Tuesday, June 17

The Center for Western Studies is located on the campus of Augustana College in Sioux Fall, South Dakota.  Our visit to the Center consists of a tour of its exhibits, library and archives led by Liz Thrond (Collections Assistant) and Kristi Thomas (Education Assistant), followed by a discussion with Director Harry Thompson.

The exhibits and archives provide us an introspection into the history of the state of South Dakota and the northern plains region.  Liz and Kristi answer our group’s questions about the Center’s approach to the display, acquisition and preservation of American Indian artifacts.  The visit affords us the opportunity to think critically about and discuss how history is represented and who gets to make such decisions.  This is a theme that will arise again and again at multiple stops throughout our trip. 

After departing the Center for Western Studies, we enjoy lunch at Falls Park before departing the city.  At Chamberlain, SD, we stretch our legs at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center … then proceeded on.