It’s May, and history ought to be on your mind

South Dakotas Historic Preservation Month has been observed since it was established at the national level in May 1973.

In 2005, the state added archaeology to the celebration to recognize it as a partner in preserving history. Our states cultural heritage is rich and diverse as represented by thousands of archaeological and historical sites, historic buildings, and landscapes that have been discovered and recorded throughout the state. Public appreciation and understanding is the foundation of protecting and preserving South Dakotas past for future generations.

Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month is a great time to think about these homes, businesses, and sites and the people who built them, remembering to look back and preserve them as they were meant to be. This years theme is Journeys Into History!” This theme aims to celebrate a variety of journeys, from historic train depots to western expansion and the Gold Rush in the Black Hills, and so much more. The Historic Preservation Office encourages South Dakotans to celebrate this theme by learning about and exploring historical locations in their local communities and throughout the state.

This month can also be observed by:

• Taking a walk around a local history residential and/or commercial district.
• Researching local historic buildings and places, learning about their history, and supporting the preservation of them.
• Following the South Dakota State Historical Societys Facebook page to learn about local historic places and archaeological sites throughout the state during May.

In all, over 6,700 buildings, structures, objects and sites from 65 of South Dakotas 66 counties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Further, nearly 200 local historical societies, museums, archives, interpretive centers, and historic sites operate across the state. These historic properties and historical organizations demonstrate that history is an important component of life in South Dakota today.

In Brookings

Brookings is full of architectural treasures that are passed by daily and often go unnoticed. Throughout all of May, the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission will have a display in the Brookings Public Library which will show some of the great buildings and homes throughout Brookings. With the display, the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission hopes to stimulate sensitivity to the architectural detail that can be found on so many of the citys historical structures. The commission will also present stories as they originally appeared in the Brookings Register or Brookings County Press on some of the historic buildings in Brookings.

Historic properties with their beautiful architectural details are visible reminders of the history and culture we live in. If the use of this display can spark an awareness and appreciation of these historic properties, then we have increased the chance that our history can be preserved for future generations.