What is Islam?
A look at the origins, doctrines and practices of Islam from its historical evolution to the challenges of today. Other topics discussed include the relationship with Christianity and Judaism. Specific questions about Muslims in the West and problems in American policy towards the Islamic world can also be incorporated.

The Arab-Israeli Conflict
A historical perspective of the conflict, analyzing wars in the region, examining the prospect for peace and discuss the current difficulties and dilemmas that affect the region. Dr. Ahmad also takes a look at American involvement in the conflict.

Dr. Ahrar Ahmad, Spearfish
Professor, Black Hills State University
ahrar.ahmad@bhsu.edu (w)               605-722-5243 (h), 605-642-6000 (w)

% A Conversation with a Lakota Poet
A conversation about cultural difference using poetry and friendship.  The presentation highlights the authenticity of voice and looks at the book, Memory Songs, by Lydia Whirlwind Solider.  Presented with Lydia Whirlwind Soldier.

The Resurrection of 470 Acres: A Story of the Land During the Dirty 30s
A look at the resurrection of 470 acres in Beadle County, SD, when drought and wind ravaged the land.  The presentation is told from the perspective of a German immigrant farmer and
his family.

Dr. Kathy Antonen, Rapid City
Professor of English, SD School of Mines and Technology
kathy.antonen@sdsmt.edu (w)        605-381-8737 (h), 605-394-2481 (w)

Toys, Games, and Pastimes of Children in the 1800s
Using a collection of antique toys and household items, audience members can imagine what a child’s life was like in the 1800s. 

The Shaping of American Women
Explore how culture, beliefs, fashion, society and significant events from American colonization to modern times influenced the role of women. Audiences will be challenged to draw conclusions by comparing various time periods to speculate on the role of American women in the future.

Scotch-Irish in Appalachia
Scotch-Irish immigration to Appalachia and the contributions they made to American culture are the focus of this program. Ms. Beckner tells of traditional Appalachian mountain culture and similarities are drawn between the old and new worlds through cultural traditions, stories, music, and dance. Songs are performed on traditional instruments, and basic dance styles are shown.

Additional Presentation: Everyday Life During the American Civil War

Lois Beckner, Aberdeen
Cultural Arts Coordinator, Aberdeen Recreation & Cultural Center
lois.beckner@aberdeen.sd.us (w)     605-225-0712 (h), 605-626-7081 (w)

Heroines in Willa Cather’s Prairie Novels
Drawing from the classic prairie texts O’Pioneers! and My Antonia, this presentation highlights the strong female characters in Cather’s work.

Symbols Reveal a Great Plains Giant: Frederick Manfred
Learn how writer Frederick Manfred used symbols to describe the unique people and places of the “Siouxland” region, where Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa meet.

19th Century American Scribbling Women
Compare and contrast writers Eudora Welty and Kate Cleary, both of whom used “home place” as the dominant theme in their work.  Welty, often designated as one of the most notable 20th century Southern regionalists is compared to Cleary, a little known 19th century Nebraska writer.

Dr. Marilyn Carlson Aronson, Beresford
Academic Dean, National American University
mcarlson@national.edu (w)                 605-957-4371 (h), 605-336-4680 (w)

The Heart’s Compass
Audiences will be taken on a poetic, musical, and imaginative journey of pioneer women who settled the Plains.  Presented with Lyn Messersmith.

Leaders and Legends
Story, song, poetry and visual materials accompany this presentation that tells the stories of the leaders and legends who shaped the American West.  Presented with Lyn Messersmith

Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History
Delve into “her-story” with colorful female characters, including Pearl Hart, Baby Doe Tabor and the women who
assisted in progressing the Underground Railroad through quilt messages. The “Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History” presentation can be done with any combination of four presenters. Presented with Lyn Messersmith and two other presenters. Please contact Carpenter-Nolting or Messersmith for more information.

Deb Carpenter-Nolting,
Bushnell, NE
(on left)
Instructor, Gering High School
deb.nolting@gmail.com (h)                 308-360-0756 (h)

Blizzard Stories from the Northern Plains
Get details about the blizzards that affected the Northern Plains as Ceil Anne Clement shares the stories from a series of interviews she conducted about the subject.

Storytelling Around the World
This presentation includes stories from many cultures, with emphasis on Northern European traditions.

Tales from the Tame Edge of the Wild West
A celebration of life west of the Missouri River with stories of vanished villages, present-day towns, and the challenges and joys on the tame edge of the Wild West.

Additional Presentation: History Tales

Ceil Anne Clement, Hettinger, ND
Independent Scholar
701-567-4218 (h)

@ An Hour with Laura
Choose one of the following: 1) Laura Ingalls Wilder; 2) A reporter sharing oral histories from the Ingalls family; 3) A teacher talking about Laura’s family.

Marian Cramer, Bryant
Director of Little Prairie School, Ingalls Homestead
mariancramer@yahoo.com (h)             605-625-5865 (h)

% The Role of American Indian Women Past & Present
A Lakota woman takes a look at the traditional, institutional, and contemporary roles of Indian women.  The presentation is supplemented with taped interviews of American Indian women as well as music and art. 

% Traditional Lakota Philosophy
The presenter will highlight today’s relevance of Lakota philosophy for the tribal people.

Jace DeCory, Spearfish
Assistant Professor, Black Hills State University
jace.decory@bhsu.edu (w)                 605-642-6295 (w)

Erasing Imaginary Lines: The Illusion of Race
With information from the American Anthropological Association, genetic research, personal stories and anecdotes, this presentation calls on audiences to examine their ways of thinking about race.

