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.

Ahrar Ahmad, Spearfish
Professor, Black Hills State University
ahrar.ahmad@bhsu.edu

A Conversation with a Lakota Poet
This presentation speaks to the power of friendship through
poetry.  Antonen comments on the authenticity of voice and Lydia Whirlwind Soldier reads from her book, Memory Songs. 
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.

Kathy Antonen, Rapid City
Professor of English, SD School of Mines and Technology
kathy.antonen@sdsmt.edu

Storytelling: Journeys into Imagination
Embark on a “guided tour” into the imagination with stories from around the world and close to home.  This presentation creates humor and drama as well as thought-provoking entertainment.

Anne Bodman, Sturgis
Independent Scholar
storytellerAnneB@bhhoa.us

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.

Lois Breckner, Aberdeen
Independent Scholar
lois.beckner@aberdeen.sd.us

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

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
Instructor, Gering High School
deb.nolting@gmail.com

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 (home)

@ 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
Independent Scholar
mariancramer@yahoo.com

The Role of American Indian Women Past and 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.

Jace DeCory, Spearfish
Assistant Professor, Black Hills State University
jace.decory@bhsu.edu

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
Independent Scholar
vinegar@vinegarman.com

@ 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.

Darrel Draper, Omaha, NE
Independent Scholar
petersarpy@aol.com

@ % 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.

Additional Presentation: @ “Yellowstone” Vic Smith

Arch Ellwein, Sidney, MT
Independent Scholar
arch@midrivers.com

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
South Dakota Poet Laureate & Professor/Writer-In-Residence, South Dakota State University
evanspl@sio.midco.net

@ Mayhem, Munchkins, and Mountains
Take a glimpse into the lives of colorful characters Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley, L. Frank Baum, and Gutzon Borglum.

@ 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
Independent Scholar and Author
rodevans@nvc.net

@ 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.

Joyzelle Gingway Godfrey, Lincoln, NE
Independent Scholar
jyzlle@windstream.net

@ % 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.

Indian Boarding Schools
A PowerPoint presentation that examines the history, modern-day challenges, and issues of Indian Boarding schools.

Geraldine Goes In Center,
Rapid City
(pictured center)
Independent Scholar
wasnawinyan@live.com

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

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.

Candy Hamilton, Rapid City
Independent Scholar
hamcandy@gmail.com

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

Feels Like Far: Ranching and Writing on the Great Plains
Hasselstrom will present readings from Feels like Far, discussing the requirements of being a writer on the plains, and talking about the difficulties in getting this book published by a New York publisher. She will also answer readers’ questions about the writing of this book.

Crazy Woman Creek: Women and Community in the West
Hasselstrom, an editor of the book, 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 a Western Anthology
This presentation could be a talk or 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
605-255-4064 (w)

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.”

Patrick Hicks, Sioux Falls
Associate Professor/Writer-In-Residence, Augustana College
patrick.hicks@augie.edu

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

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

@ % 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.

@ Sarah Campbell
Also known as Aunt Sally, Sarah Campbell worked on steamboats on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. She was a cook in Custer’s group that commissioned the Black Hills.

@ Mary Kercheval
Kercheval was General and Mrs. Custer’s cook and personal attendant in Kansas during the Indian Wars, where she camped on the trail and assisted Custer’s wife.

Additional Presentation: Seizing the World by the Tail

Joyce Jefferson, Rapid City
(pictured on right)
Owner, Joyce Jefferson Creates Stories in Song
605-393-2680 (h)
E-Mail

@ Camp Circle: Coming Home the Dakota Way
While explaining the camp circle, history, language, and
culture come into play. This interactive presentation uses
song and role play.

@ Storytelling - A Tale of Two Worlds: Dakota Tradition and Technology
This presentation utilizes the presenter’s experiences (traditional and contemporary) and those of the audience to promote understanding and balance among cultures.

Belinda Joe, Ft. Thompson
Education and Culture Specialist, Crazy Horse Memorial
Foundation
bfjoe@hotmail.com

%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
605-229-5988 (h)

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 Presentations: Volcanoes of the World, African Safari, Andes to the Amazon

Bruce Junek and Tass Thacker, Rapid City
Photographers, Explorers, Adventurers, Authors, and Teachers
iow@hills.net

@ 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
Independent Scholar
joanita.kant@sdstate.edu

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

Legacy of One-Room Schools
Get a sense of what one-room schools were like as Dr. Knutson shares anecdotes from his country school experiences.

Wayne Knutson, Vermillion
Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of South Dakota
605-624-3293 (h)

%Immigrants in Dakota Territory as Described in Photographs
Kolbe uses his large photograph collection of Dakota Territory and South Dakota to discuss any of the following topics: military in SD, Native American history, letters from the prairie, post cards, and the history of photography in the state from 1840-1930.

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

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.

Richard Lofthus, Yankton
Professor, Mount Marty College
rlofthus23@iw.net

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.

Jason McEntee, Brookings
Professor of English,
South Dakota State University
jason.mcentee@sdstate.edu

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
mjmthepoet@yahoo.com

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
Independent Scholar
ezrein@bbcwb.net

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
Author & Professor/Writer-In-Residence, BHSU
kent.meyers@bhsu.edu

Growing Old Disgracefully
This humorous, practical and, at times, serious presentation offers a chance to commiserate and discuss growing old.

How to Become a South Dakotan: Confessions of a Former City Bumpkin
This presentation involves humor, poetry, audience dialogue, and praise for her adopted state.

Additional Presentation: Radiated, Rodded, and Cemented: My Life as a Renewable Contract

Janice Mikesell, Sioux Falls
Independent Scholar
hensteethjanice@earthlink.net

Barack Obama: A Work in Progress
This lecture examines President Obama’s appeal, controversies, impact in political history, and likely outcome of his presidency.

