2nd Floor Landing

(Help us find a name for this exhibit space! Please email your suggestions to DacotahPrairieMuseum@gmail.com)

Now Showing:

Fun and Games
(through May 1, 2013)

A new exhibit featuring games entitled “Fun and Games” is now open on the 2nd floor of the Museum. The exhibit will remain open until May 1, 2013.

“Fun and Games” takes an entertaining look at many centuries of games, puzzles, and pieces used for entertainment and leisure around the world. Featured games are from the Museum’s permanent collection and include three hands-on games allowing visitors to participate in the fun as part of this exhibit.

The game of checkers can trace its roots back to an archeological dig in Ur, Iraq, dating to 3,000 B.C. In ancient Egypt, the game was called “Alquerque” and was played since 1,400 B.C. The Museum’s version of checkers is located in a case on 2nd floor with a hands-on version allowing people to sit and enjoy a game of large scale checkers on the table near the windows. Rules are posting for anyone interested in learning the game.

The Museum’s chess set is also on display and represents another ancient game on a similar styled board. The game was first established with official rules in the 6th century and (including a computer version) is played today by millions of people around the world.

The “Wizard of Oz” illustrated books and puzzles are situated in the large glass cabinet along with glass marbles, another game piece with a very long history. A “Radio-Telegraph Signal Set” allowing the game player to send “telegraph signals” electronically was a hit in the early 1900s along with “Yankee Doodle Famous Quotes” which required the participants to use their memory skill and recall. “Paul Wing’s Spelling Bee” encouraged students and adults alike to spell their way to victory.

“Beachhead Invasion Game” is a board game which originated during the Korean Conflict and pits planes, helicopters and ships against the enemy. A 1950’s game called “Mad Libs” which tells a short story with key words missing. The player then needs to fill in the words thereby changing the meaning/outcome of the story. The Museums’ own version of “Museum Mad Libs” may be filled out by visitors telling an exciting Museum adventure!

“Holly Hobbie Game” from the 1980s is making a come-back for the fictional country girl. “South Dakota Trivial Pursuit” appeared in the 1980s also and is on display accompanied by cards in a basket for visitors so they can test their knowledge of South Dakota history (answers are included).

Whatever your favorite game, come to the Museum and learn, enjoy, and test your skills with our hands-on versions in “Fun and Games”!

To view past exhibits, click here.