those posed by railroad monopolies. The collection includes an 1887 address by President H. L. Loucks and proceedings from the Alliance's annual convention, reflecting the organization's advocacy for agricultural and economic reforms. Additionally, an undated advertisement for A Book for Farmers Dunning's Farm Ledger and Historical Account highlights the practical and educational resources valued by the farming community.

These records provide insight into the broader Farmers' Alliance movement, which emerged in Dakota Territory in the early 1880s in response to declining wheat prices and perceived railroad injustices. The movement gained traction with the formation of the Dakota Farmers' Alliance in 1885, expanding rapidly across the region. The documents in this collection offer valuable historical context on the Alliance's objectives, leadership, and strategies during a critical period of agrarian activism in South Dakota.

South Dakota Farmer's Alliance
DA 002 · Papers · 1964-2006

In the 1986 election, Daschle became South Dakota's junior senator by winning 52 percent of the vote in a tight race with Republican Senator James Abdnor. Senator Daschle was appointed to the Finance Committee during his first year in the Senate, an unusual honor for a freshman. In 1988, he became the first South Dakotan ever to hold a Senate Leadership position when he was named the first ever co-chair of the Democratic Policy Committee by then Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell.

When Senator Mitchell retired in 1994, Daschle ran for the post of Democratic Minority Leader and won, 24-23, over Senator Christopher Dodd. Only Lyndon B. Johnson had served fewer years in the Senate before being elected to the Leader position.

Senator Daschle served as Minority Leader from 1994 to 2001, when the Senate became deadlocked with 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans for the first time in the Senate's history. Daschle became Majority Leader for 17 days, from January 3 to January 20, because the new congress took office before a new presidential administration. Vice-President Al Gore acted as ex officio President of the Senate to give the Democrats a majority.

Daschle and Trent Lott, the Republican Leader, negotiated for five weeks to invent new rules to share power in an evenly-divided Congress and finally came up with an agreement that was passed unanimously by the Senate. In May of 2001, Republican Senator Jim Jeffords became an Independent, which gave the Democrats a majority in the chamber to make Senator Daschle Majority Leader once again, from June 6, 2001-January 3, 2003. After the 2002 election, Daschle again became Minority Leader for the 108th Congress until his defeat in the 2004 election.

Tom Daschle lost the 2004 election to John Thune by 4,534 votes, a 49%-51% margin. He had been the Democratic Leader for ten years, two years longer than Lyndon B. Johnson, and was the first party leader in a half-century to be voted out of office.

The U.S. Senate papers series of the Daschle Papers is composed of records created by Tom Daschle and his staff during his tenure in the U.S. Senate. Included are trip schedules, speeches, sponsored and cosponsored legislation, and administrative files including financial disclosures, appointments and schedules. This series does not contain much material related to Daschle's campaigns for voting records during this time.

The trip schedules and files regarding his frequent trips back to South Dakota, including quite a few of Daschle's "Trip Notes" which are Daschle's notes to his staff regarding his impressions of the details of the trip and issues and concerns encountered on the trips that he wanted his staff to address.

Also included are files on the Whitewater issue during the Clinton administration, veterans issues, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota Water Projects, the accident of South Dakota Governor Mickelson, and aviation issues.

Daschle, Thomas
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
Ben Reifel Papers
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
MA 008 · Papers · 1929-1965

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 Allyns, the Stickneys and the Youngs (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 Universitys history department, Christmas cards with artwork by Ada Caldwell, certificates, and other personal items.

This collection offers insights into Youngs 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 Dakotas educational and cultural development.

Young, Gertrude Stickney, 1884-1965
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
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 grandparent's 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
Bert Popowski Papers
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 Popowsk'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 Popowsk'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 Popowsk'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 Popowsk's expertise and contributions to hunting practices.

The collection provides a comprehensive record of Popowsk'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
MA 004 · Papers · 1911-1993

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.

Kuehn, Frank Charles William, 1884-1970
MA 002 · Records · 1908-1928

Composed of miscellanies from both the era of the Forum and the time of the Ethical Culture Club. Materials from the latter era consist of the record of meetings from the years 1908-1910. Material for the latter years includes the minutes of meetings, a copy of the constitution, some miscellaneous materials and a history of the club written by William Powers.

Ethical Culture Club (Brookings, S.D.)
Department of Music Records
UA 006.04 · Records · 1900-2018

The Music Department Records document the educational, performance, and promotional activities of the South Dakota State University Music Department from the early 20th century through the early 21st century. The collection includes newsletters, correspondence, concert and recital programs, posters, photographs, student writings, memorabilia, and administrative materials related to departmental ensembles and music curriculum.

The bulk of the collection consists of concert and recital programs for university ensembles—including the Concert Choir, Statesmen, University Women’s Ensemble, Jazz Ensembles, Symphonic Band, Civic Symphony, and the Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band—as well as student and faculty recitals. These materials capture performances held on campus, throughout the region, and on national and international tours. Many programs include performer rosters, program notes, translations, and accompanying newspaper clippings. Recurring events such as The Messiah, the Spring Festival of Music, Madrigal and Yuletide Feastes, and Friday Forum lecture-recitals are well represented. Materials from the Brookings Chamber Music Society further highlight collaborations with guest artists and touring ensembles.

Other items in the collection include early letterhead, alumni newsletters, promotional t-shirts, and photographs depicting choral groups and other student ensembles. Administrative files document planning for concerts and festivals, as well as the department’s broader public engagement.

This collection provides a record of music education and performance at SDSU, illustrating changes in curriculum, repertoire, and student involvement over time. It reflects the university’s role in cultivating musical talent and fostering cultural enrichment on campus and in the wider community.

South Dakota State University. Department of Music
Bill Nibbelink Papers
DA 012 · Papers · 1978-2015

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.

Nibbelink, Bill
Linda Hall Daschle Papers
DA 011 · Papers · 1962-2004

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

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

The collection also preserves materials related to her early life, including beauty pageant recognition, and her civic engagement beyond aviation, such as her involvement with women’s and Native American organizations.
Documents from Tom Daschle’s congressional and senatorial campaigns are also included, including campaign plans, collected clippings, scheduling documents, and promotional materials. The audiovisual content also includes campaign advertisements, speeches, interviews, and farewell remarks, providing context to his political trajectory and public service legacy.

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

Daschle, Linda Hall, 1955-
DA 003 · Papers · 1968-2005

The Personal Papers are composed of materials Daschle separated from the rest of the collection which were of personal interest to him. Included are pre-congressional materials, campaign records, legislative records, correspondence, political records, media files, and files saved for their intrinsic value.

Daschle, Thomas
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
W. Carter Johnson Papers
UA 053.068 · Papers · 1847-2017

The W. Carter Johnson Papers document ecological research and related professional activities from the 1960s through 2017, with most material dating from the 1970s through the 2000s. The collection is organized into subject and project groupings that reflect Johnson’s research program, including blue jay seed dispersal and nut caching studies, forest and tree ecology, prairie wetland ecology, and riparian vegetation research on major river systems. Records include field notes, data sets, statistical analyses, research proposals and prospectuses, conference materials, correspondence, photographs, slides, maps, and related publications and reprints.

