Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed October as Archives Month in South Dakota.

“Archives Month is celebrated nationally every year in October as a time to highlight the importance of archives, or historical records” said State Archivist Chelle Somsen. “Archives Month is a great opportunity to explore the archives in your area and learn more about what they do and why it’s important.”

The South Dakota State Archives at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre is sponsoring several events that highlight historical records throughout the month including:

• Friday, Oct. 1, 4 p.m. CDT (3 p.m. MDT): “Researching at the Archives” presentation 
  Join State Archives staff live on Facebook and Instagram as they share everything you need to know to make the most of your research visit.
   
• Thursday, Oct. 7, 4 p.m. CDT (3 p.m. MDT): YouTube Premiere of “Recently Accessioned Manuscript Collections”
  Manuscript Archivist Matthew T. Reitzel will offer a pre-recorded presentation highlighting manuscript collections processed within the last year at the State Archives. Archives staff will be available to answer questions during the premiere on YouTube.
   
• Friday, Oct. 8: Electronic Records Day
  Oct. 8 is designated as "Electronic Records Day" by the Council of State Archivists. Electronic files are much more fragile than paper records, and their long-term survival requires attention and planning. Watch the State Archives’ social media on Electronic Records Day for tips on preserving and managing electronic files.
   
• Wednesday, Oct. 13, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CDT (7 a.m.-4 p.m. MDT): #AskAnArchivist Day
  #AskAnArchivist Day is a national event sponsored by the Society of American Archivists. Follow the Twitter conversation using #AskAnArchivist and send questions to @SDArchives.
   
• Saturday, Oct. 16, 1-3 p.m. CDT (12-2 p.m. MDT): Walking through History
  Interact with five actors along the Trail of Governors in Pierre, then stop by the Cultural Heritage Center to see a selection of governors’ papers at the State Archives. The first 25 groups to complete the route receive a goody bag provided by the Heritage Store at the Cultural Heritage Center!
   
• Tuesday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m. CDT (6 p.m. MDT): History Trivia Night
  The State Archives is hosting its first virtual edition of History Trivia Night! Gather your smartest friends and join us for some fun South Dakota and U.S. history trivia. Spaces are limited; visit the State Archives’ website to reserve your spot.

For more information on South Dakota Archives Month, please visit history.sd.gov/archives and click the link to “Archives Month 2021.”

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 since 2013, 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. For membership information see: https://history.sd.gov/Membership.aspx. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call 605-394-1936 for more information.