In the 2025 One Book South Dakota selection, “The Cost of Free Land: Jews, Lakota, and an American Inheritance,” author Rebecca Clarren presents a powerful look at the entangled histories of her ancestors and the Lakota, melding investigative reporting with personal family stories to reveal the true cost of the settlement of the American West. She will share this story directly with readers in eight communities throughout the state where she will discuss his work, answer questions and sign books. 

Author: Rebecca Clarren

Sponsored by: Hand County Public Library

For more information, contact: Hannah Caffee <library@handcountysd.org>

Audience members represent reporters at a press conference in Alice’s home. They ask predetermined questions. Via a PowerPoint™ presentation, the answers will give an account of Alice’s colorful life, her relationship with her father, stepmother, and other family members as well as the times in which she lived. This is a lively, witty, clever, acerbic, and delightfully rebellious daughter of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th U.S. President.

Scholar: Phyllis Schrag

Sponsored by: Legends on Lake Lorraine

For more information, contact:  Ryan Kindt <ryan.kindt@legendsonlakelorraine.org>

You say or do something, and you wonder “where did that come from?” only to remember your mother said and did that and suddenly you realize you have become your mother. In a PowerPoint™ presentation, audience members will be reminded of common expressions used by our mothers, along with humorous stories that help us understand the powerful gene pool from which we came. The presentation also includes inspiring quotes attributed to notable famous women of all generations.

This is a Victorian Tea Party with traditional tea time luncheon. Tables will be set with traditional English high tea settings and decor.

Scholar: Phyllis Schrag

Sponsored by: South Dakota Retired School Personnel

For more information, contact: Cathy Anderson <cander451msn@gmail.com>

In the 2025 One Book South Dakota selection, “The Cost of Free Land: Jews, Lakota, and an American Inheritance,” author Rebecca Clarren presents a powerful look at the entangled histories of her ancestors and the Lakota, melding investigative reporting with personal family stories to reveal the true cost of the settlement of the American West. She will share this story directly with readers in eight communities throughout the state where she will discuss his work, answer questions and sign books. 

Author: Rebecca Clarren

Sponsored by: Gregory Public Library

For more information, contact: Tara Engel <gregorylibrary@gmail.com>

In the 2025 One Book South Dakota selection, “The Cost of Free Land: Jews, Lakota, and an American Inheritance,” author Rebecca Clarren presents a powerful look at the entangled histories of her ancestors and the Lakota, melding investigative reporting with personal family stories to reveal the true cost of the settlement of the American West. She will share this story directly with readers in eight communities throughout the state where she will discuss his work, answer questions and sign books. 

Author: Rebecca Clarren

Sponsored by: Yankton Community Library

For more information, contact: Kelly O’Dea  <kodea@cityofyankton.org>

In the 2025 One Book South Dakota selection, “The Cost of Free Land: Jews, Lakota, and an American Inheritance,” author Rebecca Clarren presents a powerful look at the entangled histories of her ancestors and the Lakota, melding investigative reporting with personal family stories to reveal the true cost of the settlement of the American West. She will share this story directly with readers in eight communities throughout the state where she will discuss his work, answer questions and sign books. 

Author: Rebecca Clarren

Sponsored by: The Center for Western Studies at Augustana University

For more information, contact: Kamryn Miller  <kjmiller@augie.edu>

Dr. John Little, Director of Native Recruitment & Alumni Engagement at the University of South Dakota, filmmaker, and enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Megan Red Shirt Shaw, Director of Native Student Services at the University of South Dakota, founder of Natives in America magazine, and enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, join SDHC to discuss the persistence and presence of Indigenous peoples, moving beyond mascots, stereotypes and cultural appropriation.  

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/

In the 2025 One Book South Dakota selection, “The Cost of Free Land: Jews, Lakota, and an American Inheritance,” author Rebecca Clarren presents a powerful look at the entangled histories of her ancestors and the Lakota, melding investigative reporting with personal family stories to reveal the true cost of the settlement of the American West. She will share this story directly with readers in eight communities throughout the state where she will discuss his work, answer questions and sign books. 

Author: Rebecca Clarren

Sponsored by: Watertown Regional Library

For more information, contact: Laura Hinman  <lhinman@watertownsd.us>

Note:  This event takes place at 5:00 pm MT.