A substantial portion of the collection focuses on blue jay mediated dispersal of acorns and beech nuts, including field notes dating from 1976 to 1989, data sets from Wisconsin, Virginia, and Iowa, banding records, artificial cache and germination data, and analyses of dietary responses to tannins and weevil infestation. Forest and tree ecology files address forest dynamics, succession modeling, regeneration and recruitment, biomass and carbon storage, and restoration case studies, with coverage of pine oak systems, disturbances such as ice storms, and seed dispersal in fragmented landscapes. Prairie wetland materials document long term study of prairie pothole wetlands, including hydrology, vegetation sampling, seed bank composition, and simulation modeling related to climate variability and climate change, with extensive site level data and photographs from locations such as the Deuel semipermanent wetland and the Severson Waterfowl Production Area.

Riparian and river focused research is represented through extensive Platte River documentation that includes multiyear monitoring and demographic studies of cottonwood and willow, GIS products, graphs, maps, field notes, reports, and large sequences of labeled slides spanning the mid 1980s through the early 2000s. Complementary river research files address the Snake River in Idaho, including Swan Falls related vegetation studies, sampling methods, progress reports, maps, photographs, and slides. Additional series document work on the Missouri River and other rivers and lakes, as well as international scientific exchange and translated materials concerning Soviet and Russian ecology. The collection also includes documentation of the Mortensen Ranch restoration work in South Dakota, including correspondence, interviews, project notes, awards, photographs, and guides related to rangeland and wooded draw restoration.

The W. Carter Johnson Papers documents ecological research methods and findings across multiple ecosystems, with notable depth in long term field data, modeling, and applied studies of seed dispersal, forest succession, wetland dynamics, and riparian vegetation response to regulated river flows. The collection supports research into late twentieth and early twenty first century ecological science, including the development and use of data sets, statistical procedures, GIS products, monitoring protocols, and longitudinal photographic documentation. These records also provide evidence of professional collaboration and scientific communication through proposals, conference participation, correspondence, and exchange activities, offering context for how ecological research informed management and restoration efforts in prairie, wetland, and riverine environments.

Johnson, W. Carter
DA 001 · Papers · 1964-1992

This collection documents the U.S. House of Representatives service of Thomas A. Daschle from 1979 to 1986, following his election to Congress in 1978 by a margin of 110 votes after a recount. Daschle served four terms in the House and became a member of the Democratic leadership. During his tenure, he participated in significant legislative activity related to agriculture, health and human services policy, federal budgeting, and rural development. At the 1980 Democratic National Convention, Daschle received ten delegate votes for Vice President of the United States, despite not being a candidate.

The papers consist primarily of legislative and policy files, including committee hearings, bill files, drafts of legislation, reports, issue briefs, background materials, correspondence, and subject files. A substantial portion of the material relates to the House Committee on Agriculture and associated subcommittees, reflecting federal agricultural policy and farm program debates during a period of economic stress in the agricultural sector. Additional records document Medicare reimbursement systems, prospective payment policies, budget proposals, and other domestic policy matters. The collection also includes campaign files, voting record materials, and The Daschle Record, a set of twelve volumes compiled by staff summarizing Daschle’s voting record, legislative sponsorships, and committee activities from 1979 to 1986.

The collection dates approximately from 1891 to 1992, with the bulk concentrated between 1979 and 1986. Due to the overall size and scope of the broader Daschle congressional collection, three-dimensional objects such as plaques, framed items, textiles, artwork, and other materials were separated and stored appropriately.
The collection documents Thomas A. Daschle’s early congressional career and his role in shaping federal agricultural and domestic policy during the late twentieth century. The legislative files and committee materials provide primary documentation of congressional deliberation, oversight, and policy development during a period marked by agricultural crisis, federal budget restructuring, and reforms in health care financing. The inclusion of campaign materials and compiled voting records further illustrates Daschle’s political development, legislative priorities, and growing influence within House Democratic leadership. Together, these materials offer valuable insight into the legislative process and the federal response to major economic and social policy challenges of the era.

Daschle, Thomas
F. Robert Gartner Papers
UA 053.021 · Papers · 1919-2007

The F. Robert Gartner Papers document research, teaching, outreach, and professional writing on rangeland ecology and management in South Dakota and the northern Great Plains. Materials include field data, site files, photographs, slides, transparencies, negatives, manuscript drafts, reprints, and a large indexed library of collected publications. The collection records work on prescribed burning, range soils, plant physiology, hydrology, range improvement practices, wildlife interactions, livestock, erosion, and the classification and condition of range sites. Field projects and long-term studies are represented for Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, the Antelope Range Field Station, and numerous private ranches and grazing associations in the Black Hills region, including Baldwin, Canyon Lake Heights, Drageset, Fischbach, Harrington, Hart, Kammerer, Keffeler, Kovarik, Moreau, Murphy, Thompson, and Wood.

Teaching and outreach are reflected in presentations to professional societies, agricultural and conservation groups, and workshops on vegetation management, riparian classification, and range education. Activities files include Little International trips and South Dakota 4-H Roundup delegations. Photographs depict range sites, vegetation, soils, fire, water development, mechanical treatments, interseeding, grazing systems, wildlife, and research methods. Writings include Gartner’s articles, collaborative publications with colleagues, symposium papers, extension circulars, and guides on prescribed burning, Claypan soil improvement, range renovation, hydrologic effects, and Black Hills fire ecology. An indexed set of author and subject files supports the research library.

The collected publications form an extensive indexed reference library documenting research in range management, ecology, forestry, hydrology, fire science, wildlife, soils, and reclamation from the 1920s through the 1970s. These include experiment station bulletins, Forest Service and USDA circulars, professional society papers, state agricultural experiment reports, and selected reprints authored by leading scientists. Topics span seed germination, revegetation, soil-water relations, fertilization, grazing systems, wildlife–range interactions, timber management, watershed hydrology, snow management, prescribed fire, fire behavior, erosion control, reclamation of strip mines, and ecological foundations for multiple-use management. Wildlife research covers deer, elk, moose, bison, and grizzly bear in Yellowstone and western ecosystems, while reclamation literature addresses coal and strip mine revegetation in Montana, Wyoming, and New Mexico. Landmark syntheses such as status-of-knowledge reviews on ponderosa pine, alpine and semidesert ranges, chaparral, and watershed management are also represented.

The papers provide a record of applied range science centered on Black Hills and western South Dakota landscapes, documenting the development of prescribed fire use, vegetation monitoring, soil water instrumentation, and mechanical and seeding treatments. The depth of site-based data for Claypan and TCp range sites, long-term Harrington and Kovarik Ranch monitoring, and Wind Cave fire studies provides evidence for vegetation, soil, and forage productivity changes under different management regimes. Together the writings, photographs, data, and indexed publications situate Gartner’s work within broader scientific literature, creating a resource for documenting range conditions, management trials, reclamation efforts, and educational initiatives undertaken by South Dakota State University personnel and cooperating agencies during the twentieth century. Dates range from 1919 to 2007, with the bulk from the 1950s through the 1990s.

