BROOKINGS — South Dakota’s Historic Preservation Month has been observed since it was established at the national level in May, 1973. In 2005, the state added archaeology to the celebration to recognize it as a partner in preserving history. 

Our state’s cultural heritage is rich and diverse as represented by thousands of archaeological and historical sites, historic buildings, and landscapes that have been discovered and recorded throughout the state. Public appreciation and understanding is the foundation of protecting and preserving South Dakota’s past for future generations.

Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month is a great time to think about these homes, businesses, and sites and the people who built them, remembering to look back and preserve them as they were meant to be. This year’s theme is “Preservation Adventures.” The Historic Preservation Office encourages South Dakotans to celebrate this theme by learning about and exploring historical locations in their local communities and throughout the state.

In all, over 6,700 buildings, structures, objects, and sites from 65 of South Dakota’s 66 counties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Further, nearly 200 local historical societies, museums, archives, interpretive centers, and historic sites operate across the state. These historic properties and historical organizations demonstrate that history is an important component of life in South Dakota today.

Throughout Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month, the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission will present stories as they originally appeared in the Brookings Register or Brookings County Press on some of the historic churches built in the downtown area between 1901 and 1918, some of which are still standing and serving the community well and others that have been torn down or replaced by larger churches elsewhere in other parts of the city.

Brookings is full of architectural treasures that are passed by daily and often go unnoticed. Throughout all of May, the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission will have a display in the Brookings Public Library which will show some of the more unique architectural features on buildings and homes throughout Brookings with a brief description of the feature shown in each one.

With the photo display, the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission hopes to stimulate sensitivity to the architectural detail that can be found on so many of Brookings’ historical structures. Historic properties with their beautiful architectural details are visible reminders of the history and culture we live in. If the use of this display can spark an awareness and appreciation of these historic properties, then we have increased the chance that our history can be preserved for future generations.

Information courtesy of Brookings Historic Preservation Commission.