The Dacotah Prairie Museum is operated by five full-time staff members, and numerous volunteers. The fifth full-time position was recently added to assist the Museum in organizing and maintaining the over 40,000 artifacts in its collection.  

Sue Gates, Director
Sue is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Museum’s operations. Questions about artifact acquisition, research, programs, special events, policies, procedures, and general information can be directed to Sue.
e-mail: Sue.Gates@browncounty.sd.gov
phone: (605) 626-7117 ext. 11

Sherri Rawstern, Curator of Education
Sherri addresses the areas of tour scheduling, volunteer training, and program administration. Contact Sherri for questions regarding special programs and tours, outreach programs, and volunteering.
e-mail: Sherri.Rawstern@browncounty.sd.gov
phone: (605) 626-7117 ext. 13

Lora Schaunaman, Curator of Exhibits
Lora is responsible for exhibit creation and the production of outreach exhibits. Contact Lora for information about displaying art work/collections.
e-mail: Lora.Schaunaman@browncounty.sd.gov
phone: (605) 626-7117 ext. 16

Jackie Ormand, Curator of Collections
Jackie’s main duty is taking inventory of the Museum’s vast collection. Jackie can assist in locating a previously donated artifact and dealing with donation questions.
e-mail: Jackie.Ormand@browncounty.sd.gov
phone: (605) 626-7117 ext. 15

Carol White, Administrative Assistant, Office Manager
Carol assists in the scheduling of tours and taking research requests. She is also the Gift Shop coordinator. Direct questions about Gift Shop merchandise, tours and research to Carol.
e-mail: Carol.White@browncounty.sd.gov
phone: (605) 626-7117 ext. 12

Marianne Marttila-Klipfel, Part-Timie Curatorial Assistant
e-mail: Marianne.Martilla-Klipfel@browncounty.sd.gov
phone: (605) 626-7117 ext. 20

The Dacotah Prairie Museum could not successfully function without the help of our faithful volunteers. Museum volunteers assist with reception, gift shop operations, exhibits, and tours. In 2011 2,525 hours valued at $18,306.25 were donated by volunteers.