Gartner, F. Robert
MA 057 · Collection · 1933-2001

This collection documents the military service and enduring legacy of Captain Willibald C. Bianchi, a 1940 graduate of South Dakota State College and one of the earliest Medal of Honor recipients of World War II. Bianchi demonstrated extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Bataan, continuing to lead and assist fellow soldiers despite multiple injuries, before being captured and later dying as a prisoner of war in 1945.

Materials include photocopies of Bianchi’s personal letters from the Philippines and as a POW, offering rare firsthand insight into the experiences of an American officer during the early Pacific campaign. Additional records include correspondence with his family, military officials, and others, as well as memorial writings, newspaper clippings, and biographical information. The collection also features a photocopy of Bianchi’s Medal of Honor certificate and a certificate signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in recognition of his sacrifice.

The collection holds further significance through its documentation of the efforts by Tom Beattie and the Willibald Bianchi Memorial and Scholarship Committee to honor Bianchi’s legacy at South Dakota State University. These materials trace the creation of a memorial plaque, scholarship fund, and commemorative events, highlighting Bianchi’s continued impact on the university and broader public memory.

Bianchi, Willibald C.
Publications Council Records
UA 050.05 · Records · 1933-1970

This collection documents the activities and administrative functions of the Publications Council and its oversight of student publications at South Dakota State College. The records consist primarily of meeting minutes dated 1933 to 1970, which reflect policy decisions, publication approvals, personnel recommendations, and management of The Collegian and the Jackrabbit yearbook. Additional materials include a 1965 advertising questionnaire, 1946 clippings, engraver contracts for the Jackrabbit from 1951 to 1956, financial records for The Collegian from 1957 to 1962 and for the Jackrabbit from 1951 to 1967, and an inventory of Jackrabbit materials dated 1942 to 1952.

The records provide documentation of student publication governance over nearly four decades. They offer evidence of editorial and managerial selection processes, financial and contractual arrangements, and operational oversight of major student publications. The materials support research on the history of student media, administrative structures, and publication practices at South Dakota State College.

South Dakota State University. Publications Council
UA 005.02 · Records · 1911-2019

This collection documents the history and academic development of the Department of Horticulture and Forestry at South Dakota State University, established in 1887 as one of the college’s original departments. Materials reflect the department’s early research on windbreak trees, fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, as well as its later expansion into landscape design and park management. The collection also includes information on the department’s renaming in the 1980s to the Department of Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape and Parks, its academic offerings, and its 2011 merger with the Department of Plant Science.

The records highlight the department’s foundational role in agricultural and environmental research at SDSU and its practical contributions to land use and conservation in South Dakota. They also trace the evolution of horticultural education and the integration of landscape and park management into the university’s curriculum.

South Dakota State University. Department of Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape, and Parks
Joseph & Signe Stuart Papers
UA 053.065 · Papers · 1951-1998, 2014, 2020

The Joseph and Signe Stuart Papers document the professional careers, teaching activities, artistic production, and institutional service of Joseph Stuart and Signe Stuart from 1951 to 2020. The collection includes lecture notes, course materials, academic records, correspondence, writings, exhibition catalogs, interviews, awards, clippings, and retirement materials. Records related to Joseph Stuart reflect his work in art history instruction, museum administration, curatorial activities, and service with organizations including the South Dakota Art Museum, South Dakota Arts Council, South Dakota Humanities Council, and national museum associations. His files include lecture notes for courses in world art, modern art, and U.S. art and architecture; writings on art and public policy; exhibition documentation; correspondence with artists and mentors; and materials associated with his retirement from the South Dakota Art Museum in 1993.

Materials related to Signe Stuart document her artistic practice, teaching, exhibitions, and performance work. The collection contains design and color theory course materials, exhibition catalogs spanning several decades, clippings, writings, proposals, interviews, and documentation of civic engagement. A significant portion of the collection pertains to the 1988–1990 Badlands Intermedia Performance project and includes grant proposals, budgets, scripts, sketches, music scores, stage lighting plans, posters, photographs, slides, negatives, video recordings, and raw footage. Additional materials include production slides, research proposals, retrospective interviews, and writings on art and artistic perspective.

Together, the papers provide documentation of art education, museum practice, exhibition activity, interdisciplinary performance, and arts administration in South Dakota and the broader region during the second half of the twentieth century. The collection reflects academic instruction, institutional development, artistic production, and community engagement within the visual arts.

Stuart, Joseph, 1932-2016
Joye Ann Billow Papers
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
UA 008.05 · Records · 1963-2008

This collection documents the programs, activities, and outreach efforts of the Engineering Resource Center at South Dakota State University. Established in 1986, the Center supported research, education, and technology transfer through initiatives such as the Office of Remote Sensing, the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium, the South Dakota Local Transportation Assistance Program, the University/Industry Technology Service, and the Essential Networking and Training for Entrepreneurship (ENTRE) program. Materials include newsletters, brochures, reports, course and program descriptions, applications, technical documentation, correspondence, and photogrammetry images.

Significant content is derived from the Office of Remote Sensing, originally founded in 1969 as the Remote Sensing Institute, which used satellite imagery and GIS technologies to support natural resource management across South Dakota and beyond. Included are aerial thermography materials, technical reports, equipment documentation, stereoscopes, and extensive sets of photogrammetry and aerial images of locations such as Brookings, Big Bend Dam, Meriden, Missoula, and numerous unidentified areas.

The collection also contains documentation from NASA-affiliated Space Grant activities, particularly in the form of award announcements and outreach newsletters. Other series include information on local transportation engineering support, entrepreneurship training, and collaborations between SDSU and industry stakeholders across the state.

The Engineering Resource Center Records reflect SDSU’s leadership in applied engineering, remote sensing, transportation planning, and economic development during the late 20th century. They are particularly valuable for documenting the university’s role in NASA's Space Grant program, South Dakota's infrastructure planning, and the integration of satellite and aerial imaging in environmental monitoring. The collection also illustrates efforts to connect academic research with public service and private-sector needs through interdisciplinary collaboration.

South Dakota State University. Engineering Resource Center
Vivian V. Volstorff Papers
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
Ronald Larsen Papers
UA 053.080 · Papers · 1983-2004

The collection consists of materials documenting the civic, agricultural advocacy, and political activities of Ron Larsen from 1983 to 2004. Records include correspondence, donation letters, newspaper clippings, legislative materials, campaign documents, proclamations, and related ephemera.

A significant portion of the collection pertains to the “Give-A-Buck” initiative (1983–1991), including fundraising letters and publicity materials. Additional records document participation in the 1985 National Crisis Action Rally and agricultural advocacy efforts such as “Faith in Farming” and the 1987 Faith in Farming Sunday executive proclamation.

Political materials include campaign and Senate-related records (1983–1987), nominations and declarations (1986–1987), and campaign materials spanning 1986–2004. The collection also contains items related to the Hetland American Legion Scholarship Program (1997). Campaign artifacts include signage and promotional items associated with Larsen’s State Senate campaign.

