Skip to main content

South Dakota State Historical Society participates in May Day activities

Every year on May 1 – May Day – the South Dakota State Historical Society encourages historical societies, archives, museums and libraries to spend some time preparing their organization in the event of a disaster.

The day is meant to remind heritage organizations to be prepared for a disaster and to take the initiative to plan some activities that may help their organizations in the event of an emergency. If an organization needs assistance with preparing an emergency preparedness plan they are encouraged to contact the State Historical Society-Archives at 605-773-3804 or archref@state.sd.us.

“Preparing an emergency preparedness plan or training staff to respond to different scenarios may seem daunting, but dedicating a little time on May 1 may make a difference if an emergency does happen,” said Chelle (pronounced SHELL-ee) Somsen, South Dakota state archivist. “Examples of activities that can be done on May Day include updating the contact list for staff, checking to make sure the fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are working, surveying the building for risks or conducting a disaster drill.”

On May Day, the State Archives staff will update their response plans and check the batteries on their flashlights to ensure they are working correctly. State Historical Society staff are updating the emergency preparedness plan to correct any outdated information.

“These are actions that we can take without the whole process becoming overwhelming,” Somsen said.

For more information, contact the State Historical Society-Archives at 605-773-3804 or archref@state.sd.us. State Archives hours are 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CDT Monday-Friday and the first Saturday of most months.

About the South Dakota State Historical Society
The South Dakota State Historical Society is a division of the Department of Education. The State Historical Society, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is headquartered at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. The center houses the society’s world-class museum, the archives, and the historic preservation, publishing and administrative/development offices. Call 605-773-3458 or visit www.history.sd.gov for more information. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call 605-394-1936 for more information.