Search "Preserving the Past...Serving the Future" Celebrating 15 years in the Cultural Heritage Center HOME ARCHAEOLOGY ARCHIVES HISTORIC PRESERVATION ... FAQ Genealogy Resources The genealogy collection housed at the South Dakota State Archives is a comprehensive collection of state, federal, and private records documenting South Dakota History. While a limited amount of the collection relates to other states, the bulk of the collection contains South Dakota materials. The Archives genealogy collection originated following the creation of the State Historical Society in 1891. Over the years material has been added to the collection through the efforts of the Historical Society, state government, genealogical societies, and private individuals. Today the collection continues to grow. Gifts of genealogy materials and cash enrich the collection and are tax-deductible. Donations may be made directly to the South Dakota State Archives. Top Collections Government Records : State records include population censuses (1895-1945), school censuses, naturalizations, probates, penitentiary prisoner files, various other county records, maps and veteran bonus files. Federal records include population censuses (1860-1920), homestead land tract books, military post returns during the 1800s, Bureau of Indian Affairs records, and WPA cemetery survey files. Of particular interest are the early reservation censuses which are written in Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota languages. Library Materials | |
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