John Andrews, Managing Editor at South Dakota Magazine, Terry Bohn, prominent baseball historian & author, and James Giago Davies, an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe, sports writer, & journalist with the Lakota Times and Native Sun News Today, join SDHC guest host Joshua Rudnik to discuss the history and importance of baseball in South Dakota, including the birth of Legion baseball, a museum dedicated to the sport, and the impact of “America’s game” on South Dakota culture.

Scholars: John Andrews, Terry Bohn, James Giago Davies

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81487809271?pwd=se8TFuyNaaJKbUoA7oWisuWyaz01Jc.1

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

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

The South Dakota Humanities Council brings communities together through the power of stories, culture, and conversation. But with federal funding on the decline, we rely more than ever on the generosity of people like you to sustain our organization and programs like Humanities Cafe. Your donation helps us preserve local history, support lifelong learning, and spark meaningful dialogue across the state. Please consider making a gift today—your support ensures that humanities thrive in every corner of South Dakota.

Donate now at sdhumanities.org and keep the conversation going.

In this 2026 One Book South Dakota – and just intime for the centennial of Mount Rushmore’s initial dedication – Matthew Davis combines history with reportage to bring the complicated and nuanced story of this American icon to life. A Biography of a Mountain examines the Black Hills’ origins as sacred tribal ground for Native Americans, a site of mythology and communal identity; the expansion of the American West and white settlers into the region, following the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874; the larger-than-life personality of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, whose controversial politics influenced the carving of the presidential faces into the mountain; and the politicized present-day conflict over the site’s com-position, meaning, and future.

Note: Event scheduled for 5:00 PM MST

Sponsored by: Phoebe Apperson Hearst Library

For more information, contact: Sarah Shoop <library@cityoflead.com>

Chase Moon, CommunityVitality Field Specialist with SDSU Extension, and Kyle Beach, SDSU ExtensionProgram Manager and Regional Youth Educator, join SDHC host Stacy Chidaushe todiscuss the history and significance of traditional fairs & festivals in South Dakota, howthey’ve evolved over time, and how the trajectory of that evolution continues to impactcommunities around the state.

Scholar: Chase Moon, Kyle Beach

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81487809271?pwd=se8TFuyNaaJKbUoA7oWisuWyaz01Jc.1

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

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

The South Dakota Humanities Council brings communities together through the power of stories, culture, and conversation. But with federal funding on the decline, we rely more than ever on the generosity of people like you to sustain our organization and programs like Humanities Cafe. Your donation helps us preserve local history, support lifelong learning, and spark meaningful dialogue across the state. Please consider making a gift today—your support ensures that humanities thrive in every corner of South Dakota.

Donate now at sdhumanities.org and keep the conversation going.

In this 2026 One Book South Dakota – and just intime for the centennial of Mount Rushmore’s initial dedication – Matthew Davis combines history with reportage to bring the complicated and nuanced story of this American icon to life. A Biography of a Mountain examines the Black Hills’ origins as sacred tribal ground for Native Americans, a site of mythology and communal identity; the expansion of the American West and white settlers into the region, following the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874; the larger-than-life personality of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, whose controversial politics influenced the carving of the presidential faces into the mountain; and the politicized present-day conflict over the site’s com-position, meaning, and future.

Sponsored by: Hudson Public Library

For more information, contact: Sherry Boyer <sherry.boyer2@gmail.com>

Scholar: TBD

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81487809271?pwd=se8TFuyNaaJKbUoA7oWisuWyaz01Jc.1

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

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

The South Dakota Humanities Council brings communities together through the power of stories, culture, and conversation. But with federal funding on the decline, we rely more than ever on the generosity of people like you to sustain our organization and programs like Humanities Cafe. Your donation helps us preserve local history, support lifelong learning, and spark meaningful dialogue across the state. Please consider making a gift today—your support ensures that humanities thrive in every corner of South Dakota.

Donate now at sdhumanities.org and keep the conversation going.

Scholar: TBD

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81487809271?pwd=se8TFuyNaaJKbUoA7oWisuWyaz01Jc.1

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

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

The South Dakota Humanities Council brings communities together through the power of stories, culture, and conversation. But with federal funding on the decline, we rely more than ever on the generosity of people like you to sustain our organization and programs like Humanities Cafe. Your donation helps us preserve local history, support lifelong learning, and spark meaningful dialogue across the state. Please consider making a gift today—your support ensures that humanities thrive in every corner of South Dakota.

Donate now at sdhumanities.org and keep the conversation going.

In this 2026 One Book South Dakota – and just intime for the centennial of Mount Rushmore’s initial dedication – Matthew Davis combines history with reportage to bring the complicated and nuanced story of this American icon to life. A Biography of a Mountain examines the Black Hills’ origins as sacred tribal ground for Native Americans, a site of mythology and communal identity; the expansion of the American West and white settlers into the region, following the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874; the larger-than-life personality of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, whose controversial politics influenced the carving of the presidential faces into the mountain; and the politicized present-day conflict over the site’s com-position, meaning, and future.