Lawrence Diggs, Roslyn
Author, Independent Scholar
me@ldiggs.com (w)                           605-486-4536 (w)

@ George Drouillard: Hunter, Interpreter and Sign Talker for Lewis and Clark
A portrayal of Drouillard, a half-French, half-Shawnee member of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

@ The Life and Times of Peter Sarpy
Learn about Sarpy, a key figure in the transformation of Indian Country into Nebraska Territory.

@ The Life and Times of J. Sterling Morton
This presentation gives insight as “Morton” tells humorous and tragic stories of his life, family and political career. Morton, known mostly for founding Arbor Day, has many more accomplishments than that.

@ Theodore Roosevelt: Rough Rider President
A portrayal of President Roosevelt’s personal and political life.  Including information on his ranch life in Dakota territory. 

Darrel Draper, Omaha, NE
Independent Scholar
petersarpy@aol.com (h)                    402-553-8117 (h)

% Being Dakota in the Modern World
This presentation focuses on the history of American Indians from a native perspective as well as examines federal policies that have impacted all American Indians including tribes in South Dakota.  Traditional leadership vs. modern leadership will also be discussed. 

Harvey DuMarce, Sisseton
Adjunct Instructor, Sisseton Wahpeton College
hdumarce@swc.tc (w)                        605-698-4335 (h)

@ Theodore Roosevelt
The 26th President of the United States comes back to life in this exciting show. The topic of Roosevelt’s view on Immigration and it’s comparison to today can be discussed as well.

@ Steamboat Captain Grant Marsh
A pioneer of the Missouri and Yellowstone, he commanded the Far West that brought the news of Custer’s defeat.

@ Sgt. John Ordway of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
The only man to have a journal entry everyday of the voyage from St. Louis and back, set in 1913.

@ "Yellowstone" Vic Smith
This champion buffalo hunter, army scout, and dispatch rider brings the late 19^th century back to life. 

Arch Ellwein, Sidney, MT
Independent Scholar
arch@midrivers.com (h)                    406-488-5109 (h), 800-482-5109 (w)

What China Can Teach Us About the U.S.
A slide-illustrated program offering comparisons of art, food, entertainment, work, and money in China and the U.S.

Midwestern American Poetry
A reading and discussion of Midwestern poems by writers past and present. Evans discusses influences on his own poetry. Slides of photos and paintings accompany the presentation.

Midwestern Themes in Art and Literature
A presentation illustrated with slides of paintings by Midwestern artists that have been juxtaposed with poems by Midwestern writers. Examine how art and literature become repositories of what people in any region value.

David Allan Evans, Sioux Falls
Writer-In-Residence, South Dakota State University
evanspl@sio.midco.net (h)                 605-271-0466 (h)

% Native Americans Circa 1900: A New Perspective
With the end of the western frontier and the removal of Native Americans from the open prairies, the prevailing attitude in the Midwest changed from fear to curiosity.  Seldom was this change more evident than at harvest festivals and other traditionally white celebrations, where Native Americans were invited to participate not as equals, but as novelties. 

Palaces on the Prairie
Discover 30 little-known grain or mineral palaces that dotted the Midwest during the late 1880s and early 1900s.

Rod Evans, Aberdeen
Author, Independent Scholar
rodevans@nvc.net (h)                          605-725-2611 (h)

My Russia: Reflections of the People, Culture, Art, and Inspiration of Russia
Fuller shares his personal perceptions of contemporary life in Russia as well as background, historical information on major (and lesser-known) events in Russia that have helped shape their current situation.  The presentation will also include excerpts from Fuller’s writing that were inspired by his time spent in Russia.  

Dr. Ivan Fuller, Sioux Falls
Professor, Augustana College
ivan.fuller@augie.edu (w)                    605-274-5334 (w)

% Storytelling of the Dakota
This presentation demonstrates the historical society of the
Dakota people through the medium of storytelling. The
adventures of the first set of twins born in the world will give a glimpse of the family structure, food gathering, and beliefs of their tribal people.

% Sitting Bull Family Story
The history of this family, told by the daughter of Sitting Bull, covers the time from prior to Euro-American contact up to and including the Massacre at Wounded Knee.

% Lewis and Clark Meet the Sioux
A family on the Lower Brule Sioux Reservation are descendents of Meriweather Lewis, according to their family history. Using the event descriptions from the Journal of Lewis and material collected by Ella Deloria, we explore the possibility of such a liaison.

% Speaking of Ella Deloria
Deloria wrote the books Waterlily and the Anthropology companion textbook, Dakota Way of Life, based on the extensive Sioux elder interviews she began compiling in the early 1920s and, from her own knowledge as a Dakota woman raised among and with family ties to Lakota families.  This presentation is about the woman and her work. 

Joyzelle Gingway Godfrey, Lincoln, NE
Independent Scholar
jyzlle@windstream.net (h)                   402-470-3810 (h), 402-613-7813 (c)

@ % Dakota Daughters
To heal racism and build a harmonious society requires respecting values as well as accepting the ambiguity of mutually conflicting interpretations of history. The three characters portrayed are imaginary but they describe actual events in the west from 1865 to 1890. “This play will bring a greater understanding of diverse cultures to their audience as they bring to life the words of three women from the American West.” - Jim Kent with Joyce Jefferson and Lillian Witt.

% Pre-colonization, Colonization, Decolonization of the Food and Diet of the Tetuwan Lakota People
This PowerPoint presentation covers the diet of the Lakota people from pre-reservation to present time.

