The Dacotah Prairie Museum has been awarded the 2000 Governor’s Award for History by the South Dakota State Historical Society. This prestigious honor is given annually by the Society to an individual and an organization that demonstrate outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence in the sharing and preservation of South Dakota history. The award recipients are selected by the Society’s board of directors after reviewing nominations received from the public. Two areas of the Dacotah Prairie Museum’s operations that particularly impressed the selection committee were its volunteer program and its level of outreach within the community and surrounding areas. Volunteers of all ages devoted over 3000 hours of service to the Museum during 1999 making it possible for the Museum to impact over 59,000 people through its programs and exhibits.

This award is a tribute to the residents of Aberdeen and Brown County who have generously supported their Museum since its 1969 opening by donating artifacts, time, and money to assist in the creation of an institution that is recognized statewide for its cultural and educational impact on the community.

The award itself is a reproduction of " Puck" , an artwork in the collection of the South Dakota State Historical Society which is displayed at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. The print depicts the 1889 progression of our state from territorial status to statehood. Maidens representing the four future states of South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana and Washington are asking Uncle Sam for statehood and offering him what they can bring to the United States in the way of goods. Debutantes representing the existing states look on.

Please stop in anytime to view this award which is on display in the lobby of the Museum.