Scholar: Lori Walsh

Sponsored by: First Presbyterian Readers

For more information, contact: Linda Rasmussen <dlrasmussen@sio.midco.net>

Scholar: TBD

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81487809271?pwd=se8TFuyNaaJKbUoA7oWisuWyaz01Jc.1

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

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

The South Dakota Humanities Council brings communities together through the power of stories, culture, and conversation. But with federal funding on the decline, we rely more than ever on the generosity of people like you to sustain our organization and programs like Humanities Cafe. Your donation helps us preserve local history, support lifelong learning, and spark meaningful dialogue across the state. Please consider making a gift today—your support ensures that humanities thrive in every corner of South Dakota.

Donate now at sdhumanities.org and keep the conversation going.

In this 2026 One Book South Dakota – and just intime for the centennial of Mount Rushmore’s initial dedication – Matthew Davis combines history with reportage to bring the complicated and nuanced story of this American icon to life. A Biography of a Mountain examines the Black Hills’ origins as sacred tribal ground for Native Americans, a site of mythology and communal identity; the expansion of the American West and white settlers into the region, following the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874; the larger-than-life personality of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, whose controversial politics influenced the carving of the presidential faces into the mountain; and the politicized present-day conflict over the site’s com-position, meaning, and future.

Sponsored by: Tripp County Library

For more information, contact: Misti Burns <mburns@tripp.sdcounty.gov>

In this 2026 One Book South Dakota – and just intime for the centennial of Mount Rushmore’s initial dedication – Matthew Davis combines history with reportage to bring the complicated and nuanced story of this American icon to life. A Biography of a Mountain examines the Black Hills’ origins as sacred tribal ground for Native Americans, a site of mythology and communal identity; the expansion of the American West and white settlers into the region, following the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874; the larger-than-life personality of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, whose controversial politics influenced the carving of the presidential faces into the mountain; and the politicized present-day conflict over the site’s com-position, meaning, and future.

Sponsored by: Watertown Regional Library

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

In this 2026 One Book South Dakota – and just intime for the centennial of Mount Rushmore’s initial dedication – Matthew Davis combines history with reportage to bring the complicated and nuanced story of this American icon to life. A Biography of a Mountain examines the Black Hills’ origins as sacred tribal ground for Native Americans, a site of mythology and communal identity; the expansion of the American West and white settlers into the region, following the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874; the larger-than-life personality of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, whose controversial politics influenced the carving of the presidential faces into the mountain; and the politicized present-day conflict over the site’s com-position, meaning, and future.

NOTE: Event scheduled for 7:00 PM MST

Sponsored by: Sturgis Area Arts Council

For more information, contact: Dorothy Pulscher  <dapulscher@gmail.com>

Dr. Molly Rozum, Associate Professor and Ronald R. Nelson Chair of Great Plains and South Dakota History at USD, and Dr. Brad Tennant, former Professor of History at Presentation College and historical consultant, join SDHC host Stacy Chidaushe to talk about the history of South Dakota as it pertains to the vast differences between the two sides of our state. Is there a “rivalry,” and to what does it trace its origins? Were SD and ND originally poised to be West Dakota and East Dakota? And how did the politics of that time lead to the selection of Pierre as our state capital? 

Scholars: Dr. Molly Rozum, Dr. Brad Tennant

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81487809271?pwd=se8TFuyNaaJKbUoA7oWisuWyaz01Jc.1

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

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

The South Dakota Humanities Council brings communities together through the power of stories, culture, and conversation. But with federal funding on the decline, we rely more than ever on the generosity of people like you to sustain our organization and programs like Humanities Cafe. Your donation helps us preserve local history, support lifelong learning, and spark meaningful dialogue across the state. Please consider making a gift today—your support ensures that humanities thrive in every corner of South Dakota.

Donate now at sdhumanities.org and keep the conversation going.

In this 2026 One Book South Dakota – and just intime for the centennial of Mount Rushmore’s initial dedication – Matthew Davis combines history with reportage to bring the complicated and nuanced story of this American icon to life. A Biography of a Mountain examines the Black Hills’ origins as sacred tribal ground for Native Americans, a site of mythology and communal identity; the expansion of the American West and white settlers into the region, following the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874; the larger-than-life personality of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, whose controversial politics influenced the carving of the presidential faces into the mountain; and the politicized present-day conflict over the site’s com-position, meaning, and future.

