PIERRE--Historic preservation projects in Dell Rapids, Esmond, Faith, Huron, Sisseton and Yankton recently received matching grants from the South Dakota State Historical Society, as announced by Jay D. Vogt, director of the Society.

“This is the 15th year for this historic preservation grants program,” Vogt said. “In 2011 we awarded approximately $122,000 between 10 projects which will result in a total public-private investment of over $299,000. This program is designed to encourage restoration or rehabilitation of historic properties and is one more way we can promote and protect our history and culture.”

The grants are awarded through the State Historical Society’s Deadwood Fund grant program. Funding for the program is from Deadwood gaming revenue earmarked by state law for historic preservation projects throughout the state. The program is administered by the State Historic Preservation Office at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

The following projects were the most recent to receive grants:
 Dell Rapids: Dieson Block/Dell Rapids Museum, $6,000 for repointing and plaster repair;
 Esmond: Esmond Methodist Church, $1,785 for protection of original wood siding and decorative wood shingling;
 Faith: Minneapolis Brewing Company Warehouse, $9,000 for repair of roof, fascia, windows and openings, interior wood, HVAC system, and foundation;
 Huron: Campbell Park Band Shell, $7,000 to stabilize deteriorated concrete base and to seal structure’s envelope by replacing deteriorated materials, installing flashing, and painting;
 Sisseton: Stavig House Museum, $20,856 to seal building envelope through work on roof, gutter, windows, painting, and site drainage;
 Yankton: Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, $25,000 for roof repair and replacement of slate roof.

Deadwood Fund grants are awarded twice a year with grant application deadlines of Feb. 1 and Oct. 1. They are reviewed at the spring and winter meetings of the State Historical Society’s board of trustees. For more information on the Deadwood Fund grant program, contact the State Historic Preservation Office at the Cultural Heritage Center, 900 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501-2217; telephone (605) 773-3458; or website www.history.sd.gov/Preservation.

Editor’s Note: Photos of any of these properties are available upon request. More-detailed releases about each property and a photo are being sent to the property’s local media.

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The South Dakota State Historical Society is a division of the Department of Tourism. The Department of Tourism is comprised of Tourism, the South Dakota Arts Council, and the State Historical Society. The Department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen. The State Historical Society 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 history.sd.gov for more information. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call (605) 394-1936 for more information.