“You might not remember much about specific days when you went to school, but you will probably remember everything about taking a field trip to a museum,” said Siouxland Heritage Museums marketing coordinator Adam Nelson.
The Old Courthouse Museum has been preserving and presenting the history of Minnehaha County since 1974 with unique displays. The newest exhibit, It’s About Time, premieres on April 16 with a reception from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The theme is—as you may have guessed—about time itself, as our daily lives depend on it.
“What time should we meet? What time is the party? What time do we have to be there? All these questions are centered around time, but how do we make sure we’re on time,” asked Nelson.
Timekeeping devices have been around for 3,000 years, and clocks have been around for about 700 of those years. Early clocks were useful, but inaccurate, and Nelson says sometimes they could be off by nearly an hour. Now clocks are capable of being accurate down to hundredths of a second.
The exhibit explores how clocks have changed. What were some of the most popular American clockmaker brands? When did people start using pocket watches and wristwatches? Visitors can find the answers to these questions and more in It’s About Time.
It’s relatable themes that Nelson says museum-goers are drawn to.
“Generally the most popular exhibits are the ones that people can relate to their past, especially growing up,” said Nelson. “I think one of the most popular ones I remember was Cruisin’ Cuisine: Drive-ins of Sioux Falls. Everyone who lived that era had stories and memories of drive-in restaurants.”
“A lot of learning is done by reading,videos, and audio resources. Museums try to show the real items to take things a step further and make it more tangible.”
ADAM NELSON
Other current exhibits include An Indigenous America (Native American artifacts), Cooking Up History (ever-changing technology and the evolvement of the cookbook in the kitchen), School Spirit (a history of forms of school pride), Parades, Picnics, & Pageants: South Dakota Celebrates, and The Courthouse Chronicles: From County Administration to Museum.
Parades, Picnics, & Pageants: South Dakota Celebrates is one of many ways attractions and events are commemorating the 250th anniversary (or semiquincentennial) of America.
“Communities throughout America are planning large, patriotic celebrations in anticipation of this milestone on July 4,” said Nelson. “This exhibit looks at the many ways people have celebrated these past anniversaries. Perhaps you remember or attended some of these celebrations!”
The Courthouse Chronicles: From County Administration to Museum also has reason to celebrate with the 50th anniversary of the Siouxland Heritage Museums (the Old Courthouse Museum, the Pettigrew Home & Museum, and the Irene Hall Museum Resource Center) in 2024.
The exhibit examines the history of the original Minnehaha County Courthouse. Divided into three parts, The Courthouse Chronicles looks at how the courthouse has changed over the years: its construction, its decades as a courthouse, and how it became a museum.
Make History with Your Event
On the second floor of the Old Courthouse Museum is the historic courthouse and law library spaces where wedding and event receptions can be hosted for a rental fee.
“In October 1890, Minnehaha County employees began moving into the newly-constructed Minnehaha County Courthouse,” described Nelson. “The building served as the county courthouse for the next 72 years. After a new county courthouse opened in 1962, the original courthouse sat mostly empty.”
The 1970s brought workers, researchers, and restoration specialists to kick off the building’s new life as a museum.
Each exhibit over the last 52 years is brought to life by the staff. Nelson says team members research topics of interest on their own in addition to their regular job duties.
“Once the exhibit script is researched and written, the exhibits staff comes up with a design that we build in-house with panels, cases, platforms, mounts, and interactives,” he explained. “The collections staff handles all of the artifacts that are included in each exhibit and make sure they are handled safely and won’t be damaged while on exhibit for 18-24 months.”
Volunteers are included in most projects every step of the way as well.
The Siouxland Heritage Museums are primarily funded by the City of Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County, along with support from their membership group, The Siouxland Heritage Museums Alliance.
Get Campy
Pioneer Day Camp | Tuesdays, June 2, 9, 16, and 23
Get hands-on experience homesteading with Siouxland Heritage Museums and South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks at the Beaver Creek Nature Area for ages 7 to 12 years old. Learn about the fur trade, fishing, candle dipping, making ice cream, and much more.
Tea Time Mini Camp | July 22
Kids ages 5 to 7 can learn about what it was like to be an American child growing up over a century ago at the Pettigrew Home & Museum. Make a craft, tour the historic home, and enjoy tea and treats.
Victorian Girl Day Camp | July 23
Girls 8 to 14 years old can experience Victorian Girl Day Camp at the Pettigrew Home & Museum. Learn about Victorian tea parties, play indoor and outdoor period games, take a tour of the historic Pettigrew home, and learn what it was like first-hand to be a Victorian girl.
“Many of our ticketed annual events sell out each year, and other popular events like our concert series have been well attended for over 30 years,” said Nelson. “With all of that continued support, we are always trying to invite more people to be involved.”
The Old Courthouse Museum wrapped up its Winter Concert Series and is looking forward to the Summer Concert Series Fridays at noon.
People can also attend regular speakers with programming in the courtroom who are either authors or historians that cover a wide range of popular topics. Summer camps are available in the summer as well, including Pioneer Day Camp, Victorian Girl Day Camp, and Tea Time Mini Camp.
Nelson says the building itself not only tells the story of history, but so much more from all of the memories made by visitors with school field trips, weddings, and visits with family and friends.
“The building has been one of the biggest landmarks in the city for 137 years,” said Nelson. “Buildings and attractions come and go, but this place has been around for a long time and continues to tell the story of the area.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT SIOUXLANDMUSEUMS.COM+