Life on the Farm and Ranch: South Dakota Stories
In this presentation, Miller discusses SDHC’s new publication, Life on the Farm and Ranch. Local contributors to the book may also be included in the presentation.

Additional Presentation: Theodore White’s The Making of the President and How it Transformed American Political Reporting

John Miller, Brookings
Professor Emeritus, South Dakota State University
605-692-7680 (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
Independent Scholar/Author
jean@santel.net

Buffalo Soldiers in Dakota Territory
This PowerPoint presentation tells the stories of African American men, nicknamed Buffalo Soldiers, who served in Dakota Territory or who were born in South Dakota and served in segregated US Army units.

% Dakota Homesteaders
Family stories of homesteading in Dakota Territory and South
Dakota are illustrated with more than 50 photographs in a
PowerPoint presentation, emphasizing the variety of ethnic
backgrounds and experiences.

Using Anthropology in Local Historical Research
Using examples from her own research, Pengra discusses how understanding sociolinguistic and cultural differences
enhances local histories.

Lilah Pengra, Buffalo Gap
Independent Scholar
lilah@hcinet.net

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

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

% The Stavig Letters
A readers’ theater 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.

John and Jane Rasmussen, Sisseton
Independent Scholars
janeandjohnrasmussen@gmail.com

Buffalo Country, A Northern Plains Narrative
Raventon discusses “Buffalo Country” while focusing on the movement and evolution of plants, animals, and people, subsequent effects, and renewal of relationships.

Edward Raventon, Faith
Freelance Writer,
National Park Ranger
eraventon@hotmail.com

Poetry of the Plains: Poetry Workshop and Reading
Reese will discuss his poetry, including his latest selection, Ghost on 3rd (New York Quarterly Books, 2010), as well as how to write poetry. Reese is also available to talk about eiditing and publishing the national literary journal Paddlefish, where he is editor-in-chief.

Jim Reese, Yankton
Assistant Professor,
Mount Marty College
james.reese@mtmc.edu

The Spirit of Everyday Life: A Poet’s Re-Vision
This reading of the author’s original poems explores the ways in which ordinary daily life, relationships, family struggles, parenting, aging, and Midwestern landscapes take on extraordinary significance.

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.

Lee Ann Roripaugh, Vermillion
Associate Professor,
University of South Dakota
lroripau@usd.edu

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

% Hands On! South Dakota Immigrants Through Objects and Archival Materials
Ronette Rumpca and Chelle Somsen of the South Dakota State Historical Society will incorporate objects, written records, and photographs to tell the story of immigrant groups who settled in South Dakota. A 3-hour teachers workshop on combing old documents, photos, and objects into classrooms is offered as well.

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

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.

Don Simmons, Egan
McGovern Center Director,
Dakota Wesleyan University
dosimmon@dwu.edu

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.

Judy Sneller, Rapid City
Professor, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
judy.sneller@sdsmt.edu

% Hands On! South Dakota Immigrants Through Objects and Archival Materials
Chelle Somsen and Ronette Rumpca of the South Dakota State Historical Society will incorporate objects, written records, and photographs to tell the story of immigrant groups who settled in South Dakota. A 3-hour teachers workshop on combing old documents, photos, and objects into classrooms is offered as well.

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

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: Please contact Mr. Sprague for a complete list of additional presentations.

Donovin Sprague, Rapid City
Instructor at Black Hills State University, Author, Historian
donovin.sprague@bhsu.edu

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

% 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  

After Lewis and Clark: Expedition Members and South Dakota History
An examination of individuals from the expedition, their lives after the expedition, and their roles in state history.

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.

The 1863 and 1864 Sully Expeditions
Learn about the military expeditions led by Brigadier General Alfred Sully as a result of the 1862 Dakota Conflict in Minnesota.

Additional Presentations: The Legacy of the New Deal

Brad Tennant, Aberdeen
Assistant Professor,
Presentation College
brad.tennant@presentation.edu

@ 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

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
trumplaw@rushmore.com

@ 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
Americans “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.

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

% The Stavig Letters
A readers’ theater 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
A discussion about paying attention to grace on Monday morning: readings from a book by Westgard, The Journey and the Grace, and conversation about incarnation and missing bananas in the morning.

Gary Westgard, Watertown
Independent Scholar
vivigard@iw.net

A Conversation with a Lakota Poet
This presentation speaks to the power of friendship through
poetry. Kathy Antonen comments on the authenticity of voice and Whirlwind Soldier reads from her book Memory Songs.
Presented with Kathy Antonen

Lydia Whirlwind Soldier, Rosebud
Retired, Todd County School District
akicita@goldenwest.net

Waiting for Coyote’s Call
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.

Jerry Wilson, Vermillion
Retired Managing Editor of South Dakota Magazine
Wilson57069@gmail.com

The Nature of Native American Poetry
An introduction to contemporary Native poetry. The presentation can focus on the work of a single poet or on the historical and cultural context of this body of literature.

One-Room Country School: South Dakota Stories
An overview of a century of one-room schools in South Dakota based on the book One-Room Country School.

Norma Wilson, Vermillion
Professor Emeritus,
University of South Dakota
norma.wilson@usd.edu

@ % 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

Seth Bullock and Law and Order in Deadwood
Seth Bullock served as the first Sheriff of Lawrence County, and is often given credit for bringing law and order to Deadwood. This talk will discuss the various situations that Bullock encountered, analyze what they say about violence and crime in early Deadwood, and debunk popular myths of Deadwood at the time.

David Wolff, Spearfish
Professor, Black Hills State University
david.wolff@bhsu.edu