Commission


In July 2023, Governor Kristi Noem issued Executive Order 2023-11 establishing the America's 250th South Dakota Commission. The commission is charged with planning, encouraging, developing, coordinating, and promoting observances and activities to be held in South Dakota in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the nation's beginning, in celebration of our present, and in anticipation of our promising future.



The commission works to:

  • Encourage private organizations, state and local governments to organize and participate in activities commemorating the Semiquincentennial of the United States.
  • Facilitate and coordinate activities throughout South Dakota relating to the Semiquincentennial of the United States.
  • Serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information about events and plans for the Semiquincentennial of the United States.
  • Develop recommendations for state departments and the Governor for commemorating the Semiquincentennial of the United States.

    • There are several subcommittees moving this work forward. They are: State Commemorative, Community Commemorative, Education and Engagement, and Tribal Advisory. If you are interested in serving on a subcommittee, contact SDSHSAdmin@state.sd.us.







Commission Members:


Dr. Benjamin F. Jones, Chair and State Historian
Secretary James Hagen, Department of Tourism
Peggy Besch, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Julie Breu, Local History Organizations
Caleb Finck, Tripp
Secretary David Flute, Department of Tribal Relations
Catherine Forsch, Historical Society Foundation
David Grabitske, State Historical Society
Kurt Hackemer, Board of Regents
Doug Knust, Chamberlain
BG Marshall Michels, Department of Military, SDNG
Shane Penfield, Lemmon
Sen. Tim Reed, South Dakota Legislature
Secretary Kevin Robling, Department of Game, Fish, and Parks
George Seamon, State Library
Rep. Tyler Tordsen, South Dakota Legislature
Secretary Greg Whitlock, Department of Veteran Affairs







Contact Us

  1-605-773-5344       •         SDSHSAdmin@state.sd.us       •       Find us on Faceook