Larsen, Ronald, 1946-2019
UA 065 · Records · 1971-2019

The Prairie Repertory Theatre Records document theatrical production and performance activity associated with South Dakota State University and related campus and regional organizations from 1931 through 2018. Materials consist primarily of programs, playbills, posters, season calendars, season ticket brochures, pamphlets, newsletters, correspondence, recruitment and promotional publications, and photographs. The bulk of the collection reflects the work of Prairie Repertory Theatre and State University Theatre, including annual seasons, summer outreach activities, and touring or festival participation. Also represented are earlier student and campus theatre activities such as the Footlight Club, Yellow and Blue Revue, Experimental Theatre, Theatre in the Round, and Film and Cafe Society, as well as related academic and promotional materials from the Department of Communication Studies and Theatre and campus media outlets. Together, the materials provide chronological and programmatic documentation of theatrical programming, performance offerings, and audience engagement at South Dakota State University.

This collection provides a record of theatrical life at South Dakota State University across much of the twentieth and early twenty first centuries. It documents the development of university theatre programs, the establishment and growth of Prairie Repertory Theatre, and the role of performance arts in student life, academic instruction, community outreach, and regional cultural activity. The materials support research on campus cultural history, theatre production practices, performance repertory, and public engagement with the performing arts in South Dakota.

Prairie Repertory Theatre
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.

Army Specialized Training Program (U.S.)
Home Economics Club Records
UA 035.05 · Records · 1923-1979

The Home Economics Club Records highlight the club’s role in fostering professional and social development among home economics students. They offer insight into the club’s operations, its affiliation with national organizations, and its contributions to the broader academic and community context.

The records consist of secretary books (including meeting minutes and the club constitution), scrapbooks, newsletters, handbooks, general club information, and materials from the American Home Economics Association. The secretary books date from the club's inception through 1956, documenting the organization’s activities, governance, and development.

South Dakota State University. Home Economics Club
Mary Arnold Papers
UA 053.044 · Papers · 1985-2017

The collection documents the professional career of Dr. Mary Peterson Arnold as a journalism educator, administrator, researcher, and advocate for scholastic journalism and student press rights. Materials include course syllabi and instructional content for undergraduate and graduate journalism courses at South Dakota State University, particularly media law, international women’s issues, and science writing. The collection contains correspondence, sabbatical records, promotion and tenure materials, departmental reviews, and institutional branding records reflecting her administrative and faculty roles. Also present are research papers, published and unpublished writings, conference materials, reports, and policy documents addressing high school journalism, student freedom of expression, diversity and recruitment, women in media management, and journalism education. Awards, plaques, certificates, photographs, and commemorative items document professional recognition from national journalism and education organizations. Records related to high school journalism associations and youth media programs further illustrate Arnold’s sustained engagement with scholastic journalism at the state and national levels.

The collection documents journalism education and media law instruction in the late twentieth and early twenty first centuries, with particular emphasis on scholastic journalism, student press freedom, and the role of women in news media leadership. It reflects national professional networks in journalism education and records institutional leadership and curriculum development at South Dakota State University. The materials support research on journalism pedagogy, youth media advocacy, gender equity in media organizations, and the professionalization of high school journalism programs.

Arnold, Mary Peterson
UA 009 · Records · 1884-2008

The Family and Consumer Sciences Records document the development, administration, academic programming, and public engagement of the College of Home Economics and its successor, the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, at South Dakota State University. Spanning the early 20th century through the college’s reorganization in the early 21st century, the records include curriculum materials, committee minutes, faculty resources, newsletters, brochures, workshop materials, program evaluations, and student organization records. Key topics include the establishment and evolution of the core curriculum, graduate programs, student and faculty achievements, and community outreach such as the SDSU Laboratory Preschool and the Brookings County Youth Mentoring Program.

Historical documentation includes comprehensive narrative histories compiled by faculty and alumni, alumni newsletters, and self-study reports. The collection also contains annual and biennial reports, federal reports submitted to the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and documentation of special initiatives such as nutrition education, early childhood development, and Native American student engagement. A large body of photographs—both loose and from dismantled scrapbooks—depict faculty, students, events, facilities, and departmental activities across decades.

Included are portraits of deans, building plans, program brochures, and thesis titles from across the United States, reflecting the college’s academic and national context. Records from the post-1990s period also trace the administrative transition of the college and its departments into broader units within SDSU, particularly the School of Health and Human Sciences and the Ness School of Management and Economics.

This collection documents the evolution of home economics education in South Dakota, particularly at a land-grant institution. As one of the earliest such programs in the nation, SDSU’s Department of Home Economics (later the College of Family and Consumer Sciences) played a pivotal role in expanding educational and professional opportunities for women, promoting applied science, and integrating academic programs with community service. The records provide valuable insight into changes in curriculum, pedagogy, gender roles, and public health priorities from the late 19th century through the early 21st century. They also chronicle the institutional reorganization and broader trends that led to the dissolution of the college and the integration of its programs into new interdisciplinary structures.

South Dakota State University. College of Family and Consumer Sciences
MA 119 · Papers · 1902-2015

The collection documents the professional activities and service of Vincent Joseph McAuliffe, with an emphasis on his involvement in South Dakota 4-H and Cooperative Extension programs from 1939 to 2019. Materials include administrative records, reports, and strategic planning documents such as Growing South Dakota: Cooperative Extension's Strategic Plan, as well as documentation of professional development initiatives including the Professional Rural Youth Leaders Workshops. The collection also contains records related to McAuliffe’s role as a 4-H Youth Program Leader and his participation in statewide and national 4-H programs, including IFYE (International Farm Youth Exchange).

The collection further includes materials reflecting recognition and commemoration of McAuliffe’s service, such as certificates, awards, retirement materials, and documentation of Joseph McAuliffe Day. Additional materials consist of photographs, resumes, and publications related to 4-H programming, including 4-H Foundation activities, 4-H Hall of Fame recognition, and youth engagement initiatives such as the Teens as Teachers Program and 4-H Performing Arts. These materials document the development, outreach, and impact of 4-H and Cooperative Extension programming in South Dakota over the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.

McAuliffe, Vincent Joseph
Hofer/Loewen Family Papers
MA 101 · Papers · 1940-2018

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.

Hofer, Ben Frank 1926-2018
Carol Hepper Collection
MA 043 · Collection · 1982-2006

The Carol Hepper Collection documents the professional career and artistic exhibitions of contemporary American sculptor Carol Hepper, spanning the mid-1980s through the early 2000s. The materials reflect Hepper’s national presence in the contemporary art world, with records from major galleries, museums, and academic institutions across the United States. Included are exhibition catalogs, brochures, press materials, and digital media (CD-ROMs and video files) from solo and group exhibitions in venues such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Phillips Collection, the Portland Art Museum, and the North Dakota Museum of Art. The collection also contains documentation of academic appointments, artist residencies, and publications featuring Hepper’s work.

The collection is a comprehensive documentation of Hepper’s sculptural evolution and thematic explorations, including organic forms, material experimentation, and contemporary interpretations of landscape and structure. It serves as a valuable resource for research in late 20th-century American sculpture, women's contributions to contemporary art, and regional artistic networks.

