1970s Books and Ideas Invade the Museum!
(September/October, 2010)

The Dacotah Prairie Museum featured, for the months of September and October, the newest installment of 1970s exhibits: Books and Ideas. The 1970s exhibits have occupied 2nd floor of the Museum since January and will continue through December 2010, in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Museum at 21 South Main. The Dacotah Prairie opened its doors at its present location in fall, 1970.

This September/October installment of the 1970s focused on the new wave of books and authors who introduced original ideas and new ways of thinking to the American public. A new young author, Steven King, with his 1st national book  “Carrie” and the new novel “The Amityville Horror” were reintroducing a craze for horror fiction. New author Tony Hillerman and veteran author Agatha Christie were awakening the public’s love of a good murder mystery.

“Future Shock” was predicting unbelievable events of the future while books about Kent State and Wounded Knee were reliving shocking events that were actually happening in the country.

“Roots” by Alex Hailey captured the attention of America and soon had a multitude of people wondering about their family’s past. A whole new interest in genealogy was born! “Love Story” reminded us that the fate of true love is not always smooth, and “I’m O.K. – You’re O.K.” brought our society to the realization that we can feel good about ourselves without all the money and social success that society demands.

Children also enjoyed fine literature in the 1970s. “Bridge to Terabithia” brought a theme of the power of imagination and friendship to childhood while “Sounder” and “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” tackled tough subjects like slavery and coming of age with grace and understanding.

Time, Life and many other magazines reflected the turbulent, expressive and unique 1970s and painted a picture of the Nation as it was.

To view past exhibits, click here.