Note: Event scheduled for 10:30 AM MST

Scholar: Molly Barari

Sponsored by: Keystone Town Library

For more information, contact: Robin Scott <keystone@mt-rushmore.net>

In this 2026 One Book South Dakota – and just intime for the centennial of Mount Rushmore’s initial dedication – Matthew Davis combines history with reportage to bring the complicated and nuanced story of this American icon to life. A Biography of a Mountain examines the Black Hills’ origins as sacred tribal ground for Native Americans, a site of mythology and communal identity; the expansion of the American West and white settlers into the region, following the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874; the larger-than-life personality of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, whose controversial politics influenced the carving of the presidential faces into the mountain; and the politicized present-day conflict over the site’s com-position, meaning, and future.

NOTE: Event scheduled for 2:00 PM MST

Sponsored by: Rapid City Public Library

For more information, contact: Aly Quinn <aquinn@rcplib.org>

Scholar: TBD

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81487809271?pwd=se8TFuyNaaJKbUoA7oWisuWyaz01Jc.1

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

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

The South Dakota Humanities Council brings communities together through the power of stories, culture, and conversation. But with federal funding on the decline, we rely more than ever on the generosity of people like you to sustain our organization and programs like Humanities Cafe. Your donation helps us preserve local history, support lifelong learning, and spark meaningful dialogue across the state. Please consider making a gift today—your support ensures that humanities thrive in every corner of South Dakota.

Donate now at sdhumanities.org and keep the conversation going.

Invited guests join SDHC host Stacy Chidaushe to discuss the history, ecology, and importance of Mnišoše – the Missouri River – including the impact of the Pick-Sloan Plan and the ongoing consequences of damming the nation’s longest river.

Scholars: TBD

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81487809271?pwd=se8TFuyNaaJKbUoA7oWisuWyaz01Jc.1

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

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

The South Dakota Humanities Council brings communities together through the power of stories, culture, and conversation. But with federal funding on the decline, we rely more than ever on the generosity of people like you to sustain our organization and programs like Humanities Cafe. Your donation helps us preserve local history, support lifelong learning, and spark meaningful dialogue across the state. Please consider making a gift today—your support ensures that humanities thrive in every corner of South Dakota.

Donate now at sdhumanities.org and keep the conversation going.

In this 2026 One Book South Dakota – and just intime for the centennial of Mount Rushmore’s initial dedication – Matthew Davis combines history with reportage to bring the complicated and nuanced story of this American icon to life. A Biography of a Mountain examines the Black Hills’ origins as sacred tribal ground for Native Americans, a site of mythology and communal identity; the expansion of the American West and white settlers into the region, following the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874; the larger-than-life personality of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, whose controversial politics influenced the carving of the presidential faces into the mountain; and the politicized present-day conflict over the site’s composition, meaning, and future.

Note: Event scheduled for 11:00 AM MST

Sponsored by: Custer County Library

For more information, contact: Sarah Myers <smyers@custercountysd.com>

In this 2026 One Book South Dakota – and just intime for the centennial of Mount Rushmore’s initial dedication – Matthew Davis combines history with reportage to bring the complicated and nuanced story of this American icon to life. A Biography of a Mountain examines the Black Hills’ origins as sacred tribal ground for Native Americans, a site of mythology and communal identity; the expansion of the American West and white settlers into the region, following the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874; the larger-than-life personality of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, whose controversial politics influenced the carving of the presidential faces into the mountain; and the politicized present-day conflict over the site’s com-position, meaning, and future.

Sponsored by: Edith B. Siegrist Vermillion Public Library

For more information, contact: Shelly Fessler <shelly.fessler@vermillionpubliclibrary.org>

Scholars: TBD

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81487809271?pwd=se8TFuyNaaJKbUoA7oWisuWyaz01Jc.1

Sponsored By: South Dakota Humanities Council

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

The South Dakota Humanities Council brings communities together through the power of stories, culture, and conversation. But with federal funding on the decline, we rely more than ever on the generosity of people like you to sustain our organization and programs like Humanities Cafe. Your donation helps us preserve local history, support lifelong learning, and spark meaningful dialogue across the state. Please consider making a gift today—your support ensures that humanities thrive in every corner of South Dakota.

Donate now at sdhumanities.org and keep the conversation going.

In this 2026 One Book South Dakota – and just intime for the centennial of Mount Rushmore’s initial dedication – Matthew Davis combines history with reportage to bring the complicated and nuanced story of this American icon to life. A Biography of a Mountain examines the Black Hills’ origins as sacred tribal ground for Native Americans, a site of mythology and communal identity; the expansion of the American West and white settlers into the region, following the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874; the larger-than-life personality of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, whose controversial politics influenced the carving of the presidential faces into the mountain; and the politicized present-day conflict over the site’s com-position, meaning, and future.

Sponsored by: Hand County Library

For more information, contact: Hannah Caffee <library@handcounysd.gov>