Hepper, Carol 1953-2021
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
Wayne Gardner Papers
UA 053.085 · Papers · 1952-1987

The collection is composed primarily of color slides and black and white photographs documenting Wayne Scott Gardner’s research and teaching in plant pathology, dating from 1952 to 1987, with the strongest coverage from the 1960s through the mid 1980s. The materials focus on virus diseases of plants, particularly wheat streak mosaic virus, along with tobacco mosaic virus, barley stripe mosaic virus, maize dwarf mosaic virus, and other viral infections affecting wheat, corn, barley, tobacco, and related crops. Visual documentation includes field symptoms, laboratory preparations, ultrastructural studies, and comparative analyses of disease development across crop varieties and environmental conditions.

In addition to plant viruses, the collection contains extensive visual records of fungal and physiological plant diseases, including rusts, powdery mildews, charcoal rot, septoria, and other pathogens. Environmental and abiotic crop injuries are well represented through slides illustrating the effects of air pollution, sulfur dioxide, ozone, smog, frost, heat, drought, wind, hail, sleet, and winter stress on agricultural crops. Teaching slide sets, seminar materials, and student research components are included, as well as scientific reprints, correspondence, and literature that document Gardner’s research activities, instructional use of electron microscopy, and contributions to plant disease education and agricultural research at South Dakota State University.

This collection documents evidence of mid twentieth century research and instruction in plant virology and plant pathology at South Dakota State University. The extensive documentation of wheat streak mosaic virus and related cereal crop diseases supports historical research into disease management, crop response to environmental stress, and the development of microscopy based plant pathology. The materials also contribute to the study of agricultural conditions in the northern Great Plains and the impact of air pollution and climate related factors on crop health.

Gardner, Wayne S., 1920-2014
UA 005 · Records · 1890-2019

This collection comprises the administrative, instructional, research, and outreach records of the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences at South Dakota State University. Materials primarily originate from the Office of the Dean and include correspondence, newsletters, planning documents, annual reports, promotional brochures, conference materials, curriculum outlines, and extensive budget and salary records. Of particular note are salary lists for individual departments, financial reports for the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative State Research Service, and documentation of cooperative agreements with international institutions.

The collection also includes strategic planning reports, departmental reviews, and publications such as Ag Bio Newsletter, Growing South Dakota, and South Dakota Farm and Home Research, which highlight the college’s communication efforts and research dissemination. Visual materials include photographs of faculty, students, research farms, laboratories, and outreach events. The records reflect the college’s central role in shaping agricultural and biological sciences education, conducting applied research, supporting statewide extension services, and fostering economic and rural development in South Dakota and the region.

South Dakota State University. College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences
President's Office Records
UA 001 · Records · 1887-2022

The President’s Office Records document the administrative, academic, and strategic functions of South Dakota State University from the early 20th century through the early 21st century. The records include correspondence, reports, committee minutes, planning documents, speeches, memoranda, and audiovisual materials produced by or related to university presidents and their offices. Topics covered include accreditation, budget planning, academic programs, institutional governance, state and federal relations, student life, campus facilities, faculty affairs, strategic planning initiatives, and major university events. The collection also contains materials related to presidential inaugurations, annual reports, and university outreach, including relationships with the Board of Regents and external stakeholders.

This collection offers comprehensive insight into the leadership and institutional development of South Dakota State University across decades. It reflects evolving administrative structures, academic priorities, and university responses to local, state, and national challenges. The records are valuable for understanding higher education governance, policy formation, and SDSU’s role as a land-grant institution. The inclusion of strategic initiatives such as the “Lead Forward Land Grant” and “Impact 2018” planning frameworks highlights long-term visioning and institutional advancement.

South Dakota State University. Office of the President
UA 021 · Records · 1993-1994, 1996-1997

The records primarily include annual reports, departmental assessment findings, and student performance data across academic levels. Key components include entering student profiles, mid-program and senior-level assessments (e.g., CAAP exams), credit by examination processes, faculty profiles, and comprehensive assessment plans from colleges and departments such as Agriculture, Engineering, Nursing, and Education. The collection also includes extensive documentation of curriculum development, survey instruments, graduate program reviews, and correspondence between assessment coordinators and department chairs. These materials reflect both internal and external evaluation processes, accreditation reviews, and efforts to improve institutional effectiveness.

This collection offers insight into institutional assessment practices from the 1990s through the early 2000s. It serves as a vital resource for researchers studying educational measurement, academic program evaluation, student learning outcomes, and institutional accountability in higher education. It is also useful for program administrators engaged in curriculum improvement and accreditation.

South Dakota State University. Office of Institutional Research and Assessment
MA 120 · Records · 1969-2021

This collection is composed of local and national records of the South Dakota Paint Horse Club, a non-profit organization affiliated with the American Paint Horse Association. The records document the club’s mission to promote the paint horse breed through administrative oversight, public outreach, and event coordination.

Materials include foundational documents such as by-laws, certification of incorporation, directories, contracts, and meeting minutes, as well as extensive correspondence, financial statements, and memoranda. The collection also features Hoofprints, the club’s official newsletter, which contains updates on officers, show schedules, membership, and organizational developments.

Additional records pertain to programs, futurity events, horse shows, stallion auctions, and national and regional events, including participation in the South Dakota State Fair and the Rapid City Convention. Newspaper articles, awards, rule books, and documentation related to club governance and judging are also present. Audiovisual content includes taped meetings.

These materials illustrate the club’s significant role in promoting the paint horse breed both within South Dakota and nationally from its founding in 1970 through its closure in 2021.

South Dakota Paint Horse Club
James K. (Tex) Lewis Papers
UA 053.033 · Papers · 1948-1983

The James K. “Tex” Lewis Papers comprise research data, field notes, correspondence, publications, photographs, and teaching materials that document Lewis’s extensive range management research and instructional activities. The bulk of the materials pertain to Projects 216, 217, 239, and 421, long-running studies on forage production, grazing systems, livestock weight monitoring, and soil moisture dynamics conducted primarily at the Cottonwood Range Field Station, but also at Antelope Range Field Station, the Badlands, and other locations. The collection includes detailed observational and statistical data (e.g., point frame data, clip plot studies, Vegometer readings, and remote sensing imagery), climatological records, experimental livestock weights, soil analyses, and related environmental assessments. Boxes also include datasets used in simulation modeling (e.g., SPUR) and course materials for RANG, AS, and WL courses taught by Lewis.

Additional documentation reflects collaboration with national and regional entities such as the American Grassland Council, Society for Range Management, Great Plains Agricultural Council, and Bureau of Land Management. Also included are aerial photographs, GIS data, proposals, and internal reports, showcasing the depth and scientific rigor of Lewis’s methodology. Later series feature writings, technical guides, and training materials used in both academic and governmental range science settings.

This collection is a resource for understanding mid- to late-20th-century range science and ecosystem monitoring in the Great Plains. James K. Lewis’s work contributed significantly to innovations in grazing system design, range condition monitoring, and statistical modeling of range-livestock interactions. His leadership in integrating remote sensing, climatological data, and ecological classification methods helped shape contemporary range management practices. The materials are particularly valuable for researchers interested in the evolution of land use planning, sustainable grazing systems, and interdisciplinary range-livestock ecology. The inclusion of raw data and simulation outputs enhances the collection’s potential for longitudinal environmental and climatic studies.

