Preserving South Dakota’s Story: A Conversation with Chelle Somsen

History lives in the stories we tell, the artifacts we preserve and the lessons we pass down to future generations. At the South Dakota Historical Society (SDHS), the mission is simple yet profound: safeguard the heritage of South Dakota so it continues to inspire, educate and connect.

Chelle Somsen, State Archivist and longtime staff member at the SDHS, joined South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Senior Program Officer, Ginger Niemann, for a conversation. They discussed how her work with the South Dakota Historical Foundation helps raise funds to support SDHS’s efforts to preserve state history for generations to come.

Keeping Stories Alive

“Our mission is to collect, preserve and make available the history of South Dakota,” Chelle explained. “That means everything from family letters and photographs to government records and oral histories.”

The archives aren’t just for academics or historians. They’re for anyone interested in understanding South Dakota’s rich story. Chelle noted individuals often discover unexpected personal connections while exploring the collections. “People will come in to research their family history and end up learning something new about the place they call home,” she said.

The Importance of Preservation

Preserving South Dakota’s history isn’t always glamorous. It requires careful work, mindfulness and long-term vision. But Chelle emphasized how vital this effort is. “If we don’t take steps to protect these records now, they may be lost forever. And when they’re gone, so are the stories.”

From digitizing fragile documents to collecting contemporary voices that reflect today’s challenges and triumphs, the Historical Society’s work is about making sure the future has access to a complete and authentic picture of South Dakota’s past.

Partnerships that Strengthen Impact

Chelle expressed gratitude for partnerships with organizations like SDCF, which help ensure resources are available to carry out this mission. “Support from donors and partners allows us to expand access, improve preservation and ultimately share South Dakota’s story more broadly,” she said. 

SDHS recently received a $10,000 South Dakota Fund grant to support a project to digitize the history of American Indian life in South Dakota. Chelle encourages anyone with a project in need of funding to apply for a South Dakota Fund grant. Chelle was impressed with the straightforward ease of the application process.

A Living Legacy

For Chelle, history isn’t static; it’s living, breathing and constantly unfolding. “History isn’t just something in the past,” she reflected. “It’s happening every day. And when people take the time to record their experiences, they’re helping to shape the record of who we are as South Dakotans.”

Through her leadership and passion, Chelle and SDHS are ensuring South Dakota’s story will be preserved and shared. Not just for today’s citizens, but for generations to come.

To learn how SDCF supports organizations like this, visit: https://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org 

To learn more about SDHS, visit: https://history.sd.gov