The South Dakota State Historical Society honored its volunteers for 2014 at an event during National Volunteer Week.
Guest speaker Melody Schopp, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Education, told those attending that about 62.6 million Americans volunteer, according to information about volunteering. That amounts to about 25 percent of the adult population, or one in four adults.
“Many people have realized the importance of volunteering,” said Jay D. Vogt, director of the State Historical Society. “We’re glad that people have recognized the importance of volunteering at the Cultural Heritage Center.”
In 2014, 39 people volunteered a total of 3,127 hours at the Cultural Heritage Center and the Heritage Store at the Capitol, the gift shop at the Capitol operated by the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation. The foundation is the nonprofit fundraising partner of the State Historical Society.
“Volunteers are vital to the operation of the Cultural Heritage Center,” Vogt said. “They greet visitors, assist them in the Heritage Stores, guide tours, teach classes to area school children, help with special events, and aid in the museum and archives.”
Volunteers were recognized both for hours of service and years of service in 2014.
Those honored for volunteering 100 hours or more last year were: Marv Paulson, 19th year of 100-plus hours a year; Clara Shelbourn, 13th year; Connie Grittner, 10 years; Art Rezac and Colleen Weiss, ninth year; Carolyn Coonrod, Gail Lyngstad and Betty Meintsma, sixth year; Carol Jennings, Billie Taylor and Gloria Welk, fifth year; and Lila Houck, Marlys Nellermoe and Dorinda Timmons, second year.
Volunteers recognized for their years of service at the Cultural Heritage Center were: Trudy Evenstad, Nancy Thomas and Bob Travis, 24 years; Clara Shelbourn, 21 years; Marv Paulson, 20 years; Bev Huckins, 19 years; Karen Allan, 16 years; Jan Deis, Connie Grittner, Donna Gutenkauf, Gail Lyngstad, Sandra Nelson, Art Rezac and Colleen Weiss, 10 to 14 years; Carol Axtman, Carolyn Coonrod, Andy Deis, Carol Jennings, Joan Likness, Betty Meintsma, Marlys Nellermoe, Alta Otterness, Doris Powell, Ruth Rehn, Karen Stein, Billie Taylor and Gloria Welk; five to nine years; and Mike Baker, Lois Byrum, Tonnie Collins, Laurel Darling, Layna Darling, Betsey DeLoache, Ramona Fallon, Lila Houck, Cathi Lester, Marvene Riis, Barb Sogaard, Jindra Spencer, Dorinda Timmons and Gary Whitney, one to four years.
The South Dakota State Historical Society offers volunteer opportunities as front desk attendants, Heritage Store clerks, tour guides and gallery educators, as well as in the Museum and State Archives.
“Volunteering at the Cultural Heritage Center is a good opportunity to meet people from throughout the world,” Vogt said.
Hours are flexible to accommodate the volunteer’s schedule, and training will be provided. For more information, please call volunteer coordinator Dorinda Daniel at (605) 773-6006.