Lewis, J. K. (James Kelly), 1924-
MA 035 · Records · 1923-2011

This comprehensive collection documents the history, leadership, and activities of the South Dakota Association for Family and Community Education (SDAFCE) and its predecessor organizations, including the South Dakota Extension Homemakers Council and affiliated Home Demonstration Clubs. The records span from the early 20th century through the late 1990s and reflect decades of grassroots civic engagement, adult education, and rural community development led by women across South Dakota.

The collection includes administrative records such as constitutions, bylaws, financial statements, chairmen handbooks, guidelines, honorary certificates, and minutes from state and local meetings. It also features extensive newsletters, membership applications, correspondence, cross-stitch patterns, postcards, and program materials. A substantial portion of the collection is composed of club-level documentation—including enrollment records, secretary’s books, and scrapbooks—from Brookings, Moody, Minnehaha, Pennington, Perkins, Spink, and Clark counties. These materials illustrate the scope of educational projects, cultural programming, safety campaigns, and international outreach efforts conducted by local clubs.

Of particular note are items from the Susan Wilder Scholarship Committee, slide presentations on homemaker history, and artifacts such as wall hangings, podium cloths, gavels, and banners. The records also include documentation of SDAFCE’s collaboration with the South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service and participation in national and international homemaker associations.

This collection offers valuable insight into the role of rural women in shaping South Dakota’s educational and civic landscape. It is a vital resource for researchers studying women’s voluntary associations, cooperative extension history, home economics, and local grassroots leadership.

South Dakota Association for Family and Community Education
UA 009.05 · Records · 1975-2007

The Department of Human Development, Consumer and Family Sciences offers four undergraduate degree programs: Consumer Affairs, Early Childhood Education, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, and Human Development and Family Studies.

The department also provides minors in Consumer Affairs, Gerontology, Leadership and Management of Nonprofit Organizations, and Human Development and Family Studies. Graduate study is available through a Master of Science program in Family and Consumer Sciences with specializations in Family Financial Planning or Child and Family Studies. Within the Child and Family Studies specialization, students may concentrate in Human Development and Family Studies or Early Childhood Education.

South Dakotqa State University. Human Development, Consumer and Family Sciences
UA 009.04 · Collection · 1969-1991

The Florence and Geraldine Fenn Inner-City Scholarship collection documents the administration of the scholarship and the experiences of student participants from 1969 to 1991. Background materials include historical information on the scholarship, biographical information on Geraldine Fenn, correspondence, clippings, and Fenn Scholar biographical files. The bulk of the collection consists of materials created by individual scholars or groups of scholars between 1971 and 1991 during their six week residence in Denver, Colorado.
The collection is composed of scrapbooks, journals, photographs, and related materials documenting participants’ work and living experiences. Included are photographs of Fenn Scholars and their work sites, weekly expense sheets, itineraries, personal journals, newspaper clippings, and brochures from Denver locations. The materials were originally arranged in scrapbooks, which were dismantled for preservation purposes. Photographs were transferred to the University Archives Photograph Archives, and scrapbook ephemera were placed in separate folders. Three scrapbooks dating from 1989 to 1991 were retained in their original condition as examples.

South Dakota State University. Florence and Geraldine Fenn Inner-City Scholarship
Andy Hopp Papers
MA 091 · Papers · 1988-2018

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.

Hopp, Andy
Robert V. Burns Papers
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-
UA 078 · Records · 1932-2023

This collection documents the administrative, financial, and programmatic activities of the F.O. ButlerFoundation and associated trusts from the early 20th century through 2018. Materials include articles of incorporation, bylaws, trust agreements, tax records, and extensive correspondence, along with board and committee minutes, annual reports, and investment records that illustrate organizational governance and financial management.

Programmatic records highlight philanthropic and educational initiatives, including the Campus Enrichment program, West River Seminar, fellowships, scholarships, and projects such as the F.O. Butler Awards and Butler Plaza. Additional materials relate to affiliated entities such as the Julius W. Butler Trust and Villa Theresa, as well as public relations and historical files.

The collection provides comprehensive documentation of nonprofit operations, financial stewardship, and decision-making over time. It is particularly valuable for understanding the role of private philanthropy in supporting education and community development, as well as for research on nonprofit administration, investment practices, and the regional impact and legacy of the Butler organization.

F. O. Butler Foundation
David F. Pearson Papers
UA 003.01 · Papers · 1953-1982

This collection documents the professional and administrative activities of David Pearson at South Dakota State University from the late 1960s through the early 1980s. The bulk of the materials consists of chronological correspondence files dating from 1976 to 1982, reflecting Pearson’s role in university administration and his involvement in institutional planning, policy discussions, and external relations.
A significant portion of the collection relates to the “Engineering Controversy,” a major issue in South Dakota higher education concerning the organization, funding, and location of engineering programs within the state. These materials include correspondence, reports, cost analyses, enrollment data, legislative documents, and records associated with the development of a statewide academic master plan. Also included are meeting records, departmental actions, news clippings, and Pearson’s notes, which document the political, educational, and economic dimensions of the controversy from the 1960s through the mid-1970s.
The collection also contains records related to South Dakota State University’s participation in the United States Bicentennial celebration (1973–1977). These materials include correspondence, committee records, proposals, financial documents, outreach planning, and publicity materials, illustrating the planning and coordination of commemorative events and institutional involvement at the state and national levels.
Additional materials include oversize correspondence and subject files. Together, the collection provides insight into university governance, statewide higher education planning, and institutional initiatives during a period of administrative growth and public engagement.

Pearson, David F., -1990
UA 008.08 · Records · 1954-1999

This collection is composed of brochures, newsletters, and program materials related to the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at South Dakota State University. The records document academic programs, outreach events, and engineering innovations within the department. Included are promotional materials for Agricultural Systems Technology and Food and Bio-Materials Engineering, invitations to departmental banquets and events such as the Annual ABE Hobo Day Celebration, and facility-related documents such as those on the Agricultural Engineering Building. The collection also contains brochures highlighting SDSU-developed electric agricultural equipment like the Chore-tric battery-powered loader and Electric Choremaster. A notable item is the pamphlet Model Farm A.D. 2076, produced for the American Revolution Bicentennial Horizons ’76 Project.

These records reflect the evolution and public engagement of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department at SDSU. They highlight the department's commitment to applied research, educational outreach, and innovation in sustainable agricultural technologies. The inclusion of materials on SDSU-developed equipment and futuristic planning efforts underscores the department's role in advancing agricultural engineering in South Dakota and beyond.

South Dakota State University. Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
UA 052.05 · Records · 1911-2008

This collection is composed of the official minutes, agendas, and publications generated by the South Dakota Board of Regents, spanning from 1923 to 2006. Materials were collected by the Office of the President and various departments at South Dakota State University for institutional reference. The minutes document the proceedings and decisions of the Board across multiple decades and include indexes with subject notations in later volumes, enhancing accessibility to specific topics discussed. Supporting documents include fiscal reports, policy updates, meeting agendas, and committee materials from the Board’s work on academic affairs, student affairs, finance, and governance. A significant portion of the publications consists of formal policy guides, faculty leave and tenure documents, athletic rules, and union agreements, such as the University Faculty Collective Bargaining Agreement (2005–2008). Of particular note are unique items such as correspondence from SDSU President Carol Peterson and honorary degree documentation for Robert T. Wagner.

