12/30/2005

State Historical Society Web site recognized by Family Tree magazine

PIERRE, S.D. – The Web site of the South Dakota State Historical Society is one of two from South Dakota recently recognized by Family Tree Magazine.

Family Tree chose the site of the South Dakota State Historical Society-Archives and the Data, Statistics & Vital Records site of the state Department of Health among the 95 best free state-centered cyber stops for researching ancestors in the nation. The Archives site, www.sdhistory.org/arc/arc_gen.htm, lists genealogy resources available from the State Historical Society. The Department of Health Web site is www.state.sd.us/doh/vitalrec.

“We are pleased that Family Tree Magazine chose our site as one of the top 95 online sources of family history in the nation,” said Chelle Somsen, archives director. “We hope that because of this recognition more people utilize our site, and expanding our accessibility is one of the goals of the 2010 Initiative”

Family Tree searched all over the map surveying sites of state archives, libraries and historical societies, public libraries, genealogical societies and independent researchers. Their state-by-state roundup singles out online destinations most likely to advance people’s ancestor searches, plus giving tips for using the sites.

The State Historical Society-Archives office is located in the Cultural Heritage Center, located northeast of the state capitol at 900 Governors Drive in Pierre. Archives hours are 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and the first Saturday of each month. Call (605) 773-3804 for more information.

The South Dakota State Historical Society is an office of the Department of Tourism and State Development and strives to help the state meet the goals of the 2010 Initiative by enhancing history as a tool for economic development and cultural tourism. The society is headquartered at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. The center houses the society’s world-class museum, the archives, and the historic preservation, publishing and administrative/development offices. Call (605) 773-3458 or visit www.sdhistory.org for more information. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call (605) 394-1936 for more information.