Description:  


Scholar:


Sponsoring Organization:  Oglala Lakota College – Humanities and Social Sciences Department


For more information, contact:  Whitnee Coy <wcoy@olc.edu>

This PowerPoint presentation exposes the Invisible Empire of the KKK in the Rushmore state in the 1920s and today. Slithering into the state, the KKK reaches nearly all cities and communities. The murder of a Catholic priest in Lead, the recruitment for KKK members at the Homestake Gold Mine and the role of Gutzon Borglum as a white supremist are a few of the highlights. 

Scholar: Arley Fadness

Sponsored by: Presho Public Library

For more information, contact: Avany Langdeau <preshopubliclibrary@gmail.com>

Note:  This event takes place at 5:00 pm Mountain Time.

Poetry on the Road returns for another year!  South Dakota’s State Poet Laureate, Bruce Roseland, along with other South Dakota State Poetry Society (SDSPS) member poets and special guests, will be visiting towns across South Dakota monthly through April 2025. At each location, SDSPS members will give poetry readings and host a Q&A session along with an open mic, during which any area poets will be invited to sign up and read their own original poems.

Scholars:  Jean Helmer, Holly Moseley, Bruce Roseland

Sponsoring Organization:  South Dakota State Poetry Society

For more information, visit:  https://sdpoetry.org/poetry-on-the-road/ or contact:  Dana Yost <indyed@yahoo.com>

Dr. Daniel Mourlam, Chair of the Division ofTeacher Education at the University of South Dakota,  and Dr. Kyle Kopplin, Assistant Professor ofEconomics at Black Hills State University, join SDHC to discuss  the ongoing issue of South Dakota’s teachershortage. 

Scholars: Dr. Daniel Mourlam and Dr. Kyle Kopplin

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/

Have you always wanted to record your memories onto paper so your family can cherish your stories for years to come? This workshop provides writing prompts which encourage participants to pen their life memories through sensory detail. Creative writing has many benefits aside from preserving valuable memories. It helps sharpen the mind and provides a therapeutic outlet for emotions. For the workshop, please have access to a notebook and pen or a Word program on your computer. All ages of adults are welcome to attend. 

Scholar: Molly Barari

Sponsored by: Edith B. Siegrist Vermillion Public Library

For more information, contact: Kaia Brose

Have you always wanted to record your memories onto paper so your family can cherish your stories for years to come? This workshop provides writing prompts which encourage participants to pen their life memories through sensory detail. Creative writing has many benefits aside from preserving valuable memories. It helps sharpen the mind and provides a therapeutic outlet for emotions. For the workshop, please have access to a notebook and pen or a Word program on your computer. All ages of adults are welcome to attend. 

Scholar: Molly Barari

Sponsored by: Mitchell Public Library

For more information, contact: Max Velasquez

Researching the trail from Sioux City to Sioux Falls.

Scholar: Russ Swanson

Sponsored by: Siouxland Libraries – Ronning Branch

For more information, contact: Joe Wilfahrt  <joe.wilfahrt@siouxfalls.gov>

Have you always wanted to record your memories onto paper so your family can cherish your stories for years to come? This workshop provides writing prompts which encourage participants to pen their life memories through sensory detail. Creative writing has many benefits aside from preserving valuable memories. It helps sharpen the mind and provides a therapeutic outlet for emotions. For the workshop, please have access to a notebook and pen or a Word program on your computer. All ages of adults are welcome to attend. 

Scholar: Molly Barari

Sponsored by: Huron Public Library

For more information, contact: Angela Bailey <librarydirector@libraryhuronsd.com>

Heirlooms: Creative Life Story Writing was developed by Molly Barari, EdD, South Dakota Humanities Scholar. These interactive workshops help attendees develop skills for life story, obituary, and ancestor story writing. Throughout these workshops, participants of all ages and skill levels have the opportunity to write and share, as well as give and receive feedback. Participants are encouraged to attend multiple workshops, as each one features unique activities designed to enhance writing and reflection skills. Participants will leave with a myriad of ideas and strategies for how to craft their life stories and honor their heritage.

Scholar: Molly Barari

Sponsored by: Brookings Activity Center

For more information, contact: Angi Strohfus <astrohfus@cityofbrookings-sd.gov>

Writing Participants engage in an interactive learning workshop that uses writing to explore mental and emotional maturity in aging. Participants also learn how writing
can promote mental and emotional growth. The goal is to help participants experience greater life satisfaction by learning about positive changes that occur with advancing age, as well as teach strategies to bring about these positive changes in oneself.