The collection demonstrates the administrative structure, decision-making processes, and evolving governance of South Dakota’s public higher education system. It is an essential resource for understanding the history and policy shifts within the South Dakota Regental System, particularly as they affected South Dakota State University. Its breadth of coverage offers insight into system-wide coordination, budget planning, faculty relations, and academic policy formation throughout the 20th century and into the early 2000s.

South Dakota Board of Regents
Jack Marken Papers
MA 090 · 1784, 1817, 1929-2005

The Jack Marken Papers document the professional, academic, and personal pursuits of Jack Marken, with particular emphasis on Native American literature, Indian education, and the works of British radical philosopher William Godwin. Spanning correspondence, research notes, publications, teaching materials, and organizational records, the collection offers insight into Marken’s interdisciplinary contributions to American Indian studies, literary scholarship, and humanities education.

Significant portions of the collection focus on Marken's engagement with Native American issues, including his work with the Association for Studies in American Indian Literature (ASAIL), Indian education initiatives, correspondence with Native scholars and institutions, and literature by and about Indigenous peoples, notably Sioux literature. Records reflect collaborations with federal and academic bodies such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the South Dakota Committee on the Humanities.

A major area of scholarly focus in the collection is Marken’s extensive research on William Godwin, including annotated bibliographies, manuscript revisions, critical reviews, correspondence, and rare materials related to Imogen, Political Herald, and A Pastoral Romance. The Godwin materials illustrate Marken's academic depth in Enlightenment and Romantic literary thought.

The collection also includes correspondence from students, colleagues, and notable figures; documentation of Marken’s lectureships and academic travel (e.g., University of Jordan); teaching files; SPICE (Summer Program in Cultural Enrichment) program materials; and involvement with various humanities initiatives.

The papers offer valuable documentation of cross-cultural education, literary scholarship, and humanities programming in the mid-to-late 20th century, especially as it intersected with Native American literature and higher education in South Dakota and beyond.

Marken, Jack W.
UA 063.02 · Records · 1989-2012

This collection documents the development, administration, and programming of American Indian history, culture, and education initiatives at South Dakota State University from 1989 to 2012, with the strongest concentration from the early 1990s through the mid 2000s. The materials include planning and administrative records for the Annual SDSU Conference on American Indian History and Culture and related history conferences, such as programs, minutes, correspondence, funding and grant documentation, participant lists, themes, and historical overviews. Conference content is represented through recordings and documentation of keynote addresses, panel sessions, student paper presentations, and special lectures featuring Indigenous scholars, community leaders, and students. The collection also contains materials from the Consider the Century programs, including extensive audiovisual recordings and speaker documentation spanning multiple years, as well as curricular and outreach materials related to American Indian Studies courses, service learning programs, leadership forums, student success initiatives, and campus based Native American cultural programming. Supplementary materials include posters, handouts, brochures, syllabi, compact discs, and audiovisual media documenting discussions of history, culture, education, health, leadership, and contemporary Native American issues.

The collection documents long term efforts at South Dakota State University to support Indigenous scholarship, education, and public engagement through conferences, lectures, and academic programs. It offers valuable evidence of institutional collaboration with Native communities, the evolution of conference themes and funding sources, and the participation of Indigenous scholars, students, and leaders in shaping academic and cultural discourse. Researchers will find the materials useful for studying the history of American Indian academic programming, Indigenous representation in higher education, and the role of conferences and public forums in promoting Native history and contemporary issues in the Upper Midwest.

South Dakota State University. American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program
MA 103 · Records · 1989-2016

The Oak Lake Writers' Retreat Records document the activities and impact of the Oak Lake Writers Society, particularly their summer retreats aimed at supporting Native American writers, educators, and storytellers. Spanning seven boxes, the collection includes correspondence (notably between Charles Woodard of South Dakota State University and retreat applicants), writings produced during and about the retreats, application materials, grant and funding documents, educational resources, and administrative records.

The files encompass a wide range of themes such as environment, economic development, Indigenous education, mentorship, cultural heritage, and community empowerment. Notable contents include retreat histories, newsletters, reflection papers, photographs, and records on special events such as the Indian Education Summit and the Anniversary Conference. Recurring documentation of specific individuals (e.g., Lowell Amiotte, Joyzelle Godfrey) and locations (e.g., Enemy Swim Course, Devils Tower) also provide personal and geographic context.

This collection chronicles the development of a key cultural and literary initiative that nurtures Indigenous voices in the Northern Plains. It reflects the collaborative efforts between tribal communities and academic institutions to promote Native literature and cultural preservation. The records offer valuable insight into contemporary Indigenous literary movements, community-building through creative expression, and the intersections of education, environment, and Indigenous identity.

Oak Lake Writers' Society
UA 063.03 · Records · 1991-2014, undated

The American Indian Student Association Records are composed mainly of materials documenting the activities of the Native American Club and its successor organization at South Dakota State University. The records date primarily from the early 1990s through 2014 and include administrative files, financial records, correspondence, meeting notes, recruitment materials, photographs, posters, and audiovisual media. A major component of the collection documents the South Dakota State University Wacipi, which was created and organized by the Native American Club and represents the largest and most prominent activity reflected in the records. Materials related to the Wacipi include photographs, financial records, budgets, audiovisual recordings, posters, evaluations, logs, and contest documentation. The collection also includes documentation of other club activities such as hand games, picnics, basketball tournaments, travel, and community outreach events, as well as general club finances and budget requests submitted to the Student Association. Formats include paper records, photographs, VHS cassettes, CDs, DVDs, micro audiocassettes, and a photo album.

This collection documents Native American student organization activity, cultural programming, and student leadership at South Dakota State University. It is particularly significant for its extensive documentation of the SDSU Wacipi, illustrating the role of Native American students in preserving and promoting Indigenous cultural traditions within a university environment. The records also provide insight into student organization governance, funding, and campus engagement, as well as the transition from the Native American Club to the American Indian Student Association.

South Dakota State University. American Indian Student Association
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.

South Dakota State University. American Indian Student Center
MA 051 · Records · 1938-2003

The National Federation of Music Clubs Aeolian Club Records document the activities, administration, and musical contributions of the Aeolian Club, a member organization of the National Federation of Music Clubs. The collection includes record books, yearbooks, annual reports, meeting minutes, correspondence, and financial records reflecting the club’s organizational history and operations. Materials such as constitutions, by-laws, membership lists, and officer duties provide insight into the governance and structure of the club.

Supplementary materials include pamphlets, newsletters, and manuals related to club programs, national initiatives, and musical outreach. The collection also features documentation of performances, scholarship activities, and music education efforts, including piano programs and student division initiatives. Creative materials include scrapbooks, event programs, and original sheet music for treble and women’s voices, showcasing the club’s cultural and artistic output.

National Federation of Music Clubs
Bruce Brandt Papers
UA 053.066 · Papers · 1977-2016

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.

Brandt, Bruce Edwin
UA 035.09 · Records · 1949-2018

The Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society Records document the activities, governance, and membership of the South Dakota State University chapter from its charter meeting in 1949 through the early 2000s. The collection includes meeting minutes, constitutions, membership lists, banquet and lecture programs, correspondence, publicity materials, and financial records.

