Visitors to the Cultural Heritage Center Museum in Pierre can view a new exhibition in the museum’s Observation Gallery beginning Saturday, June 16.
“From Jackrabbits to Schmeckfest: The Many Faces of Community Identity in South Dakota” opens to the public on Saturday, June 16. Visitors are welcome to enjoy free admission all day and some refreshments from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. CDT to celebrate the exhibit opening.

“We are especially excited to open the new exhibit,” said Jay Smith, museum director. “We’ve been working on the gallery for several weeks, and I think it will be fun for both our South Dakota residents and for visitors to South Dakota.”

The exhibit explores the variety of ways that community identity is established and how community is regularly reinforced. The exhibit addresses such topics as sports and mascots, community festivals and special events, agriculture, history, clubs and organizations as well as community culture in towns and cities across South Dakota. The exhibit will feature a few interactives such as creating your own mascot.

The exhibit will be open through September 2019.

Now through Labor Day, the museum is open from 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. CDT Monday through Saturday, and 1-4:30 p.m. on Sundays and most holidays. Call 605-773-3458 for more information about exhibits, special events and upcoming activities. Kids age 17 and under are always admitted free of charge.

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.