Geraldine Goes In Center,
Rapid City
(pictured center)
Independent Scholar
wasnawinyan@live.com (h)                 605-209-7922 (h)

Plain Jane’s Misadventures
Green relates her misadventures of being a South Dakota farm wife, mother, and grandmother with farm women, friends, family, and students. It can include a writing workshop on any of the themes.

Jane Green, Clark
Independent Scholar
jgreen@itctel.com (h)                          605-532-5113 (h)

What E.B. White Wove in Charlotte’s Web
The examination of why and how White wrote his famous book, Charlotte’s Web. Includes teaching about writing style and writing exercises. Appropriate for 4th grade students and up.

E.B. White’s Writing for Adults: Lessons in Life and Writing
Lessons in writing style and process as well as what we learn from White’s own writing.

% Access Possibilities: Building Friendly Diversity in Our Communities
A presentation that helps open dialogues about Native and non-Native people getting to know one another to strengthen our communities.  The focus can be on history, culture, daily life, city and reservation conditions, and/or basic relationships between people of different races. Presented with Marcie Sprague-Pudwill. 

Candy Hamilton, Rapid City
Co-Founder Kimimila Connections
hamcandy@gmail.com (h)                 605-716-1505 (h), 605-407-8488 (w)

Big Game Hunters of the Northern Plains
A discussion about the Paleoindian and earliest human sites in the New World, known as the Clovis Period.

Beginnings of Village Life in the Northern Plains
This presentation discusses the landmarks and drainage systems of the Missouri and James River Valleys.

Deep Caves, Deep Time Images
Using slides and replicas of artifacts, this presentation gives an overview of the art of the upper Paleolithic of France.

L. Adrien Hannus, Sioux Falls
Archeology Lab Director, Augustana College
adrien.hannus@augie.edu (h)              605-334-7153 (h), 605-274-5494 (w)

Feels Like Far: Ranching and Writing on the Great Plains
Hasselstrom will present information about writing, editing, and publishing her book, Feels Like Far, including the difficulties of writing an autobiography. 

Crazy Woman Creek: Women and Community in the West
Hasselstrom, an editor of the book Crazy Woman Creek, will read from the book and discuss ways in which women have found community in the West, either as a purely general interest talk, or as a way of encouraging women to form strong and flexible communications in their own regions. 

Crazy Woman Creek: Editing Western Anthologies
This presentation could be a talk or a workshop.  Hasselstrom will discuss the experiences in editing and publishing Crazy Woman Creek and how other Westerners could pursue publishing and marketing of their literature, particularly collections of writing. 

Linda Hasselstrom, Hermosa
Author, Independent Scholar
info@windbreakhouse.com (w)            605-255-4064 (w)

Faith's Story and the History with Pioneer Experiences in Dakota Territory
This presentation highlights the book Faith’s Story, which looks at the life of pioneers near Fort Sisseton. 

LaVonne Helmer, Groton
Author, Independent Scholar
ljhelmer@nvc.net (h)                        605-397-8379 (h)

At Auschwitz: Doing Research & Writing About a Nazi Concentration Camp
Hicks discuss his current novel in progress, which takes place at Auschwitz.  In this presentation, Hicks will read passages from his manuscript and talk about what it was like to visit Auschwitz.  He will show slides from his research trip and discuss what it means to live in a post-Holocaust world. 

Finding the Gossamer and This London
Hicks reads from his two critically acclaimed poetry collections with special emphasis on his life in Northern Ireland, England, Germany, and Spain. Through poetry, he asks questions of home and what it means to come from a particular nation.

The Writing Life and Getting Published
Hicks discusses his daily routine as a writer, demystifying and explaining the writer’s life as well as offering suggestions on how to cultivate literary creativity.

A Tale of Two Nations: Literary Identity in Ireland and England
England and Ireland are uneasy neighbors. In this lecture, Hicks explores both national identities, examining literary figures of the past 100 years that marks the shift in “Irishness” and “Englishness.”

Dr. Patrick Hicks, Sioux Falls
Associate Professor/Writer-In-Residence, Augustana College
patrick.hicks@augie.edu  (w)              605-274-5434 (w)

Skeletons of the Prairie
This program uses slides of abandoned buildings in Codington County to help foster an appreciation and awareness for historic structures before they vanish.

Tim Hoheisel, Sioux Falls
Outreach Director, Center for Western Studies, Augustana College
tim.hoheisel@augie.edu (w)                 605-274-4005 (w)

Patchwork of the Prairie
This presentation includes a trunk show of approximately 30 quilts made by members of the same family spanning 135 years. The stories behind both the quilters and the quilts themselves are shared.

Cowboy/Cowgirl Poetry
Hollenbeck, the #1 award-winning cowgirl poet in America, will do a program on her cowboy/cowgirl poetry.

Yvonne Hollenbeck, Clearfield
Independent Scholar
geetwo@gwtc.net (h)                          605-557-3559 (h)

@ % Dakota Daughters
To heal racism and build a harmonious society requires respecting values as well as accepting the ambiguity of mutually conflicting interpretations of history. The three characters portrayed are imaginary but they describe actual events in the west from 1865 to 1890.  “This play will bring a greater understanding of diverse cultures to their audience as they bring to life the words of three women from the American West.” - Jim Kent  Presented with Geraldine Goes in Center and Lillian Witt.

@ Oscar Micheaux: Fact, Fiction, and Stories
The presenters will lecture to the audience about Oscar Micheaux’s writing, films, and legacy.  Joyce Jefferson, in period clothing, engages with scholarly Jerry Wilske with excerpts from Oscar Micheaux’s The Homesteader and The Conquest. Presented with Jerry Wilske.