Scholar: Molly Barari

Sponsored by: Lemmon Public Library

For more information, contact: Raven Christman <lemmonlibrary@outlook.com>

Invited guests join SDHC to discuss the relationship between social media andmental health, both in youth and adults.  

Scholars: TBA

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/

Heirlooms: Creative Life Story Writing was developed by Molly Barari, EdD, South Dakota Humanities Scholar. These interactive workshops help attendees develop skills for life story, obituary, and ancestor story writing. Throughout these workshops, participants of all ages and skill levels have the opportunity to write and share, as well as give and receive feedback. Participants are encouraged to attend multiple workshops, as each one features unique activities designed to enhance writing and reflection skills. Participants will leave with a myriad of ideas and strategies for how to craft their life stories and honor their heritage.

Scholar: Molly Barari

Sponsored by: K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library

For more information, contact: Cara Perrion <

This interactive workshop helps attendees develop skills for life story, obituary, and ancestor story writing. Throughout these workshops, participants of all ages and skill levels have the opportunity to write and share, as well as give and receive feedback. Participants are encouraged to attend multiple workshops, as each one features unique activities designed to enhance writing and reflection skills. Participants will leave with a myriad of ideas and strategies for how to craft their life stories and honor their heritage.

Scholar: Molly Barari

Sponsored by: Cozard Memorial Library

For more information, contact: Melissa Hutmacher

Yes, there were women working at Mount Rushmore during this time, but what did these women do? Kirkpatrick’s presentation answers this question.

Scholar: Jeanie Kirkpatrick

Sponsored by: Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center

For more information, contact: Kristi Thielen <

Author CK Van Dam will discuss her latest book and women staking their claim to the frontier in Dakota Territory.

Scholar: CK Van Dam

Sponsored by: Presho Public Library

For more information, contact: Avany Langdeau <reshopubliclibrary@gmail.com>

NOTE:  This event takes place from 9 am – 2 pm Mountain Time.

This event features a screening of a documentary about the community of Galena, a small but historically rich town.  A Ghost walk is scheduled from 9-2 and will allow visitors to engage with the town and its history, through the photos and displays that are set up throughout the walk.  

Members of the Galena Historical Society will be on site to assist in telling the story of the town and help narrate the history as well.  The Schoolhouse and Cemetery will be open for visitors, and there are a variety of other sites to visit, such as old mining sites.

Scholars:  Finn Kane and Rocky Dailey

Sponsored by:  SDSU College of Communication and Journalism

For more information, contact:  Rocky Dailey <rocky.dailey@sdstate.edu>

This is a versatile program focusing on a wide range of events associated with the history of South Dakota and the northern Great Plains. As a long-time Speakers Bureau scholar, Tennant has developed and shared numerous presentations on a variety of topics, often based on a sponsoring group’s interests. Organizations interested in a specific topic need only contact Tennant, and arrangements can be made. Programs can be adapted for any audience.

Scholars: Brad Tennant

Sponsored by: Custer Senior Citizen Center

For more information, contact: ShayAnna Woodward <

SDHC is sponsoring a Veterans Writing Workshop open to military veterans and their families.

Below are the primary goals of the workshops.

• To connect veterans with others who have shared or similar life experiences
• To provide a welcoming and comfortable place for veterans to “tell their stories”
• To create a collection of stories that can be shared with a broader audience
• To provide a platform for veterans to engage in lifelong learning through writing

Location: Rapid City Public Library – Hoyt Room, 610 Quincy St, Rapid City

Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm MT

Scholar: Molly Barari

Sponsored by: South Dakota Humanities Council

For more information, contact: Stacy Chidaushe  <stacy@sdhumanities.org>

In this 2025 One Book South Dakota, award-winning author Rebecca Clarren investigates the entangled history of her Jewish ancestors’ land in South Dakota and the Lakota, who were forced off that land by the United States government.

Scholar: Brad Tennant

Sponsored by: Edith B. Siegrist Vermillion Public Library

For more information, contact: Kaia Brose

Julie Garreau, Director of the Cheyenne River Youth Project, joins SDHC to talk about the annual RedCan Graffiti Jam and its important role in community-building and cultural healing. 

