North Wind: Enduring Dakota Winters
Winter, and the cold it produces, makes South Dakota a harsh place to live for several months of the year. Despite the cold, the people who have lived here have adapted to its trials. Far too often, winter is painted as a brutal, unforgiving time; but winter can also be a time of great beauty and mystery, a time to slow down and prepare for the upcoming seasons.
Native Dakota tribes had already adapted to the cold and winter was a time of rest and refueling, when families sat in the tipi around the fire and listened to storytellers recount tales passed down through generations. The white man’s early reports of the weather in Dakota Territory, however, spoke to its brutality and its almost endless duration. During the early settlement period, those living here found the winters of Dakota a harsh reality and a battle between life and death. Today, we are better equipped and able to deal with winter's harshness. Although winter still has its ability to be deadly, now these months are more about enduring rather than surviving. Click Here for more Information.
Bicycles: Life on Two Wheels
Next to walking, bicycles are arguably the most popular form of personal transportation in the world. What takes several hours of travel on foot becomes faster and more efficient on two wheels. At the height of popularity in the 1890s, bicycles were faster than walking, and they were less expensive to own and maintain than a horse and buggy. Today, they are less expensive, more maneuverable, and more environmentally-friendly than the automobile. When one thinks of a bicycle, a sleek machine with skinny wheels and turned-down handle bars may come to mind. However, bicycles have come in many varied shapes and sizes over the years. Much more than a child’s first set of wheels or a practical means of travel, the bicycle has influenced everything from living patterns to clothing styles and social reform, and has given a whole new outlook to recreation and the benefits of exercise.
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Vietnam: In Our Words
The Vietnam Era. To each American, this time period in our history conjures up many images. From sacrifice and loyalty to drafts, protests, and unrest; from helicopters in the jungle to nightly body counts on the evening news. The war in Vietnam was complex, with many conflicts, battles, and opinions.
With this exhibit at the Old Courthouse Museum, we seek to tell the story of the Vietnam War, not battle by battle in history-book fashion, but rather through the stories of the people who lived through the time. Each person's perspective on the war is
framed by personal experiences. Vietnam: In Our Words uses the stories of veterans, wives, children, friends, family members, and civilians to look at the broader context of the Vietnam War. From those who were stationed overseas to those at home, each person's experience is varied and relevant to the story.
We thank those who have shared their memories and created a living history archive within the community, and we appreciate the time and courage it took many to tell their personal stories. We hope these narratives will continue to open dialogue for future healing from this contentious time in American history and show those not involved what affect the war had on everyone. Click Here for more Information.
Get to Know: Man's Best Friend
Fido, flea bag, mutt, mongrel, pooch, man's best friend, or Canis lupus familiaris; these names all refer to the animal we commonly call the dog. Whatever you call them, these four-legged friends have walked beside man for over 14,000 years. At first dogs were only good for the hunt, but it wasn't long until we started treating them like family. Dogs are still working for us; there are military dogs, US Customs dogs, police dogs, search and rescue dogs, dogs used as eyes for the blind and ears for the deaf, therapeutic companions, dogs that detect signs of an epileptic seizure, hunting dogs, guard dogs, and many more.
Originally bred for size, skills, and working ability, dogs are now chosen for their temperament and overall appearance. No matter which breed, America loves the dog, as can be seen in the abundance of famous dogs in movies, TV shows, and marketing campaigns. Seven out of ten Americans who own a pet have a dog, and most consider it a member of the family. While we crave the unconditional love and loyalty it gives, the only thing that makes the dog content is to be part of our pack!
Fired Up: 50 Years of Hot Air
You've seen these brightly colored aircraft floating by in the sky overhead. But did you know that the modern hot air balloon system was invented in Sioux Falls in 1960? Visit our newest exhibit, Fired Up: 50 Years of Hot Air and learn about everything from the hot air balloon's smoky origins in France in the late 1700s to its reinvention into a modern aircraft. See how regional scientists engineered new techniques and systems to soar into the clouds. Explore baskets and burners, races and world records in this exhibit that has something for the whole family. Click Here for more Information.
Underwear: A Brief History
Underwear-it's the first thing you put on in the morning and the last thing you take off at night. For centuries it has come in a variety of unique and often torturous designs, and in many colors, shapes, and sizes to fit each individual. Besides securing one's valuables, wearing underclothing also provides the benefits of warmth, protection, and cleanliness. These unmentionables change the shape of the body and make statements about social class. Similar to clothing fashions, undergarments progressed from simple loincloths to sophisticatedly engineered products. In order to appreciate the history of our outerwear, we must first take a brief peek at the hidden history of our underwear.
Stop in to the Old Courthouse Museum on Thursday, October 22nd for the Underwear: A Brief History exhibit opening reception from 5-7 p.m.to take a look at a variety of unique garments that built the foundation of historical fashion!
Underwear: A Brief History Video