Additional Presentations: Chautauqua programs on Sarah Campbell, Lucretia Marchbanks, Kate Reynolds, and more.

Joyce Jefferson, Rapid City
(pictured on right)
Owner, Joyce Jefferson Creates Stories in Song                                storystory@rushmore.com (h)
605-393-2680 (h), 605-209-2896 (w)

@ % Connecting: A Dakota Journey of Dance & Spirit
Belinda Joe strives to make connections through similarities of laughter, song, sharing, and passion in this presentation. 

@ % Dakota Storytelling: The Drum Beat of Life
This presentation utilizes the presenter’s experiences and those of the audience to promote understanding and balance among cultures. 

Belinda Joe, Ft. Thompson
Culture-Education Specialist, Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation
bfjoe@hotmail.com (h)                       605-245-2453 (w)

South Dakota Literary Trees
This presentation discusses how the trees and forests of South Dakota are portrayed in a variety of literature including the works of L. Frank Baum, Hamlin Garland, Laura Ingalls Wilder and Ambrose Bierce. The presentation emphasizes the importance of both the literature and natural resources of our state and demonstrates how immigrants perceived the natural abundance they found here.

South Dakota’s Stained Glass Windows
This presentation discusses how stained glass windows are produced, the role of immigrants in designing, producing and bringing to South Dakota these beautiful works of art that are present throughout our state in religious, educational, governmental, commercial, and residential settings .

Dr. Barbara Johnson, Aberdeen
Independent Scholar                        prairielitdocjb@aol.com (h)
605-229-5988 (h)

Building a Book from Start to Finish                              How does an idea become a beautiful bound book?  Find out in this presentation that involves visuals and hands-on examples of various steps in the book-making process, and learn what writers really do. 

Journey into the Deep: Meet Weird and Wonderful Creatures from the Deep Sea                                      Vivid images transport you into the deep sea, where scientists have found thousands of strange, new species as a result of explorations made during the 2000-2010 International Census of Marine Life.  COML discoveries formed the basis of Johnson’s most recent book, Journey into the Deep: Discovering New Ocean Creatures. 

Rebecca Johnson, Sioux Falls
Children's & Young Adult Author     rebeccajohnson.rlj@gmail.com (w)     605-339-2081 (w)

World Bicycle Tour
In this slide presentation, Junek and Thacker describe a 26-month bicycling and hiking adventure across five continents.

Mummies and Mosques
A slide presentation on ancient civilizations and Islamic culture: a three-month bicycle trip through Egypt, Jordan, Greece, and Turkey. How were two Americans treated in Muslims countries post 9/11? The answer may surprise you!

Rainforests and Mayan Ruins
A slide presentation on ten journeys in Mexico and Central America: a bicycle tour, numerous trips exploring Maya ruins, ocean kayaking and snorkeling; plus traditional festivals, religious celebrations, and folk art.

Additional Presentation: Bruce and Tass Unplugged

Bruce Junek and Tass Thacker, Rapid City
Co-Owners, Images of the World
iow@hills.net (h)                                605-348-3432 (h)

@ South Dakota’s First First Lady: Margaret Wylie Mellette
A portrayal of the life and times of Mrs. Mellette, South Dakota’s first First Lady.

@ Quill and Beadwork of South Dakota’s Sioux Indians
This program shows how beads and porcupine quills were used from the time of Christopher Columbus to the present. The focus is their use among the Sioux.

@ Hutterites of South Dakota: The Schmiedeleut
Take a tour of most of the state’s Hutterite colonies through a slide presentation.

Joanita Kant, Brookings
Graduate Research Assistant, SDSU
joanita.kant@sdstate.edu (w)              605-692-2594 (h)

A Celebration of One Hundred Years of South Dakota High School Activities and Athletics
This presentation, based on the book with the same title, details South Dakota high school sports and activities. The presenter can give a general historical overview or, with the assistance of contributors to the book, focus on one activity.

Irish in the Dakotas
Kemp illustrates the activities of the Irish in the Dakotas through the 19th and 20th centuries. The documentary, “Out of Ireland,” will be incorporated into the presentation.

David Kemp, Sioux Falls
Owner, Mariah Press
davekemp@midconetwork.com (h)     605-338-8006 (h), 605-367-6913 (w)

The Blizzard of 1880 and the Flood of 1881
The perfect winter storm followed by the perfect thaw and its impact on early Dakota.   

History of South Dakota Photography
The presenter takes the viewer from Dageureo types to the postcards of 1930 South Dakota. 

Letters from the Prairie
The presenter highlights letters written from girlfriends to one woman as they move to teaching positions in central and western South Dakota, 1895-1915. 

Photographers, A to Z
This presentation will show photography done by South Dakota photographers who last names begin with each letter of the alphabet. 

Bob Kolbe, Sioux Falls
Independent Scholar
bobkolbe@gmail.com (h)

Over Here, Over There: World War I Correspondence of the Private John Warns Family
Based on the correspondence of the Warns family and illustrated with slides, Warns’ experiences on the Western Front and the story of his family in Wentworth, SD, are told.

The Custer/Marsh Connection
A slide presentation featuring photos of the steamboat known as the Far West and locations along the Missouri River. The
connection between Custer’s 7th Calvary and riverboat
captain Grant Marsh is explored.

The Korean War
An overview using maps, photos and quotes to convey events of this Cold War conflict that took place in 1950-53.

