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Entertainment for Cultural Heritage Center Holiday Open House announced

A full afternoon of entertainment is planned for the annual holiday open house of the South Dakota State Historical Society on Friday, Nov. 23, at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Following is the schedule:

  • 12-1 p.m. CST – Ron Smith, piano, and Lori Hall, hand bells
  • 1-1:30 p.m. CST – Rodd Bauck, vocals, accompanied by Karen Lindbloom
  • 1:30-2 p.m. CST – Stephen VanMullem, violin; Karen VanMullem, vocals; accompanied by Margaret Ellefson
  • 2-2:30 p.m. CST – Kate Nelson, vocals, accompanied by Margaret Ellefson
  • 2:30-3 p.m. CST – Jeanne Schweigert, piano
  • 3-3:30 p.m. CST – The Baker Family (Pat, Jennifer and Jack) vocals, guitar and piano
  • 3:30-4 p.m. CST – Gloria Merriam, piano
  • 4-4:30 p.m. CST – Ron Smith, piano, and Lori Hall, hand bells

“The entertainment is always an important part of our holiday open house,” said Jay D. Vogt, director of the State Historical Society. “We encourage people to bring guests, come up to the Cultural Heritage Center and support their favorite performers – or all of them.”

In addition to the entertainment, the 12-4:30 p.m. CST event features demonstrator Bob Travis panning for gold. There is free admission to the museum, featuring the exhibit “The Spirit of the ‘70s” in the Hogen Gallery, holiday treats, and people can shop for unique gifts in the Heritage Store. Photos with Santa Claus will be available in the Observation Gallery.

This year the State Historical Society is commemorating the centennial of women getting the right to vote in South Dakota. The lobby of the Cultural Heritage Center is decorated in a patriotic theme, and the large Christmas tree has ornaments that say “Votes for Women.”

People are encouraged to bring canned goods as a freewill donation for the Pierre Food Pantry.

Following the holiday open house, the Cultural Heritage Center will be open extended hours for the holidays. From Nov. 24-Dec. 22, the hours will be 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. CST Monday through Saturday and 1-4:30 p.m. CST on Sundays. The Cultural Heritage Center is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days.

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.