These materials offer a detailed view of the chapter’s founding, development, and academic involvement on campus. Foundational items include the original charter meeting minutes and constitution, along with extensive nomination and selection materials for faculty, student, graduate, alumni, and honorary members. The collection also contains initiation records, banquet and faculty lectureship programs, officer communications, IRS filings, national and regional correspondence, newsletters, clippings, and directories.

This collection is significant for understanding the role of honor societies in fostering academic achievement and faculty recognition at SDSU. It reflects decades of academic excellence, institutional support, and intellectual engagement, and provides valuable insight into evolving academic culture and organizational practices over time.

Phi Kappa Phi. South Dakota State University Chapter
Ruth Ann Alexander Papers
UA 053.022 · Papers · 1947-2006

The Ruth Ann Alexander Papers document the professional career, research, and public service of Dr. Ruth Ann Alexander, professor of English at South Dakota State University and the first woman to chair its English Department. The collection contains correspondence, course materials, speeches, manuscripts, grant files, and research notes reflecting her work as a teacher, scholar, and advocate for women’s rights. Included are files related to her service on the Brookings School Board, her leadership in developing women’s studies at SDSU, and her involvement in Chautauqua programs where she portrayed Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

The papers also include Alexander’s writings and public lectures on South Dakota women writers, pioneer women, feminism, sexism, and the history of women in the Episcopal Church. Draft manuscripts and published articles illustrate her research on figures such as Elaine Goodale Eastman and Kate Boyles Bingham. Records of her participation in the South Dakota Humanities Council, the South Dakota History Conference, and the Speakers Bureau highlight her contributions to public humanities programming.

Her service on the South Dakota Commission on the Status of Women is well documented through correspondence, reports, task force materials, policy statements, and legislative files, including those related to the Equal Rights Amendment and displaced homemakers legislation. Additional materials reflect her Episcopal Church history work, her writings on parenting and education, and her role as a public intellectual in South Dakota.

This collection is a ressource for understanding the development of women’s studies and feminist scholarship at South Dakota State University, the history of women’s rights and activism in South Dakota, and the broader cultural role of women in education, literature, and the Episcopal Church. It provides researchers with insight into Alexander’s pioneering work in introducing courses on women writers and multicultural literature, her leadership in the women’s movement at both local and statewide levels, and her engagement with public scholarship through Chautauqua, the South Dakota Humanities Council, and community service organizations.

Alexander, Ruth Ann
Richard C. Wahlstrom Papers
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.
Alpha Zeta Records
UA 035.18 · Records · 1919-1982

The Alpha Zeta Records document the history and activities of the South Dakota Chapter of Alpha Zeta, an honorary agricultural fraternity established at South Dakota State College in 1924. The collection encompasses extensive correspondence related to the chapter’s formation, including the original 1924 charter certificate, and various versions of local and national constitutions and by-laws. It contains newsletters, brochures, and publications such as the Alpha Zeta Newsletter (1948–1960), Prairie Winds alumni newsletters (1980s), and reports from national biennial conclaves dating from 1929 to 1966.

Included are comprehensive reports from the South Dakota Chapter to the national fraternity spanning 1931 to 1987, such as monthly meeting minutes, semester membership and initiate reports, and officer reports. The collection also preserves local materials: pledge and new member manuals, membership directories, examination records, songs, awards certificates, and memorabilia like banners and scrapbooks.

Photographic materials consist of loose color and black-and-white photos documenting initiations, social events, awards ceremonies, and group portraits from the late 20th century. Membership cards, both individual and blank, dating from 1924 onward are also part of the collection.

This archival resource provides a rich and detailed record of the chapter’s evolution, its members, and its role within agricultural education and leadership development over nearly a century.

This collection is a resource for the study of agricultural education, student leadership development, and fraternal organizations at South Dakota State University and nationally. It offers valuable insights into the social, academic, and community-oriented functions of Alpha Zeta as a prominent agricultural fraternity. The records reflect the local chapter’s commitment to fostering agricultural leadership, academic excellence, and service, documenting its growth, challenges, and community involvement through multiple decades.

Alpha Zeta
MA 089 · Records · 1969-1976

This collection consists of materials created by the Sioux Falls Summer Track Program. It includes schedules, entry forms, meeting minutes, race results, newspaper clippings, correspondence, and other records related to the program’s activities and organization.

Sioux Falls Summer Track Program
Gamma Sigma Delta Records
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
Gordon Garnos Papers
MA 082 · Papers · 1998-2016

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.

Garnos, Gordon Richard 1935-2016
MA 070 · Records · 1952-1963

This collection documents the operations, governance, and dissolution of the Faculty Housing Company, Inc., which provided housing for faculty members. The records span the organization’s founding through its termination and include corporate, financial, administrative, and promotional materials.

Materials include articles of incorporation, deeds, meeting minutes (including annual and board of directors), correspondence with and letters to stockholders, leases, legal instruments, and financial statements. Architectural records such as floor plans and building documents are also present, along with brochures, posters, and information related to appliances used in housing units. The collection includes project photographs and documents pertaining to the company's dissolution. President’s bulletins, quarterly reports to the State Securities Commission, and miscellaneous items further reflect the company’s activities and compliance practices.

Faculty Housing Company, Inc. (Brookings, S.D.)
Daktronics Collection
MA 081 · Collection · 1976-2007

This collection offers valuable insight into the development and global expansion of a prominent South Dakota-based technology company. Daktronics, Inc. played a key role in advancing electronic display technology, particularly in the sports and public event industries. The materials reflect the company’s transition from a regional enterprise to an internationally recognized leader in digital scoreboards and timing systems.

The collection docouments Daktronics’ involvement in high-profile events such as the 1980 Winter Olympics and the Holmenkollen Ski Festival, providing context on the company’s early international contracts and technical innovation. It also captures internal corporate culture, shareholder engagement, and public relations efforts through its newsletters, reports, and promotional materials.

Additionally, the collection has local and institutional value, illustrating the economic and technological contributions of South Dakota businesses and highlighting the involvement of South Dakota State University alumni in the company's growth. It serves as a useful resource for researchers studying regional entrepreneurship, corporate communications, and the evolution of sports technology.

Daktronics
Reed G. Hart, Jr. Scrapbooks
MA 080 · Papers · 1968-1982

This collection consists of five scrapbooks compiled by Reed G. Hart, Jr., documenting his leadership of jogging clubs in Kwajalein (Marshall Islands) and Saudi Arabia from 1968 to 1983. The scrapbooks contain black-and-white and color photographs, news clippings, race scorecards, and other memorabilia chronicling the activities of the Kwajalein Jogging League and the Saudi Arabian Jogging Association. The Kwajalein volumes feature events such as the 6-mile, 10-mile, and 1,000-mile competitions, as well as a biathlon; they also highlight team and individual participation across a wide demographic. Notably, the 1973–1974 scrapbook includes coverage of Lili Ledbetter, a record-setting young runner. The Saudi Arabian scrapbook, which includes less youth participation, documents marathons and features images of both running events and local scenery. Together, these materials provide insight into expatriate athletic culture and recreational programming during the late 20th century.

Hart, Reed G., Jr., 1926–2014