Dr. Richard Lofthus, Yankton
Professor, Mount Marty College
rlofthus23@iw.net (h)                          605-661-4022 (h), 605-668-1462 (w)

Strangers in Their Own Land: Warrior Representation in the Iraqi Freedom Coming Home Narrative.
This presentation examines Iraqi Freedom movies in the context of the warrior’s “coming home” story. McEntee analyzes the “coming home” narrative as well as studies both of trauma and of warrior re-adjustment and repatriation seen in movies.

Re-Thinking Gender after the Gulf Wars: Literary and Filmic Representations of the Female Warrior
This presentation examines the role of the female—as soldier, nurse, or citizen—in post-Vietnam War combat narratives, both autobiographical and fictional.

The Famous, The Infamous, and the Dead: ‘Filming’ Operation
In this presentation, McEntee discusses the idea of “filming war” through an emerging body of Iraq War movies—mainstream, alternative, and even those shot by warriors themselves, often utilizing “new media” technology.

Dr. Jason McEntee, Brookings
Professor of English,
South Dakota State University
jason.mcentee@sdstate.edu (w)        605-688-4064 (w)

Poetry for All People
McMillan examines the problems and difficulties involved in reaching the ‘common man’ with poetry.

Writing Award-Winning Poetry
An alternative examination of writing for examination.

The Power of Poetry
McMillan discusses poetry’s enduring fascination and its hold on humanity.

Additional Presentations: The Prospects, Perils, and Pitfalls of Self-Publishing

M.J. McMillan, Murdo
Independent Scholar
dakotawriter77@yahoo.com (h)            605-669-2674 (h)

The Heart’s Compass
Audiences will be taken on a poetic, musical and imaginative journey of pioneer women who settled the Plains. Presented with Deb Carpenter-Nolting.

Leaders and Legends
Story, song, poetry and visual materials accompany this presentation that tells the stories of the leaders and legends who shaped the American West. Presented with Deb Carptener-Nolting.

Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History
Delve into “her-story” with colorful female characters, including Pearl Hart, Baby Doe Tabor and the women who assisted in progressing the Underground Railroad through quilt messages. The “Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History” presentation can be done with any combination of four presenters. Presented with Deb Carptener-Nolting and two other presenters. Please contact Carpenter-Nolting or Messersmith for more information.

Lyn Messersmith, Alliance, NE
(on right)
Independent Scholar
ezrein@bbcwb.net (h)                       308-762-2583 (h)

Western and Midwestern Literature
Reading excerpts from his work and the work of others, Meyers discusses the role of land and landscapes in literature along with the ways rural residents have shaped writing.

Kent Meyers, Spearfish
Writer-In-Residence, BHSU
kent.meyers@bhsu.edu (w)                 605-642-6272 (w)

The Growing Income & Wealth Gaps in the U.S.: Are We Becoming a Third World Country?
With inequality of income and wealth growing significantly in the U.S. during the last three decades, the share of income going to the top one percent of American families has jumped from 9 to 23 percent.  Will our country begin to resemble third-world countries, with all of their attendant social and economic problems? 

The New Media Revolution and the Fate of Reading in America
In the age of the Internet, Google, Twitter, blogs, e-books, and yet-to-be invented media innovations, will books go the way of dinosaurs and the Edsel?  How are schools affected by the computer revolution, and what is it doing to our lives?  How shall we make the new media work for our benefit and not to our detriment? 

New Perspectives on Laura Ingalls Wilder
The presenter discusses his biography, books, and essays about Laura Ingalls Wilder, describing her writing collaboration with her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane; her activities for women’s causes; her religious, ethical, and political views; and her leadership roles in the community. 

Dr. John Miller, Brookings
Professor Emeritus, South Dakota State University                               john.miller@sdstate.edu (w)
605-692-7680 (h)

One Day in the Life of a Translation
A discussion of translation process based on One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn.  Compares the original text to the translation, discusses the transformations the text undergoes, the role of the translator, and the challenges posed by different writers. 

Translation into Action
A discussion of the nature of translation as a creative pursuit, qualifications to undertake it, the process and my thoughts about it, along with different translation philosophies.  Includes a real-time demonstration of translating a poem from Russian (or Ukranian) into English. 

Translators as Activists
For multi-lingual audiences: a talk about Murray's personal relationship to translation, how it fits into her bi-lingual identity, how it has motivated her in her studies, and the difficulties of being a translator/transporter of cultures as well as language. 

Nina Murray, Lincoln, NE
Independent Literary Translator
n_schevchuk@yahoo.com (h)            402-327-0811 (h)

% Playing the Warrior: How Video Games Represent American Indians
This presentation discusses and illustrates the visual representation of Native Americans and addresses how these characters play a role in video games.  Includes some history of their representation and what scholars have to say about the use of Native American imagery in these games. 

Dr. John Nelson, Madison
Professor, Dakota State University       john.nelson@dsu.edu (w)                    605-270-2116 (h)

A Writer’s Life
Learn about an author’s daily routines and challenges, including information about the process of getting a book or magazine article published. Unique opportunities for young people are also discussed.

@ The Girl Who Struck Out Babe Ruth
After dramatizing the true story of Jackie Mitchell, the writing process is “personalized” through display of piles of research and stack of drafts. This program is appropriate for all ages, but especially for students in second grade and up.

Who Carved the Mountain?
Hear why and how Mount Rushmore was carved and look at Jean’s new book, Face to Face with Mount Rushmore. Gear your presentation toward the four presidents, sculptor Gutzon Borglum and the times, or little known facts about Mount Rushmore.