Scholars: Julie Garreau

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/

In her book, The Lovely Bones, author Alice Sebold tells the story of Susie Salmon, who is adjusting to her new home in Heaven (a place that is not at all whatshe expected) and watching life on earth continue without her – her friends trading rumorsabout her disappearance, her killer trying to cover his tracks, her grief-stricken familyunraveling. Out of unspeakable tragedy and loss, this book succeeds, miraculously, inbuilding a tale filled with hope, humor, suspense, even joy.

Sponsored by: Children’s Museum Book Club

For more information, contact: Lillian Greenbaum

SDHC is sponsoring a Veterans Writing Workshop open to military veterans and their families.

Below are the primary goals of the workshops.

• To connect veterans with others who have shared or similar life experiences
• To provide a welcoming and comfortable place for veterans to “tell their stories”
• To create a collection of stories that can be shared with a broader audience
• To provide a platform for veterans to engage in lifelong learning through writing

Location: Rapid City Public Library – Hoyt Room, 610 Quincy St, Rapid City

Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm MT

Scholar: Molly Barari

Sponsored by: South Dakota Humanities Council

For more information, contact: Stacy Chidaushe  <stacy@sdhumanities.org>

Scholar: David Adler

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/

In this 2025 One Book South Dakota, award-winning author Rebecca Clarren investigates the entangled history of her Jewish ancestors’ land in South Dakota and the Lakota, who were forced off that land by the United States government.

Sponsored by: Elkton Community Library

For more information, contact: Sherry Bauman <elkcomlib@gmail.com>

Carson Walker, CEO of South Dakota News Watch, joins SDHC to discuss the importance of informational literacy and the challenge of restoring trust in the media.

Scholars: Carson Walker, others TBA

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/

Scholar: TBD

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/

Well-known and influential author Ann Bausum joins SDHC to talk about her new book, White Lies.

Scholar: Ann Bausum

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/

Author and USD Professor Hannah Haksgaard joins SDHC to talk about her new book, The Rural Lawyer: How to Incentivize Rural Law Practice and Help Small Communities Thrive, including a discussion of South Dakota’s Rural Attorney Recruitment Program and its potential impact on our rural communities.

Scholar: Hannah Haksgaard

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/

SDHC is sponsoring a Veterans Writing Workshop open to military veterans and their families.

Below are the primary goals of the workshops.

• To connect veterans with others who have shared or similar life experiences
• To provide a welcoming and comfortable place for veterans to “tell their stories”
• To create a collection of stories that can be shared with a broader audience
• To provide a platform for veterans to engage in lifelong learning through writing

Location: Rapid City Public Library – Hoyt Room, 610 Quincy St, Rapid City

Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm MT

Scholar: Molly Barari

Sponsored by: South Dakota Humanities Council

For more information, contact: Stacy Chidaushe  <stacy@sdhumanities.org>

Scholars: TBA

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/

South Dakota 2025 One Book author, Rebecca Clarren, joins SDHC to talk about her book, The Cost of Free Land: Jews, Lakota, and an American Inheritance, including a discussion of the intertwined stories of her family’s history and the Lakota, and the continuing loss of Indigenous land, culture, and resources.

Scholar: Rebecca Clarren

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/

Scholar: TBD

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/

In this 2025 One Book South Dakota, award-winning author Rebecca Clarren investigates the entangled history of her Jewish ancestors’ land in South Dakota and the Lakota, who were forced off that land by the United States government.

Scholar: Lori M. Walsh

Sponsored by: First Presbyterian Readers Group

For more information, contact: Linda Rasmussen

Scholar: TBD

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/

Scholar: TBD

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/

Scholar: TBD

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/

Have you always wanted to record your memories onto paper so your family can cherish your stories for years to come? This workshop provides writing prompts which encourage participants to pen their life memories through sensory detail. Creative writing has many benefits aside from preserving valuable memories. It helps sharpen the mind and provides a therapeutic outlet for emotions. For the workshop, please have access to a notebook and pen or a Word program on your computer. All ages of adults are welcome to attend. 

Scholar: Molly Barari

Sponsored by: SDSU West River Research and Extension

For more information, contact: Leacey Brown <leacey.brown@sdstate.edu>

Scholar: TBD

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/

Scholar: TBD

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/

Scholar: TBD

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/

Scholar: TBD

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/

Scholar: TBD

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85001125966?pwd=c1B3NnhQK1AzUVhBQVFTcE1QTVdGUT09

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

Please let us know what you thought of the program!
https://sdhumanities.wufoo.com/forms/r10zvgvg124kfm2/