Jean Patrick, Mitchell
Author, Independent Scholar
jean@santel.net (h)                          605-996-2110 (h)

% Indian Treaty Land and the Homestead Act
All the territory west of the Missouri River in present-day South Dakota was established as Lakota land by the Ft. Laramie Treaty of 1868.  Through a variety of strategies, the bulk of Lakota land was “opened” to homesteading.  Dr. Pengra’s PowerPoint presentation traces the loss of Indian land and compares cultural differences in decision-making and land-use strategies. 

Isaiah Dorman: Research in Progress
Dorman was the only known African American killed at the Little Big Horn in 1876.  There are many myths, issues, and questions surrounding his birth, life, and family.  Ten years of research by Dr. Pengra has disproved some of the myths and answered some of the questions. 

Dr. Lilah Pengra, Buffalo Gap
Independent Scholar
lilah@hcinet.net (h)                             605-255-4605 (h)

U.S. Army Vietnam Combat Art Program
Jim Pollock, former participant in the U.S. Army Vietnam Combat Art Program gives a historical overview and speaks about his experience with the U.S. Army Vietnam Combat Art Program.

Jim Pollock, Pierre
Self-Employed Artist
jpollock@pie.midco.net (w)                 605-224-2767 (w)

% Native Americans, Justice and Diversity: The Continuing Challenge
A look at the meaning of justice and diversity and the application of these concepts to situations in South Dakota. The current status of Black Hills ownership, jurisdiction and self-determination in Indian country are discussed.

Frank Pommersheim, Vermillion
Professor, University of South Dakota
fpommers@usd.edu (w)                  605-677-6350 (w)

The Stavig Letters
A readers’ theater written by Wayne S. Knutson about the immigrant experience based on an extensive collection of letters exchanged between two brothers, one who emigrated to Dakota Territory in 1876 and the other who stayed in Norway. Presented with Gary Westgard.

Jane and John Rasmussen, Sisseton
(at center, on right)
Independent Scholars
janeandjohnrasmussen@gmail.com (h)     605-698-3025 (h)

Poetry, Prose, and Publishing on the Plains: Poetry and Prose Workshop and Reading
The presenter will discuss his poetry and prose, including his latest Pulitzer Prize nominated book, ghost on 3^rd(New York Quarterly Books, 2010), as well as how to write poetry and prose and to talk about editing and the publishing business.  Reese will also discuss his work as editor-in-chief of the national literary journal PADDLEFISH.

Dr. Jim Reese, Yankton
Assistant Professor,
Mount Marty College
james.reese@mtmc.edu (w)              402-254-2247 (h), 605-688-1362 (w)

The Spirit of Everyday Life: A Poet’s Re-Vision
Catholicism, Presbyterianism, spiritual movements of the 1970's, contemplative traditions, and the contrast between an urban youth and her current rural prairie life shape Remund's poetry. Her work explores the ways in which ordinary daily life, relationships, family, aging and Midwestern landscapes can take on extraordinary significance.  Poetry reading with Q & A. 

Marcella Remund, Beresford
Instructor,
University of South Dakota
mremund@usd.edu

Poetry Reading
Roripaugh, reads new work and poems from her three published collections of poetry: Beyond Heart Mountain (Penguin, 1999), Year of the Snake (Southern Illinois University Press, 2004), and On the Cusp of a Dangerous Year (Southern Illinois University Press, 2009).

Poetry Workshop
A discussion on poetic craft and technique and/or studio writing exercises and creative writing workshops.

Dr. Lee Ann Roripaugh, Vermillion
Associate Professor,
University of South Dakota
lee.roripaugh@usd.edu (w)                  605-675-9539 (w)

Buzzard Flop Stories
Otto uses a mini museum of hand-held antiques while weaving stories, poems, and songs into a spell-binding romp into the past. The presentation reveals the pioneer lifestyles used while settling and living on the high plains and prairies, specifically the years 1870-1950. Original poems and songs used.

Otto Rosfeld, Valentine, NE
Independent Scholar
twooldrosfelds@yahoo.com (h)           402-376-1997 (h)

Hands On! South Dakota Immigrants Through Objects and Archival Materials
The presenters from South Dakota State Historical Society will incorporate objects, written records, and photographs to tell the story of immigrant groups who settled in South Dakota. Presented with Chelle Somsen. 

Ronette Rumpca, Pierre
(on right)
Curator of Interpretation, South Dakota State Historical Society
ronette.rumpca@state.sd.us (w)        605-773-6011 (w)

Picturing America
This program, sponsored by SDHC and the National Endowment for the Humanities, uses images from the Picturing America grant (available for loan from the SDHC office) and discusses the artwork in a historical and cultural context.  Great program for school-age students. 

Dr. Julie Schlarman, Vermillion
Professor, University of South Dakota
julie.schlarman@usd.edu (w)              605-677-5733 (w)

Aftermath and Human Tragedy of War
An examination of warfare and the human suffering that continues long after the final battles have been waged.

George McGovern: A Political Life, A Political Legacy
Senator George McGovern is one of the most prominent political figures South Dakota has ever seen. Learn what propelled this Avon native to political fame and prestige.

Dr. Don Simmons, Egan
McGovern Center Director,
Dakota Wesleyan University
dosimmon@dwu.edu (w)                    605-995-2937 (w)

Look Who’s Laughing: The Power of Women’s Humor
Although most enjoy humor and use it daily, people don’t’ always recognize that humor has psychological, sociological, philosophical and aesthetic dimensions.

Seizing the World by the Tail
This presentation focuses on how women used humor as a mode of expression to raise consciousness on gender issues.

Dr. Judy Sneller, Rapid City
Professor, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
judy.sneller@sdsmt.edu (w)              605-430-5956 (h)

Hands On! South Dakota Immigrants Through Objects and Archival Materials
The presenters from South Dakota State Historical Society will incorporate objects, written records, and photographs to tell the story of immigrant groups who settled in South Dakota. Presented with Ronette Rumpca. 

Chelle Somsen, Pierre
(on left)
State Archivist, South Dakota State Historical Society
chelle.somsen@state.sd.us (w)           605-773-5521 (w)         

% Lakota History from Lewis and Clark
to Wounded Knee 1890
This presentation tells the story of Lakota history through family history, with the use of historic photos, artifacts, tribal and government documents and maps.  Appropriate for grades 5 and up. 

Additional Presentations on Lakota, Dakota, Nakota historical and contemporary areas.

Donovin Sprague, Rapid City
Instructor at BHSU and Univ. of Iowa, Author, Historian
donovin.sprague@bhsu.edu (w)           605-716-9745 (h)

% Access Possibilities: Building Friendly Diversity in Our Communities
A presentation that helps open dialogues about Native and non-Native people getting to know one another to strengthen our communities.  The focus can be on history, culture, daily life, city and reservation conditions, and/or basic relationships between people of different races. Presented with Candy Hamilton.

Marcie Sprague-Pudwill, Rapid City
Co-Founder Kimimila Connections
marciepudwill@yahoo.com (h)

Traveling and Teaching in Turkey
This presentation centers on teaching in Turkey, traveling widely in the country, and about various aspects of Turkish history and culture as it informed Stewart-Nuñez’s knowledge and experience of living there and writing her poetry book.

Additional Presentations: Poetry, Creative Non-fiction, Contemporary American Poetry

Christine Stewart-Nuñez, Brookings
Assistant Professor,
South Dakota State University
christine.poetscholar@gmail.com (h)    605-697-3714 (h)

% Recreation and Sports and Native Society
An examination of how recreation and sports equipment meets needs and opens opportunities for more health and wellness on the reservations. 

Dr. Russell Stubbles, Brookings
Professor, South Dakota State University
russell.stubbles@hotmail.com (h)        605-692-5275 (h) 

% The Lakota Nation's Influence on High School Basketball in South Dakota
A focus on basketball on the reservations, Lakota influence on the State High School League, the National Catholic Tourney in Chicago, and the teams and players. 

The Rise and Fall of Small Towns in South Dakota
A discussion about the development of small town institutions: the people, church, school, social, agriculture, and the meaning of Main Street and its impact and contribution to South Dakota and the United States.

Bob Swanhorst, Sioux Falls
Independent Scholar
btswan@sio.midco.net (h)                 605-335-8143 (h)

 % The Lewis and Clark Expedition and American Indians
This program examines the role that American Indians played during the Lewis and Clark Expedition.  The focus can easily be adjusted from Lewis & Clark’s encounter with Indian nations in present day South and North Dakota or during the expedition as a whole. This can be adapted for any audience.  

% The Arikara
This program includes the history and culture of the Arikara, their role in intertribal trade, the impact of disease, their encounter with Lewis and Clark, and their conflicts with the U.S. government from 1807 to the 1820s.  This can be adapted for any audience. 

% The Meaning of Wakan and Sacred Sites of the Sioux
Cultures from around the world and throughout time have held certain geographic locations as sacred for a variety of reasons.  While some Indian nations have specific sacred sites that are pertinent to their tribes alone, other sacred sites have been significant to several tribes.  This presentation includes some of the geographic locations and features that are especially sacred to the Sioux.  This can be adapted for any audience. 

Images of the Northern Plains: the Pen and Brush of Alfred Sully
This is a PowerPoint presentation that includes many of Alfred Sully’s sketches and paintings from his military service on the northern plains during the 1850s and 1860s.  Sully’s artwork includes scenes related to American Indians, military life, and the landscape.  For adults and students in grade 7 and up. 

Dr. Brad Tennant, Aberdeen
Assistant Professor,
Presentation College
brad.tennant@presentation.edu (w)     605-229-8577 (w)

Women in the South Dakota Political Tradition
This presentation addresses the absence of women in traditional accounts of South Dakota’s history and draws on the rich literary heritage of women pioneers, the history of women’s suffrage in  the state, and the biographies of political women to show the important roles that women have played. 

Dr. Elizabeth Theiss Smith, Vermillion
Associate Professor, University of South Dakota
etsmith@usd.edu (w)                          605-624-7870 (h)

@ Governor Arthur Calvin Mellette
This program can be tailored to discuss any period of time of the Governor’s life, including his time in Indiana, Civil War Service, and life in Dakota Territory.

John Timm, Sioux Falls
Independent Scholar
johntimm@sio.midco.net (h)                605-338-3312 (h)

Raiding Deadwood’s Bad Lands: Its History of Illegal Prostitution and Gambling
Trump will present on his book, Raiding Deadwood’s Bad Lands: Its Illegal History of Prostitution and Gambling, a history of Deadwood vice with the culmination of the 1980 brothel raid and subsequent efforts toward legalized gaming of today.

Michael Trump, Belle Fourche
Lawyer, Trump Law Office                  trumplaw@rushmore.com (w)              605-722-6554 (w)

@ Rocky Mountain Rendezvous
The mountain men and free trappers blazed the mountain trails and opened the west.  Choose one of the presentations – Hugh Glass: mauled by a grizzly and deserted by his companions; John Colter: meat hunter with Lewis and Clark, discovered Yellowstone, and survived the Blackfeet’s race for life; or Mike Fink: rip roarin’ Missouri River keel-boater and Mountain Man – bad aim or murder of his partner in a shooting contest? 

@ Liars, Lumber-Jacks, and Legends
American “new-landers” survived and found relief in tales and stories of adventure.  Choose one of the presentations – Prairie Dog Frank: fights the chinch bugs, droughts, and blizzards with tall tales; Swede Swensen: recounts the exploits of Paul Bunyan, Babe the Blue Ox, and Hels Helsen in the Black Hills; or Captain Jack Crawford: poet scout, tells of his frontier adventures with General Crook, Buffalo Bill, and others. 

Dr. Orval Van Deest, Lead
Professor Emeritus,
Dakota State University
605-591-9830 (c)

The Stavig Letters
A readers’ theater written by Wayne S. Knutson about the immigrant experience based on an extensive collection of letters exchanged between two brothers, one who emigrated to Dakota territory in 1876 and the other who stayed in Norway. Presented with John and Jane Rasmussen.

I Shall Miss Bananas: A Workshop on Spiritual Writing
Seeing the sacred in the ordinary.  The difference between religious writing and spiritual writing.  A discussion about paying attention to grace on Monday morning:  readings from his book, The Journey and the Grace and more recent prose and poetry from his new book to be published soon, At Break of Day. 

Gary Westgard, Watertown
Independent Scholar
vivigard@midco.net (h)                       605-882-5733 (h)

% A Conversation with a Lakota Poet
A conversation about cultural difference using poetry and friendship.  The presentation highlights the authenticity of voice and looks at the book, Memory Songs, by Lydia Whirlwind Solider.  Presented with Kathy Antonen.

Lydia Whirlwind Soldier, Rosebud
Retired, Todd County School District
akicita@goldenwest.net (h)                 605-747-2835 (h)

@ The History of Civil Rights in Sioux Falls
This presentation ties in the status of blacks in Atchison, Kansas and the history of blacks in Sioux Falls with the outstanding Black historical personalities in South Dakota.  The presenter dresses the part of a few characters. 

Porter Williams, Valley Springs
Independent Scholar
anne@alliancecom.net (h)                   605-582-3969 (h), 605-929-7743 (w)

Feeling the Rage: Coming to America, The Black Experience
A skit depicting the long journey in the hull of a slave ship traveling from Africa to America.  The presentation can be adapted to any age, educational, and cultural level. 

Feeling the Rage: Rosa Parks and the Bus
A skit utilizing a cast of characters without rehearsal that depicts Rosa’s story on the bus on December 1, 1955 in Montgomery, Alabama of the historic, emotional boycott.  The presentation can be adapted to any age, educational, and cultural level. 

@ Oscar Micheaux: Fact, Fiction, and Stories
The presenters will lecture to the audience about Oscar Micheaux’s writing, films, and legacy.  Joyce Jefferson, in period clothing, engages with scholarly Jerry Wilske with excerpts from Oscar Micheaux’s The Homesteader and The Conquest. Presented with Joyce Jefferson. 

Jerry Wilske, Gregory
Directory, Oscar Micheaux Center
jerrywilske@yahoo.com (h)                 605-321-2538 (h)

Waiting for Coyote’s Call: An Eco-Memoir from the Missouri Bluff
This presentation incorporates a reading from Wilson’s book, Waiting for Coyote’s Call: An Eco-Memoir and a discussion of environmental issues and some of the challenges of sustainability. 

Dr. Jerry Wilson, Vermillion
Retired Managing Editor of South Dakota Magazine
Wilson57069@gmail.com (h)              605-624-9279 (h)

% America's Indigenous Poetry
Focusing on the work of contemporary Native American poets, Wilson utilizes their works to lead the audience to consider the importance of reciprocity in human relationships and in our relationship to the natural environment. 

The Natural Voice of Poetry
Beginning with a reading of her own poems inspired by the natural environment and music, Wilson engages participants in speaking and/or writing about the natural place and music they love. 

One Room Country School: South Dakota Stories
Based on her research on one-room schools in various communities in South Dakota and the book she co-edited with Charles Woodard, Wilson involves participants in sharing their own views and stories about the one-room school experience. 

Dr. Norma Wilson, Vermillion
Professor Emerita,
University of South Dakota
norma.wilson@usd.edu (h)                 605-624-9279 (h)

@ % Dakota Daughters
To heal racism and build a harmonious society requires respecting values as well as accepting the ambiguity of
mutually conflicting interpretations of history. The three characters portrayed are imaginary but they describe actual events in the west from 1865 to 1890.  “This play will bring a greater understanding of diverse cultures to their audience as they bring to life the words of three women from the American West.” - Jim Kent  Presented with Geraldine Goes in Center and Joyce Jefferson.

Lillian Witt, Pine Ridge
(on left)
Independent Scholar
lillyrae49@yahoo.com (h)                    605-867-2342 (h)

Dying in Deadwood: A Look at Violent Deaths in and Around the Black Hills 1875 - 1879
By looking at Deadwood and the surrounding area from 1875 through 1879, this presentation will explain where violence occurred, assess why violence happened, explore how the reasons for violence changed over time, and examine how the reality of violence contrasts with the myths that exist about Western violence. 

Dr. David Wolff, Spearfish
Professor, Black Hills State University
david.wolff@bhsu.edu (w)                    605-642-6221 (w)